Fall 2024 Commencement set for Dec. 21

University of the Ozarks will hold its Fall 2024 Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 21, in Munger-Wilson Chapel.

Approximately 45 graduates are expected to take part in the ceremony, which will begin at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in-person.

Jerry Glidewell '79 of Fort Smith, Ark., will provide the keynote address. Glidewell worked in the Boys & Girls Clubs movement for 43 years and was CEO of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs for 32 years. After retiring in 2022, he has served as a safety consultant for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, helping youth organizations throughout the country.

Glidewell is chairman of the University of Arkansas Fort Smith board of advisors. He serves as a board member for the Western Arkansas Community Foundation and the Community School of the Arts. He is a past recipient of the Spirit of the Frontier Award, Maytag Corporation Dependability Award, the University of the Ozarks Alumni Achievement Award, and numerous Boys & Girls Clubs of America honors.

In his spare time, Glidewell enjoys songwriting. He is a BMI affiliated writer with songs performed by more than 20 recording artists, including Carrie Underwood, T. Graham Brown and Irish band Hurricane Highway. Jerry and his wife, Cyndi, live in Fort Smith. Cyndi is an RN and clinical strategist consultant.

In conjunction with Commencement Week, the Senior Dinner will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19 in the Rogers Conference Center (RCC) and the Brick Ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. on Dec. 20 on the campus mall. The Senior Dinner is open to graduating seniors as well as University faculty and staff. The Brick Ceremony is open to family and friends of the graduates.

The Senior Dinner speaker will be alumnus Colby Woolverton '12 of Little Rock.

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