Miriam "Mimi " Newsome has retired from Ozarka College after twenty-four years of service. Ms. Newsome was honored at a retirement celebration on Thursday, June 30, 2016, where family, friends and colleagues shared their sincere appreciation for the joy that Mimi has brought to their lives. Congratulatory speeches were made and everyone wished her a long and joyous retirement.

Ozarka College vice president of finance, Tina Wheelis, welcomed guests and spoke about how most people come into our lives for a season, a reason or a lifetime, but Mimi has done all of those. "When I think about what I want to be like when I grow up, I think of Mimi, " said Wheelis. "She always has a smile on her face and words of encouragement to share. I'm thankful she's been a part of my life for so many years. " Scott Pinkston, chief information officer, spoke about Mimi's caring heart and how she takes care of everyone.

"How special someone is, is determined by his or her heart. And you, Mimi, have a heart of gold, " said Suellen Davidson, director of advancement. Many other attendees also shared stories about working with Mimi and the kind of person she is. Dedicated, energetic, the true meaning of a friend, one who has touched the lives of many, and the list goes on. Dr. Keith McClanahan, provost and executive vice president of learning, also commented on Mimi's energetic personality as he presented her with a plaque to honor her years of service.

Dr. Richard Dawe, Ozarka College president, was unable to attend due to a family medical need but added; "Mimi has a very kind and generous heart, and a personality that makes everyone she comes into contact with feel appreciated and welcome. The Ozarka family will miss her dearly and we wish her much happiness. "

"When my husband first moved me here, I did not like it, " said Newsome. "But my family encouraged me to take some food service classes at Ozarka College and the people here became a second family to me. I remember so much that my teachers taught me, but never thought I'd be one of them. "

It's a tough call to say whether Mimi will be most remembered for the peanut butter pies she made famous while working in the culinary arts department, or for the love that she showed all of the children when working at Ozarka Kids Academy, but there is no doubt that she will greatly be missed.