Legacy Scholarship

I am excited to tell you that we will be awarding the first MFAeA Legacy Scholarship in a few weeks. Many of you have indicated a desire to contribute specifically to this scholarship, and I want to give you the opportunity to contribute now. Your contributions will help make The W Experience possible for future students. Please join me in supporting this scholarship.

The value of the scholarship is the amount of tuition for the entering student's first semester of attendance at The W. The recipient of the scholarship this year is George Stoner, brother of Megan Stoner Morgan ('08), and his first semester will be the 2010 Fall Semester. The tuition for the 2010 Fall Semester is $2,322. We have a good start on this fund, but still need approximately $1,000 to make it over the top and get a good start on next year's fund.

If you would like to make a contribution to the MFAeA Legacy Scholarship Fund, please send your check to our treasurer, Deborah Hodges at 800 Hillcrest Road, Building 1, Mobile, Alabama 36695. If you would like to pay by credit card, please email her and she can make the arrangements.

Your contribution is tax deductible.

Thank you for your generosity,

Lillian Wade
MFAeA President

Thank You Dr. Limbert

One advantage to having the password for the blog is being able to post what you want when you want -- subject only to those above me coming behind me and editing or removing it.   Just as our footer explains that the opinions expressed in this blog are those of MFAeA, not the University, I'm going to state up front that the opinions in this post are mine, not those of MFAeA.

On this, Dr. Limber's last day as President of Mississippi University for Women, I'd like to say thank you to her for all she's done:

• Thank you for re-vitalizing alumnae and alumni in support of a great university.  Many alums, including me, who were never active have stepped up to the plate since you disaffiliated us.
  
• Thank you for teaching us to use resources at our disposal and to think out of the box.  In just a few short years we went from an organization dependent on the university for all our communication needs to one that communicates through several independently-owned listserves, a blog, a facebook page and a professional-quality newsletter.  We have more communication with alumni and alumnae that we ever did when affiliated, and are promulgating more good news about the W and its alums to more people than ever before.
  
• Thank you for reminding us how important the women's mission of the W was to us as students and how important it is for us to maintain that mission for future generations.  When something is threatened with elimination, a decision about whether to fight helps clarify whether it is important to you, and your decisions over the years have convinced us that we do believe the women's mission is worth the fight.
  
• Thank you for providing an opportunity for us to learn that the MUW Foundation board does not want its use of the money we give made public.
  

So, Dr. Limbert as your retirement begins, I'd like to wish you the best. Hopefully in a few years you can return to Mississippi University for Women for Homecoming, march into Whitfield Auditorium for Convocation, receive a full report on how the MUW Foundation is spending your donations, and greet the Alumnae Association officers who were recently elected.  In the meantime, enjoy your writing and kiss those grandbabies!

Ruth Wilz Curcuru
Class of '83

Arkansas Chapter Gives W Presence at College Fairs

For the second consecutive year, Arkansas alums will ensure that Mississippi University for Women is represented at a major college fair in central Arkansas. The Oct. 5 College Night, sponsored by the Little Rock School District, draws hundreds of prospective college students to the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Working in conjunction with the W’s Admissions Office, local alums — including Sarah Beeler Golden ‘02, Pat Parish Acklin ‘78 and Jane Dearing Dennis ‘80 (pictured above) — will be on hand to distribute W materials and answer questions about the university. The alums will participate in a second college fair that same week hosted by private and parochial high schools in the area.

W Alums Gather with Mississippi Association for Justice

A recent Mississippi Association for Justice meeting brought together two MUW alumnae, Victoria Prince (2005) and Lydia Quarles (1971).  Lydia gave the keynote address to the Women's Caucus, of which Victoria is an officer.  Victoria is also the Chair of the Young Lawyers section of the MAJ.  To learn more about the MAJ, which bills itself as an organization of "lawyers representing people, not corporations," see their website.

Lydia's practice includes mediation, and you can learn more about her at her website, humorously titled "When Pigs Fly." Victoria represents employees in cases against employers for such things as discrimination, harassment or contract disputes. Her professional website is here.

In the News

The Commercial Dispatch ran a photo of the MFAeA Board in today's edition.

Yesterday, Birney Imes addressed new interim MUW president Allegra Brigham's "next balancing act" in an editorial.

Also in yesterday's edition, Jason Browne takes a look at Brigham's plans for MUW as she prepares to begin her new position on July 1st.

JFP: Long Live the 'W'

James L. Dickerson has written a very interesting column for the Jackson Free Press this week about MUW's viability within the Mississippi university system (hint: he gets it):

"MUW should be a source of pride, not derision. This business about changing the university’s name to Reneau University is a joke. MUW does not need a name change. It needs a mission change. Instead of trying to attract more male students, it should restructure its academic mission and provide an even stronger educational program for women. Build it, and they will come."

Read the full article (and comment about it) here.

Lowndes County Alums Meet Today

Finalizing plans are (left to right) Jacqueline DiCicco, board member;

President-elect, Tori Pumphrey and John Prevost, Chapter President.

