Rest in Peace Marie Akers Middlebrooks

Marie Akers Middlebrooks, age 71, of Valley Grande, AL, passed away April 25, 2011.  Marie was a 1961 graduate of Mississippi State College for Women and had just attended Homecoming as a member of the "Golden Girl" class. Surviving are her husband, Eugene Middlebrooks; children, Michelle (Jerry) Barnett of Madison, AL , Claire (Tony) Roberts of Crittenden, KY and Elizabeth (Tad) Somes of Level Green, PA; brother, Kenneth (Dianna) Akers of Loganville, GA and grandchildren, Lamar Barnett, III, Grace Barnett, Wil Roberts, Sarah Roberts, Trent Somes and Vivian Somes.  Daughters Michelle and Elizabeth are MUW alumnae.  

Funeral services will be Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Dr. Jerry Light officiating. Interment will be in Pineview Memory Gardens with Selma Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, April 27, 2011 from 6-8:00 p.m.

Mrs. Middlebrooks was a retired teacher who taught in the Selma Public Schools. She loved living in Valley Grande and served as a councilwoman for the Town of Valley Grande. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and worked with the Women on Missions. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society, UDC, Book Study Club and Joy Group.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to be given to First Baptist Church Renovation Fund, P. O. Box 1186, Selma, AL 36702 or Mississippi University for Women, 1100 South 2nd Avenue, Columbus, MS 39701-5802.

Long-Time Girl Scout Beverly Jones

Beverly Koch Jones, MUW Class of 1957, has been involved with Girl Scouts of the USA for almost fifty years.  As a girl she started as  Brownie and remained a Girl Scout through the Senior level.

Bev showing off her 1970's leader uniform

When many people think of Girl Scouts they think of camping.  Beverly excelled at that.  She served as a camp counselor at Camp Scott in Tulsa, Oklahoma and at  Camp Wahi in Jackson, Mississippi.  She was a volunteer leader for fourteen years both in Forth Worth, Texas and Starkville, Mississippi.  In addition, she was a  Camp License Trainer, and served as VP Prairie Council on whose Board of Directors she was a member for many years.  She was Girl Scout Director for Red Cross Safety Services Camp for 10 years at TAW as well as a canoe and swimming instructor.  Beverly was ACA Director of Instructors.

A patch jacket holds a  lot of memories

Other activities included serving as director of the state-wide celebration in honor of Grace McNeil(President of GSUSA from Natchez).  Beverly was awarded the Juliette Low World Friendship Award, the Thanks Badge from Circle T Council in Fort Worth,  and the Thanks Badge from Prairie Girl Scout Council.

She led 5 Girl Scout Trips Abroad (Mexico '76, Europe '77, Hawaii '78, Charwood'80- England, and a twenty-six day trip camping all over Europe '82), worked with the  Council World Fair in Knoxville'84 and went on many camping and canoe trips with her troop.  She worked at the WAGGS World Conference in New York and has been to three of  World Centers run by the World Association of Girl Guides and Scouts.

l-r:  Gail Laws, Girl Scout Gold Award Winner Madeleine Gardiner  (MUW c/o 2013) and  Beverly Jones at the reception for Elizabeth Smith Gwin

Friday Favorites: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

About the Book:

Lisbeth Salander—the heart of Larsson’s two previous novels—lies in critical condition, a bullet wound to her head, in the intensive care unit of a Swedish city hospital. She’s fighting for her life in more ways than one: if and when she recovers, she’ll be taken back to Stockholm to stand trial for three murders. With the help of her friend, journalist Mikael Blomkvist, she will not only have to prove her innocence, but also identify and denounce those in authority who have allowed the vulnerable, like herself, to suffer abuse and violence. And, on her own, she will plot revenge—against the man who tried to kill her, and the corrupt government institutions that very nearly destroyed her life.

Once upon a time, she was a victim. Now Salander is fighting back.

