College of the Ozarks celebrates centennial

Elizabeth Andrews, the school’s public relations director, said a series of public events is planned throughout the year to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the school.

One of the first events will be the production of “Dirty Work at the Crossroads” in the Jones Theater on Dec. 1–4. The production pays tribute to Beacon Hill Theater, the school’s popular theater of the mid-1960s until the 1980s when it burned down.

Andrews said another highlight in October 2007 will be a centenary theater production based on a book written by College of the Ozarks President Jerry Davis. The book is based on oral histories about the college from many of the school’s alumni and faculty. The 100-year celebration will culminate in November 2007 with the college attempting to place in the Guinness World Records by baking a 101-pound fruitcake to mark the college’s 101st birthday.

Andrews said students in the fruitcake kitchen already have been making prototype cakes and developing a special pan for baking them.

A full calendar of events is at www.cofo.edu.