The Foundation Board recently met to discuss 2023 events, specifically an upcoming concert fundraiser.   Subsequently, the Foundation Board voted unanimously to name its concert series in honor of the late Son Lamb. The decision to name the recently revived series, comes just weeks following Son's death.    

Son's involvement with the Ozarka College Foundation dates back to its beginning when he served as one of its founding members. Over the years, Son tirelessly supported Ozarka College and touted the importance of education for this community. Contributing to the board's naming decision, Son successfully promoted many concert fundraisers to provide scholarship opportunities for Ozarka students.

While his childhood roots were in Guion, Son spent the bulk of his life in Melbourne where he owned and operated various businesses. He was a member of the Church of Christ and was a firm believer in the importance of education.

Son was also a well-known story-teller of facts and lots of fiction. In 2016 the community hosted a "Sonny Night in August" to celebrate Son's life and contribution to the community. The John E. Miller Auditorium on the campus of Ozarka College was filled to capacity as story after story was told by Son's brothers, Howard and Fred; former Boy Scouts once under his leadership; his grandchildren and others.

Son Lamb's life was filled with hard work, laughter, and dedication to others. As an example of Son's selfless character, he took the reins to help raise two nephews and became their stand-in father figure when their dad was hospitalized for months.

Son Lamb understood being poor and the disappointment from failed business ventures, but always found humor in every circumstance. He believed that small town living was a gift and constantly promoted one business or another by letting people know the importance of shopping locally.

The one thing Son may be best known for was his letter-writing to those he believed needed encouragement or praise. Son surrounded himself with people from all walks of life and knew education was a key element in helping people achieve their goals and dreams.

The Son Lamb Concert Series is another way Ozarka College and the Foundation are paying it forward by reminding everyone that community service, fellowship, and commitment to a better future will benefit everyone.

The next performance in the concert series will welcome Health Sanders for an acoustic session on Saturday, January 21 at 7 p.m. The show will be held in the John E. Miller Auditorium on Ozarka's Melbourne campus. For more information contact the Ozarka Advancement office at 870.368.2042 or advancement@ozarka.edu.