MUW Lowndes County Alums

will meet at the poolside pavilion

at

Columbus Country Club

Thursday, June 24

5:00 to 6:30 P.M.

All W alums and friends of the W are invited to attend.

Refreshments will be served.

Cost is $10 per person.

For more information or to RSVP call Jackie 662-240-0001

Board Member Spotlight: Erin Gioia ('07)

Name: Erin Gioia
Class year: 2007
Major: Double major, MIS and Accounting

In which extracurricular activities did you participate at the W? 
I was the founding treasurer of the Bukwyrms book club, treasurer of Phi Beta Lambda (2 years), president of the TVA Investment Club, and member of Student Alumni Ambassadors, Wesley Foundation, IMA, SWI Club, Mortar Board, Delta Mu Delta (business honorary), and Phi Kappa Phi.  I also served on the College of Business Dean Student Selection Committee; was an intern in Institutional Research; and was awarded the College of Business Spirit Award.  

Tell us a little about your job history.
While at the W, I worked in the computer lab as the front desk worker.  Since graduation, I have worked as a reconcilement associate at a major regional bank.

When did you first become involved as a W Alum? What has your involvement entailed over the years?
I have been a member of the Birmingham chapter of the MFAeA since I was a student and am a member of the Stitchers and GDI e-chapters.  I have been on the Technology/Information Management committee since 2009 where I mostly serve as the Facebook Tech for the MFAeA Facebook fan page. 

What is your office this year? 
This is my first year of my three-year term as a Director for the Board.

What can the average alumna or alumnus who isn't really a "joiner" do to support the university?  
One very important way that is sometimes overlooked is to just tell people about the W.  First off, you never know when someone one nearby will say, "Hey I went there!" or "Hey, my [relative] went there," and that will just start the whole conversation off again.  W alums are everywhere and it's a wonderful experience to find those connections in places you never expect to find them. 

Second, because the W is such a small school, it's hard to get the word out to all the people who will excel in its environment without the help of the vast alumni network.  How can potential students in places far removed from Columbus know that they should go to the W if they've never heard of it? By just mentioning your alma mater, you are educating people that she exists, and you never know when the opportunity will present itself to allow you to share the awesome things the W has to offer with a potential new student. 

Board Member Spotlight: Thomas "Mack" Spencer ('97)

Name: Thomas M. (Mack) Spencer
Class Year: 1997
Major: Journalism (music minor)

In which extracurricular activities did you participate at the W?
Spectator--sports editor, news editor and editor; MUW Chorale; Madrigal Singers; Student Government Association--Business and Communication senator, parliamentarian and president pro tempore; President's Council; Inter-Residence Hall Council; Frazer Hall Council; Highlander Social Club Big Brother; Division of Business and Communication Student Advisory Council; College Republicans; Lantern Honor Society; Torch Honor Society; Honors Program.

Tell us a little about your job history.
April 12, 2010-present, managing editor and senior reporter, The Daily Review, Morgan City, La.; Jan.-April 2010, freelancer, The Chickasaw Journal, Houston, Miss.; Feb. 2006-Dec. 2009, editor and reporter, The Monitor-Herald, Calhoun City, Miss.; Feb. 2003-Feb. 2006, education reporter, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Tupelo, Miss.; June 2001-Feb. 2003, general assignment reporter, The Commercial Dispatch, Columbus, Miss.; Jan. 1999-June 2001, substitute, librarian and teacher, Calhoun County School District; Sept. 1992-Jan. 1999, reporter and photographer, The Monitor-Herald, Calhoun City, Miss.

When did you first become involved as a W alum? What has your involvement entailed over the years?
I became involved after my five-year reunion. I had paid registration fees for Homecoming several times before, but then was unable to attend, mostly for work reasons. Once I got back to Homecoming, I attended every event I could, including the alumnae board meeting and the Foundation board meeting. Once Linda Ross Aldy saw me at absolutely everything, I had little chance to escape; she asked me to serve on her board, and I agreed. I've been on the board since, and attended everything I could. For most of my tenure I've been on, if not chaired, the PR committee. I managed to get Calhoun County "W girls" together once between the time I moved home to Calhoun County and the time I had to move out again.

What is your office this year?
I'm currently serving as a board member, with two years remaining in my term under the new format.

What are your goals for MFAeA this year?
The association must raise participation and awareness of the W's financial situation. We need donations for scholarships and operations to ensure the W remains vital and viable. I have faith the association's newly granted tax-exempt status will enable us to boost the support we have tried to maintain in the past few years.

Now that Dr. Limbert has decided to retire, describe your ideal candidate for her successor.
The W needs a president who understands what the W is about. Support for the women's mission, the historic nature and the traditions that make the W special is especially important. While being welcoming to male students is needed and appreciated, eradication of the mission and history of the school is not necessary to achieve this end. The school also needs a strong leader who thinks for him or herself, and who advocates for the school's interests in the community, with the College Board and in the Legislature.

What can the average alumna or alumnus who isn't really a "joiner" do to support the university?
We Methodists join the church with a pledge to give our "time, talents, gifts and service." Any alum can provide at least one of those, whether it's time spent calling legislators, service representing the W at a college fair or a gift to a scholarship fund.

