The primary goal of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement is to build strong and lasting relationships with our alumni, parents, and friends, educating them about the role of private support in furthering our mission, and encouraging them to give in support of our continued commitment to providing the best education possible to our students. Annual gifts make up a significant part of the financial aid we are able to provide to our students. In fact, three out of every four students receive much-needed assistance from our Ozarks Annual Fund. You can give to a specific scholarship fund, request that your gift support students in a specific department or simply ask that your gift be used where it is needed most.
Here are just some of the heartfelt reasons why University of the Ozarks alumni give back to their alma mater:
…I support Ozarks for the exceptional education I received, which prepared me to thrive in my career and life—to see the world around me and respond with curiosity and compassion.
The Rev. Deedee (Corbin) Autry, Class of 1987
…Ozarks changed my life, so you could say I’m paying it forward.
Lorraine Darnell, Class of 1956
…I want to make sure that all current and future students have the same wonderful education and opportunities that I received.
Mollie (Howell) Seals, Class of 2017
…Our family supports Ozarks out of deep gratitude for the incredible impact the University had on our lives.
Travis and Jennifer (Fretwell) Murnan, Class of 2011
…We are continually inspired by the mission of the University and the impact it has on shaping lives.
George and Naomi Shanti Lee, Class of 1985
…By giving to scholarships or helping build programs, we take great joy in seeing the success of students.
Loyce Ann (Bean) Taylor, Class of 1972
…I support Ozarks because I want my impact to show that I value me education and that I have a deep respect for the institution and the people who shaped me into the person I am today.
Sarah (Scroggins) Clark, Class of 2017
…When an institution like Ozarks makes an investment in your life and contributes to your life being successful and you have an opportunity to pay that investment back by supporting it, you do so with Ozarks Pride!
The Rev. Gary Perry, Class of 1974
…I want to play a part in helping grow the next generation of University of the Ozarks alumni.
Tyler Wilson, Class of 2011
…We believe U of O has a culture of excellence that has aligned with our family’s success and has been a part of lives for 30 years.”
Ryan and Holly (McNair) Evans and daughter Reed, Classes of 2001, 1998 and 2025.