The Ozarka College Foundation hosted its annual scholarship reception on September 29 at the Student Services Center in Melbourne. With approximately 150 attendees, the event provided scholarship recipients an opportunity to say, "thank you " and to discuss their academic and career aspirations with their scholarship donors.  

At the event, Dr. Richard Dawe, Ozarka College president, expressed his appreciation to the scholarship donors for their tremendous support for Ozarka and its students. Dawe also shared that for the 2022/2023 academic year the Foundation awarded 80 scholarships totaling over $60,000.  

During the ceremony, scholarship recipients were presented with their official award and posed for photos as their family, friends and many donors shared in their moment.

"Most of our students rely on various forms of financial aid and support, " said Dr. Josh Wilson, Ozarka's vice president of advancement. "Without scholarship support many worthy and talented students would find access to education impossible. "

Mesa Barger, Ozarka College alumna and current teacher for Izard County Consolidated Elementary School was the featured speaker for the reception. Barger gave an inspirational speech covering her personal journey, shared encouraging words to this year's scholars, and highlighted her experience at Ozarka College.

For more information about Ozarka College Foundation Events or about ways you can support Ozarka students, please contact Dr. Josh Wilson, Vice President of Advancement at  advancement@ozarka.edu  or at 870.368.2059.