Describe the MUW that you hope exists 10 years from now.
With the right leadership and support staff, the W in 10 years can be a vibrant, shining star in the nation's higher education universe. The quality of the university's programs, especially of such longstanding programs as nursing and education, remains and can be built to even greater heights. Those and the university's unique programs, like culinary arts and physical theatre, can be the catalysts that draw more "W students"--adventurous, intellectually curious, ready to learn, participate and continue our legacy of excellence.

Board Member Spotlight: Shirley Rutherford Spain ('64)

Name: Shirley Rutherford Spain
Class Year: 1964
Major: Home Economics Education

In which extracurricular activities did you participate at the W?
As a work-study, I assisted in the Home Economics Department.  I worked for the Adult Education Coordinator and did general typing in the department.  I was a member of various clubs on campus and the honorary Phi Upsilon Omicron.

Tell us a little about your job history.
When a temporary job opening with Social Security became available, I had no idea I had found a career. Over thirty years later, after various promotions, I retired as the Area Administrative Assistant for Alabama.  This was a dream job for me involving various travel within the Atlanta Region and more often throughout Alabama visiting the 24 offices. Later, I returned to Birmingham Southern College where I received a Master's in Public Management.

When did you first become involved as a W Alum? What has your involvement entailed over the years?
After I retired, I began trying to resurrect the Birmingham Alum Chapter.  With help from a couple of other 1964 graduates, we have been getting together on an informal basis since the disaffiliation happened.  I served on the Board as a representative of the Birmingham Chapter and have just been installed as a Director.  Over the years, I have returned to campus frequently for various events, and my daughter--who graduated in 1990--and I made Homecoming a girls' weekend for many years.

What is your office this year?
Director working on Chapter Development

What are your goals for MFAeA this year?
I hope to contribute to the  strengthening of the organization by developing new chapters and expanding those in place.

Now that Dr. Limbert has decided to retire, describe your ideal candidate for her successor.
My ideal candidate can see the need for a special quality education such as I obtained at the W.  I would hope this person would embrace alums as the ardent supporters they can be. Most importantly, I hope we are able to find the person who shares our love for the institution and its traditions.

What can the average alumna or alumnus who isn't really a "joiner" do to support the university?
Connect with friends from their years at the W and learn what is going on both on campus and in the world of education.

Describe the MUW that you hope exists 10 years from now.
I hope to see a viable university able to be marketed to special students who will benefit from and value the education available.

Board Member Spotlight: Lydia Quarles ('71)

Name: Lydia Quarles 
Class Year: 1971 
Major: Political Science 

In which extracurricular activities did you participate at the W?  
I was a member of the intercollegiate debate team and the intercollegiate platform event team. 

Tell us a little about your job history.
I clerked for the Alabama Supreme Court right out of law school, followed by two years of private practice in Birmingham, five in Columbus, and thirteen in Starkville. I was then appointed Administrative Judge at the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission for 8 years, then appointed Commissioner (agency head--six-year term). Now I am in private practice with Knight Mozingo Quarles & Simpson of Ridgeland and Starkville, and I serve as Senior Policy Analyst at the John C. Stennis Institute of Government at Mississippi State University. Additionally, I do consulting work on the side for WPF, LLC.

When did you first become involved as a W Alum? What has your involvement entailed over the years?
About five to six years ago, I was asked to serve on Gail Laws' board. I have been active ever since.

What is your office this year?  
Parliamentarian (chair of constitution and by-laws also). 

What are your goals for MFAeA this year?  
Do what Lillian says! 

Now that Dr. Limbert has decided to retire, describe your ideal candidate for her successor.
The ideal candidate would be a graduate of a women's institution--preferably the W, but if not that, then a woman's institution.  The W's mission has not changed.  It should still put "women" first. 

What can the average alumna or alumnus who isn't really a "joiner" do to support the university?   
One of the delightful things about MFAeA is that we have e-chapters. Joining an e-chapter is not like joining a regular chapter--no meetings and as little or much interaction as you would like with other e-chapter members.  Find an e-chapter that interests you and connect in that way.  If there is no e-chapter that interests you but you have an idea about one, contact Jane Dennis. 

Describe the MUW you hope exists 10 years from now.   
The premier women's university in the US with opportunities which meet the needs of all sorts of female students. A place which understands and appreciates tradition just as it embraces change, but an institution which remembers its mission.

Alumnus Derrick Young, Stay-at-Home Dad

Today we are going to get to know Derrick Young (MUW 2004-2006). Derrick is a stay-at-home dad to Chandler Young, age 1, and husband to Ashley (MUW 2007).

Derrick worked as a boiler operator at the W for five years and attended classes the last two. He then got a marketing degree from MSU. He also has worked in sales.

When Chandler was born, the Youngs decided that Derrick should stay home, both to save on daycare expenses and to allow Chandler to have one-on-one time with his dad. By then, Ashley had already established her career, and it made more sense for Derrick to be the caregiver. At this point, says Derrick, "There is a great balance and everyone is happy with our arrangement." Ashley is a Graphic Designer for Mid-South Signs in Memphis, TN. She and Derrick also own their own photography business, which they run together: Strike-A-Pose Photography. Derrick handles the advertising and website upkeep.

