College of the Ozarks is scaling back its Sunday operations, in observance of the sabbath, and that includes shutting down its popular Sunday brunch at The Keeter Center.
The Sunday brunch will continue through the summer but end before fall classes start. Final brunches will be served July 27 and Aug. 3.
“Minimizing Sunday operations on campus is more than a business decision, it is a reflection of the college and its values,” said Brad Johnson, president of the College of the Ozarks, in a statement.
“This decision is not only a part of our faith-based identity, but it also demonstrates our commitment to creating a positive and supportive environment for our employees and their families. By staying true to these values, we believe we are better serving our community.”
The Sunday closure will include the college creamery, gift shop, bakery, and Dobyns Dining Room.
Christians observe the sabbath as a day of rest, worship and a break from daily routines. It is rooted in the biblical story of creation, where God created the world in six days and then rested on the seventh.
After the Aug. 3 brunch, The Keeter Center will continue to serve lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday.
The center is accepting reservations for the final Sunday brunches, which will include signature dishes and student-made products plus carving stations and seafood options.
The private, faith-based college in Point Lookout was dubbed “Hard Work U” because full-time students work 15 hours a week at an assigned work station.
Valorie Coleman, director of communications and public relations, said there was an analysis of Sunday operations on campus ahead of the change.
“As our largest student workstation, The Keeter Center allows more than 350 students, from a wide variety of majors, to serve there and fulfill requirements for the Work Education Program,” Coleman said.
“The decision to discontinue Sunday brunch will have a campus-wide impact, offering our students — many of whom serve in demanding roles there — a much-needed opportunity for worship, rest, and time with family.”
Coleman said parts of the campus, including the Edwards Mill, Stained Glass and Candle Shop and Ralph Foster Museum were already closed on Sundays.
She said the campus itself will remain open Sundays and the public is invited to visit Patriots Park, the chapel, or the Scripture Garden any day of the week.
The Hoge Greenhouse, near the mill, may open for limited hours on Sundays.
“As workstation supervisors across campus review Sunday operations, they realize that some responsibilities require daily attention, such as caring for our farm animals. In these instances, as a matter of practicality, someone must be on duty at all times,” Coleman said. “To accommodate this need, we have created schedules that limit Sunday coverages, so that students and employees can maximize their opportunities for Sunday worship.”
Coleman added that by reducing student work hours on Sunday, there will be more workers available “to better serve our guests” Monday through Saturday.
In a statement, Johnson said the change, “affirmed unanimously by our Board of Trustees, aligns with the College of the Ozarks vision to foster a culture that values faith and family.”
“The hallmark of authentic faith is the willingness to reflect deeply and the courage to align our actions with biblical principles,” he said. “We see this as both a meaningful step and a valuable opportunity to grow in our walk with Jesus Christ.”
SPRINGFIELD NEWS-LEADER