Derrick loves never missing a "first" from Chandler, like his first word, first step, and first smile. "I was there to see it all, which is priceless," he says. "The hardest thing for me is trying to get outside work done and housework done while watching Chandler. Children require so much attention and the day is up before you know it, with nothing getting done. But it's worth all of it just to be with him all day," Derrick adds. At this point, Derrick plans to stay home until Chandler starts pre-K, and he hasn't decided what the future holds at that point.

Even though he considers fatherhood his main job now, Derrick says, "I use the marketing knowledge gained at MUW daily with the photography business, and getting the word out to potential clients." His knowledge of web design allows him to keep their websites up and going and updated at all times.

When asked what advice he would give to current Mississippi University for Women students who think they'd like to stay home with their kids, Derrick replies, "It's a very rewarding experience, and a great opportunity to spend special time with your child. Chandler will be graduating college before we know it, even though he is only one year old right now, but these moments with him are priceless and I could not imagine spending my day any other way than with him."

Board Member Spotlight: Jimmie Meese Moomaw ('58)

Jimmie Meese Moomaw, class of 1958, double major in speech and English, is a MFAEA Board member. While at MUW, she was President of Theatre Guild, and a member of Pi Kappa Delta, Sigma Tau Delta, Alpha Psi Omega, Student Government, Orchestra, and Annual staff. She was named Most Versatile, to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, and to the Hall of Fame. She also served on the President’s Council. 

Jimmie has had a long career in the education field. "After getting my bachelors and masters degree in 4 ½ years without going to summer school, and teaching high school for one year, I was hired at Mississippi State where I formed and coached an award-winning debate team. One of my proudest achievements was starting the first communication department at State. I designed the first curriculum for the speech major, wrote the course descriptions for the catalog and was instrumental in hiring the first chair of the department as well as the first two other faculty members for the department." After her time at State, Jimmie attended University of Missouri where she completed her Ph.D. while teaching classes and coaching the freshman debate team. Next, she taught in Kentucky where she also coached debate.

While in Kentucky, she married and subsequently moved to Atlanta. She had two daughters, Betsy and Amy. In Atlanta she taught at and chaired the department of speech and theatre at a local community college. She spent the last 21 years of her 41-year teaching career at Georgia State University until retiring from teaching in 2000.

For past 35 years Jimmie has been a communication consultant with a diverse client base. She does a lot of speaking and workshop presentations for corporations, organizations, and political clients, including writing the presentation script for a new product for CHANEL international. She also works with Democratic women on their political campaigns. 

Jimmie's involvement as a W alum began about 10 years ago when Donette Lee was President. "Donette asked me to serve on her Board and since then I have been on the Board every year," she says. "I was also chosen to represent the alumnae team in the first rounds of mediation arranged by the IHL Chancellor to try to resolve the issues between the Alumnae Association and Dr. Limbert."

She fronted the purchase of t-shirts that netted several thousand dollars for MFAeA, went online to issue a fund-raising challenge urging everyone to send money to support the association, and most recently planned and implemented a silent auction for the GDI e-chapter at Homecoming.

Jimmie says, "I am perhaps most notorious as a letter-to-the-editor writer. I do a lot of background writing for individual members who want to write letters or white papers on issues." Jimmie's efforts have been rewarded with an Alumnae Achievement Award.

As a member of the Board of Directors, Jimmie's goal for the MFAeA is to capitalize on our 501 status to raise money to support the work of the Association as well as money for scholarships. She would like to see the Association create and institute an annual fund-raising project to increase funding. She hopes to be able to send a mailer to all alums in order to increase Association membership.

Regarding the next president of MUW, Jimmie explains, "I feel strongly that the ideal candidate should be an alum of the institution. I prefer that the next president be a woman, but it is not a deal breaker." Jimmie further explains that she ideally wants someone who truly understands and values the strengths and mission of the W as it is; someone who is a savvy and articulate advocate for the institution, with well-developed communication skills who is comfortable in social and all political contexts. "The new president's academic credentials should include having attended an institution where traditions are understood and appreciated."

Jimmie would like to encourage all alums to join MFAeA so that you are counted among the numbers of those who support the institution. All alums, no matter how busy, or what their financial status, can identify students in their community who might be interested in and a good candidate for going to the W.

In ten years, Jimmie would like to see an MUW that is larger than it is now, but still a small liberal arts college with an emphasis on educating women with a nationally-ranked women’s studies program. She would also like to see the creation of a men’s unit under the umbrella of the existing name--with the proposed label "The Hogarth College for Men"--co-existing on the current Mississippi University for Women campus. As she explains, "Men and women would go there taking courses from either or both entities and graduating with a degree with the name of their choice."

Alumnus Sonny Lemmons, Stay-at-Home Dad

In May we honored stay-at-home moms by profiling several of them. Since Father's Day is Sunday, this week we will visit with two stay-at-home fathers.

Today, we have the pleasure of visiting with Sonny Lemmons, MUW Class of 1994.  After majoring in music education and spending his spare time working at WMUW, singing in the Chorale; hanging out at Wesley Foundation; and engaging in general shenanigans in Poindexter and Cromwell, Sonny spent fifteen years working in higher education administration--everything from admissions to residence life to academic advising. Then, one day, it happened (okay, he had nine months' notice): Malakai Joseph was born.  

Says Sonny, "I had hardly ever thought about HAVING a kid before, let alone staying at home all day with one. And to be honest, although I knew the idea of a stay-at-home DAD existed in the world of television sitcoms, I never knew it was something that people did in the REAL world. It’s not as if I had a role model or anyone I could have asked about their experiences in doing this."  However, since the W had made him open to the unconventional, and since "I’d already lost my hair," Sonny decided to be a stay-at-home dad.  As he explains, "There were a number of outside factors that helped influence this decision: my job dissatisfaction; me thinking about switching careers altogether; losing my dad to cancer not too long before Kai was born; and the fact that my wife and I both had jobs that required a LOT of after-hours and weekend work. We sat down and did a time study and realized that the amount of quality time (not counting feeding, bathing, etc.) we might spend with him in a given week could be measured in single hours, and that was completely unacceptable. We didn’t want to pay some stranger to raise our kid, which is what would have happened for us because of the extensive hours he’d be in daycare. We made the decision that we felt was best for us and we felt was the best for him."  

Regarding why he, rather than his wife, stayed home, Sonny answers, "Ashley serves as the Residence Coordinator for Pearson Residential College at the University of Miami. Part of her compensation package includes an apartment on campus.  If she quit her job, we’d have to find someplace else to live, whereas if I quit mine, all we’d lose was my income.  Given the cost of daycare and babysitters, we figured out quickly that my income would have gone almost exclusively to the care and upkeep of our kid – so it’s not as if we killed a cash cow when I left my job."

No job is without its challenges, and this one is no different, explains Sonny:  "The greatest challenges (plural) include: (1) finding any window of 'me' time to be able to decompress so that I don’t go insane; (2) finding time for Ashley and me together so that we remember what it’s like to be a couple; (3) finding another adult or support system of stay-at-home parents for me to socialize with; (4) the sexist attitudes I encounter from women who either think (a) it’s 'cute' that I am a stay-at-home dad and have asked me if I know what I’m doing, or (b) that it’s completely and utterly bizarre that I would choose to stay at home with my son or I must not be masculine enough because I am okay with not being the breadwinner/head of the household (and yes, I have been told both of these sentences to my face on more than one occasion); and (5) the loss of the respect and, in some instances, loss of friendship of some of my professional colleagues who believe I have thrown my career away by choosing to be a stay-at-home parent."  

From Sonny's perspective, the greatest benefits of being a stay-at-home dad include "being able to be there with Kai and to watch him as he grows and develops; to watch him as the light of understanding begins to dawn in his eyes; to hear him giggle when he watches our dog or plays with a random spoon or box; to be able to sing him to sleep; to be the target of his food-throwing; and to be able to take him outside so that he doesn’t think the world is lit by fluorescent lighting." Says Sonny, "Those moments are irreplaceable. Another huge benefit is to know that Kai’s actually getting to spend a lot of time with a male role model. Unfortunately, a disproportionate number of daycare or nursery workers are still female. By staying home with me, he’s going to see daddy doing the laundry, doing the dishes, and cleaning the house as well as working on a car, playing with electronic doodads and watching a lot of Doctor Who. Hopefully, he’ll have a fairly well-balanced idea that there are no specific gender roles that should be relegated exclusively to either sex."

While Sonny's future plans aren't clear, he plans to stay with Kai for at least another year, and maybe longer.  However, he says,  "I will probably never go far from a collegiate setting, because that’s where I’ve been personally and professionally rooted for the better part of a decade and a half.  Now, in what capacity will I be employed? That’s the better question. I’ve also entertained the idea of just finding a part-time/half-time job so that I can continue to raise Kai while actually raising some revenue as well." He still stays in touch with a number of campus student organizations  at the University of Miami that he advised and he continues to work off and on with them.  

When asked how his MUW education helped in his chosen life, Sonny responds, "If my time at MUW taught me anything, it was that I was to be true to myself. My education at the W, both in and out of the classroom, didn’t shape me as much as it galvanized the core of who I am. I wouldn’t trade the laughs, the tears, the late nights, the sometimes-poor choices, or the friends I made for anything in the world. Every choice, every 'misstep' put me on the path of who I am today, and I am eternally grateful for that little school nestled in Columbus. These are life lessons I have tried to impart on all the students I have worked with, and it’s something I hope to pass on to my son."

Part of Sonny's job when he worked on college campuses was to counsel students, and when asked what advice he would give to current MUW students who think they'd like to stay home with their kids, he replies, "Don’t forget to experience the world. It’s dangerously easy to get your life wrapped up completely (kinda like a diaper) in the care of your kid. And trust yourself: if you think this is the right choice, then it IS the right choice. That first hug in the morning from the kid who just woke up and is now in your arms quiets out the white noise of the nay-sayers and critics who might not understand your choice."

Letter from Lilliwren #2

June 15, 2010

Dear W Alums,

In my first letter to you, I encouraged you to think about ways that you could help our beloved alma mater. Today, I want to talk to you about one of the best ways to help – join the historic alumnae association and volunteer to serve on a committee. Mississippi’s First Alumnae Association will hold the first of its four board meetings on June 25-26 in Columbus, and we will be planning our work for the year.

Let me tell you about the committees, so you can think about where your talents could best be used. Not all committee work requires that you travel to Columbus. Much work can be done via telephone and the Internet. Please contact me at mlhwade@cableone.net if you want to volunteer, and I will pass your name on to the appropriate committee chairperson.

§  Chapter Development works to keep our 35+ chapters informed about activities of the MFAeA and issues that concern The W. They also work to organize new chapters and reactivate inactive chapters.

§  Constitution & Bylaws reviews and makes recommendations to insure that our governing document meets the needs of the organization.

§  Elections prepare for the orderly and efficient conduct of the annual election of officers.

§  Technology & Information Management provides information dissemination, membership management, and voting through a variety of electronic methods. High tech skills are always needed.

§  External Relations works to maintain good relations with entities where the interests of The W are vested.

§  Nominating reviews recommendations from the open nominating process, vets all nominees, and presents a slate of officers to the board for approval.

§  Public Relations creates and disseminates information on behalf of the association to promote a positive image of The W and MFAeA, as well as individual alumnae, through a variety of media outlets.

§  Ways & Means develops ways to fund the work of the association as it supports The W.

§  Young Alums recruit and maintain connections with recent grads and work to keep them informed about issues concerning The W. They are invaluable in recruiting new students.

§  Students Recruiting develops strategies and materials for all alums to use when recruiting opportunities present themselves. All alums are potential recruiters. Teachers, current students and recent grads are in unique positions to recruit for The W.

§  Historic Preservation focuses on the collection and preservation of archives for MFAeA and The W.

§  Special Events provide opportunities for social interaction with alums, faculty and students.

For planning purposes, the board meeting details are below:

Summer Board Meeting, June 25-26, 2010, in Columbus

Friday, June 25

5:30 pm - Dinner at J. Broussard's (Dutch treat)

7:00 pm - Management Training Seminar, Wesley Foundation

Saturday, June 26

8:30 am - Continental Breakfast, Wesley Foundation

9:00 am - Board Meeting begins with committee planning

11:30 am - Box Lunch from Zachary's ($10)

1:00 pm - Board Meeting continues with committee reports

3:30 pm - Adjournment

Rsvp to mlhwade@cableone.net

W love to each of you,

Lillian Wade

MFAeA President

Board Member Spotlight: Neely Woods Hunter ('95)

The summer MFAeA board meeting will take place June 26th in Columbus (mark your calendars!). In preparation for that event, throughout the next few days, we will be introducing you to several of your elected board members.

Name: Neely Woods Hunter
Class Year: 1995
Major: English and Social Science

Neely Woods Hunter, MUW Class of 1995, is President-Elect of Mississippi's First Alumnae Association. At The W, she was a member of the Reveler Social Club, Masker Social Club, and Union Advisory Council. She was an Orientation Leader, SGA Associate Justice, and a member of Mortar Board, Hottentots, Leadership MUW. She worked in the Student Activities Office, was a MSMS Resident Assistant, Kincannon Head Resident, Peer Tutor, Desk Clerk, worked in the Counselors Office and as a Mag Pool Lifeguard, She was an Honors Program graduate.

Following graduation she spent four frenetic years working in Banking, Technical Editing, Administrative Assistance, and Accounting before going back to school in 1998 to become a Massage Therapist. She has owned a private MT practice since 2000.

Neely was a fairly involved alumnae during her first four years out of school. She lived just a few hours from Columbus and came back frequently for Homecoming, Rush, and other events. She was not actively involved with the Alumnae Association at that time, but had classmates who were. Once she moved further away and had children, she was unable to return as frequently, but stayed involved with The W by participating in the alumni listserve that was provided by the campus.

In 2007, she became involved in the MUW Alumnae Association when it was apparent that there was a problem between the historic association and the current administration, and she has been involved ever since. She served on the PR and Tech Committees for 2007-08, as Secretary for 2008-09, and was elected into the officer rotation and served as Vice President for 2009-2010. She is now President-Elect.

When asked about her goals for this year for MFAeA, Neely states, "I would like to see us continue to grow our membership base and increase our ability to communicate with those members. I would like us to continue to explore and find ways to involve alums in committees and work of the association without requiring frequent travel to Columbus. I would like the association to play an instrumental role in helping MUW raise the funds it needs to continue to be a vibrant and thriving liberal arts university."

Regarding Dr. Limbert's permanent replacement, Hunter says, "I think the ideal candidate must have experience and understanding of a small, full-service, liberal arts university. She or he must recognize the value of the institution's historical make-up--as a small university, as a liberal arts university, as a predominantly female university. I believe a true leader for MUW must recognize that to market MUW's strengths is to promote all that it is and has been while building on new opportunities in technology and the changing university demographics - he or she cannot simply want to change MUW to make it be something else."

When asked how the average alum could help Mississippi University for Women, Neely replies, "If you really have no time to offer, then of course monetary donations are the best way to help. Contributing to scholarships, clubs, programs, and faculty awards helps MUW offset budget cuts from the State and to continue to serve students. But donations of time can also be of great benefit. If you can travel, then I'd recommend joining a committee or the board. If travel isn't an option, then consider forming a alum chapter--we have three models and all are designed to help alums become involved with the association and the university. We've had local chapters send flowers to pageant participants as well as funerals. We've had local chapters sponsor their own scholarships. We've had e-chapters form to create research teams and do charity work. The options are endless, but every contribution reflects on our alma mater positively and increases the role the W continues to play in higher education."

Ten years from now Neely would like to see MUW's enrollment at 3,500 to 5,000 students. "I'd like to see the buildings renovated, the power plant modernized, all the dorms fully operational and filled. I'd like to see advancements in technology and improvements in the library and other resources available to students. I'd like to see the athletic program reinstated. I'd like to see a university that prides itself on being a small, liberal arts university, and that does not shy away from its historic women's mission but rather embraces it for the good of all its students--female and male," she says.

MFAeA E-Chapters: Stitchers

Stitchers meeting in Columbus, February 2010

From L-R: Jennet Lacey ('77), Lydia Quarles ('71), Erin Gioia ('07), and Donette Lee ('58)

The Stitchers e-chapter of the MFAeA currently includes 15 crafty members. Any member of MFAeA who is interested in handwork/fabric work--needlepoint, crochet, knitting, weaving, quilting, etc.--is welcome to join the group.

The Stitchers chapter is the brainchild of Lydia Quarles ('71), who started the group as a way for Association members to share their crafting work and ideas. "I find it hard to express how much joy this e-chapter has brought me," Lydia says. "Stitchers has kept me focused on my craft and challenged me to learn new stitches and avenues for creativity."

Donette Lee ('58), a longtime knitter, says that the Stitchers e-chapter has renewed her interest in the hobby. "I joined a Prayer Shawl Ministry at a church here in town and have donated several shawls for the sick or elderly.  Now we have undertaken a project to make knitted caps for every child in a low-income elementary school--a total of 420. They are such fun and quick and easy." Three of Donette's adorable hats are pictured here.

Michele Barnard ('83) values the link Stitchers provides to other alums with similar interests. "Stitchers is a connection to other alumni who have the same need to work with their hands and make something, whether it be from a ball of yarn or scraps of fabric." She also enjoys sharing the fruits of her labor. "We can show off our creations and get some validation," she explains. "We can swap hand-made gifts and feel both the nervous thrill of making something you hope the recipient will enjoy, and the warm glow of receiving something someone else made just for you." Michele is pictured here with a beautiful, recently-completed quilt.

Not only do the Stitchers create for their own enjoyment, but they also share their work with others. "Initially we decided that we would take on a service project, and we occasionally contribute items of clothing or blankets to Lamia-Afghan Foundation, organized by General John L. Bradley, a friend of mine," Lydia explains. 

The group also participated in their own "Secret Stitcher Santa" project, in which they created gifts for one another. Laurie Teague ('71) made this beautiful scarf (left) for the gift exchange. "I had fun making my contribution to the gift exchange and greatly enjoyed wearing the scarf I received," she says.

The Stitchers group is a prime example of a successful e-chapter, bringing alums together in a common interest. As Donette concludes, "This connection through our handwork is very special.  I am grateful for receiving this inspiration to continue doing something that I already loved."

If you are interested in joining Stitchers, please contact Lydia at lydia@wpf-adr.com. If you wish to start an e-chapter based on a specialized interest or group, please contact Jane Dennis at janedennis@comcast.net.

Photo of the Week

A rainbow arcs over Poindexter Hall, March 2006 (photo courtesy of Erin Gioia).

A Great Teacher of Great Books

Cathy Gillis Campagna, Mississippi University for Women Class of 1973, is one of thirteen teachers to receive a 2010 Great Books Great Teachers award, according to Mary Kent Sweeton, a vice president of the Chicago-based non-profit Great Books Foundation.

The award acknowledges Cathy’s successful teaching, her use of Great Books in the classroom, and her commitment to creating a community of teacher and student learners at Holy Name of Jesus School in New Orleans, where she has taught for over twenty-five years. Mrs. Campagna will join her fellow award recipients in Chicago on April 30, 2010 to attend an awards dinner in their honor. During their weekend visit to Chicago, the 2010 Great Books Great Teacher honorees will be the foundation’s special guests at Great Books Chicago 2010, an annual event for Great Books enthusiasts that includes attending a variety of cultural activities.

“The Great Books Foundation is thrilled to recognize these star teachers who are lifelong learners and who are so committed to innovative teaching strategies that raise student achievement,” said Mary Kent Sweeton. “All of this year’s Great Teacher Award recipients relentlessly expose their students to quality literature and encourage them to become stronger readers and learners. By shining the spotlight on these outstanding role models, we hope to make it easier for teachers around the country to learn from their best practices.”

Since 2000, the Great Books Foundation has been honoring outstanding teachers who are successfully increasing their students’ achievements by putting Great Books programs and the “Shared Inquiry” discussion model into practice. This year’s winners represent a diverse group of learning environments including elementary schools, high schools, inner-city schools, private schools, as well as special needs and gifted programs.

Great Books programs are used by more than one million students in all 50 states and in countries around the world. Great Books is proven to help students develop the essential skills of reading carefully, thinking critically, listening intently, and speaking and writing persuasively. By combining age-appropriate literature with the Shared Inquiry method of discussion, Great Books brings literature to life and helps students discover a joy of reading that they will carry into adulthood.

The 2010 Great Books Great Teachers were nominated by their colleagues and come from districts in Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Washington, D.C.

Ms. Campagna will also attend an event entitled “Difficult Gifts-Advanced Leadership Institute”-the day before the awards dinner on April 29, which is also sponsored by Great Books.


You can learn more about the Great Books Foundation at their website.

Recent W Alum Plays Johnny Cash in New Musical

Alex Jenkins, who graduated from the W with a degree in theater last month, has landed a role in a new musical at William Carey University, "Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Story." The show opens on Thursday (June 10th) and will continue through June 26th in Hattiesburg. Alex plays one of eight versions of Johnny Cash in the show, and will perform the song "A Boy Named Sue."

"I heard about the auditions at CDT (Carey Dinner Theatre) through Peppy Biddy, the Chair of Music and theatre at the W," Alex explains. "CDT and the W have had a good working relationship for several years now as many of our students have held summer jobs here." In fact, two other W students, junior Jessi Tidwell and sophomore Corbett Estes, are also performing with the CDT this summer.

This will be Alex's fourth summer working at an established regional theater. The previous two years, he was a performer at Flat Rock Playhouse, the state theater of North Carolina. He has performed in a number of theater productions over the years, and lists several of his W performances as among his favorites: Demetrius in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Chester in Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, and Tom in The Glass Menagerie.

In addition to his impressive theater work, Alex also recently took part in the MySpace auditions for a role on the hit FOX television show Glee, amassing several thousand votes from online viewers. 

Tickets to "Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Story" are $27.50 and include dinner and the cost of the show. The show takes places in the O. L. Quave Theatre on the William Carey campus in Hattiesburg. The reservation line is 601-318-6221 and the box office is open Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 7PM.

Milestones: Welcome Wesley Hunter Prevost

Wesley Hunter Prevost, son of John W. Prevost, MUW Class of 1993 and Melanie Prevost, MSU class of 1996. 

Isn't he beautiful?

If you or your family would like a milestone (birth, graduation, new job, retirement, death) recognized by your fellow alums, please send info (and photos if available) to mfaeablog@gmail.com

Fur Baby Friday: Misty and Stormy

Anyone who spends any time with Del Oehms Hamilton, MUW Class of '84, knows that her furbabies are Misty and Stormy.

They are adorable! 

Of course a Coast girl's dogs will love the beach!

Photos of the Week: Allegra Brigham, 1980

The 1980 Meh Lady lists Allegra Brigham as its sponsor.

She is listed as the Acting Head of the Journalism and Broadcasting  Department

Mrs. Allegra Brigham and Tammy Dubose put together the pages of Kaleidoscope, a magazine produced by the Magazine Article Writing and Production Class.

(All photos from 1980 Meh Lady)

WTG Dr. P!

Mississippi's First Alumnae Association extends its congratulations to Dr. Bridget Pieschel who will be installed as president of the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters at their annual banquet at the Mississippi Museum of Art.

The MIAL will present awards to winners in the categories of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, visual arts, photography, musical composition (classical/concert), and musical composition (contemporary/popular) for works first published or performed in 2009. An MIAL Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at the Gala to William Ferris, the Joel R. Williamson Eminent Professor of History and senior associate director of the Center for the Study of the American South at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A native of Vicksburg, William Ferris is the founding director of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi, where he served on the faculty for 18 years. A former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Ferris is also coeditor of the Encyclopedia of Southern Culture and the author of the recently published Give My Poor Heart Ease: Voices of the Mississippi Blues.

A rare Special Achievement Award will be presented for The Passions of Walter Anderson: A Dramatic Celebration of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Artist. This interdisciplinary work combines drama, art, music, and dance in its tribute to Anderson and was first performed at the 2009 Oxford Conference for the Book. 

For more information, see the MIAL website.

Congratulations Del!

The Jekyll Island Club Hotel runs a monthly photo contest and our own Del Oehms Hamilton is the most recent winner.  "It is a photo I caught when we were there in January when we went to tea.  We came out and there was this gorgeous antique car in front.  I worked at getting the shot from just the right angle so that no modern cars were in it.  There were some in the driveway also.  You can see it here.  I was shocked I actually won but I love the photo" said Del.