Review by Neely Woods Hunter, MUW Class of 1995:

As a collective whole, I really like this series - more to the tune of 4 stars than 3; however, individually, I think the first one is the only one that can stand alone and is the most complete story. The Swedish names in this book start to run together. I kept having to look back and make sure I knew what character was doing what or I'd have to stop and clarify to myself that I knew the difference between the two officers with the E last name or the two bad guys with the N name. This book, unlike the others starts with some dramatic action, but only because it picks up where the second one so abruptly ends. That intensity tapers pretty quickly and what feels like the actual beginning of this book is slow like the other two. Once you slog through the spies, the corrupt politics, the endless characters, and plot twists, you arrive at the crescendo that happens in all three. The end is thrilling - I found myself cheering for our protagonists and envisioning the movie scenes - and brings most of the characters full circle. I was a bit disappointed at the tie-up of a few loose ends - they weren't all as satisfying as I'd hoped they'd be. It wasn't until after I read this book that I read an interview with Larrson's former "spouse" and realized that this was intended as a much longer series and that it's possible a fourth book was already in the works. Knowing that makes the ending of the trilogy much more satisfying.

MUW Alums:  Have you read a good book lately, or seen a great play or movie?  We'd love to publish your review.  Send it it mfaeablog@gmail.com!

Homecoming 2011--The Fun Stuff

While Homecoming 2011 will be remembered as the time when Mississippi's First Alumnae Association was welcomed back to the alma mater we love so dearly, like all Homecomings, it had its fun moments too.  The following report on all the fun was penned by our Immediate Past President, Lillian Wade.

MUW alumni motored to Columbus this past weekend to join with classmates and friends to celebrate Homecoming at their alma mater. The Golden Girls were lovely in their Spring finery. Many of them had
perfected their royal wave. They must have entered the W when they were twelve. They looked so young!

Following a fabulous party at the home of classmate, Betty Clyde Ratcliff Jones, many of the Golden Class of 1961 continued their celebration at the Lee Home where more than 150 alums had gathered to honor them along with the Alumni Achievement Award winners. Together, we all welcomed the newest members of the Long Blue Line, the graduating Class of 2011. The house was ringing with joy and laughter, and of course James Allen accompanied us as we sang "Hail to Thee."

At the Celebration, we held a silent auction to raise funds for the Faculty Enhancement Grants and the New Faculty Award. More than $800 was raised. Many of the items were W memorabilia, and the bidding was
very competitive for the MSCW license plate.

Beth Simpson Quave, Class of 2000, made a beautiful three-tiered cake topped with a silver 'W' and banded with navy ribbon. Magnolia blossoms adorned the table.

Beverly Koch Jones, Class of 1957, arranged several bouquets of flowers. The most spectacular arrangement was the centerpiece of roses on the banquet table. Almost all of the roses came from one of Bev's Rio Samba bushes.

Wine was provided by Del Oehms Hamilton, Class of 1984. Several anonymous donors sponsored the Celebration.

Prior to the Homecoming Celebration, the Art Department hosted a reception for four alums whose work was the featured exhibit for Homecoming.

Then, the Theatre Department staged a musical theatre production featuring segments from an earlier play, Quilters, and some new memories from "Golden Days." The MUW Chorale performed several pieces
including some of the songs we love to sing. Many thanks to Peppy Biddy and Doug Browning for helping keep our traditions and memories alive.


Saturday began with the traditional Wesley Breakfast, which is always a treat. It ended with the Young-at-Heart Party at Zachary's.

The new MFAeA President belts one out

W Girls enjoy singing together, no matter which generation

More great music!

Outgoing President relaxes now that the big job is done.  

Y'all join in now!

Sunday, we gathered at the Arbor near the Chapel for a Prayer Service led by Rev. Anghaarad Teague Dees, Class of 1995. She also gave the invocation at both meetings. I hope she will share the story about the poem she included in the Prayer Service.

 

Several of us went to the First Methodist Church to hear the "The Seven Last Words of Christ" by Benjamin Harlan. Of course, Judge Mary Libby Payne knows Benjamin Harlan and had a story to tell. Church was followed by brunch at the Back Door. 

Several alums stayed for the Girl Scout Reception at Interim President Allegra Brigham's.  Elizabeth Gwin, who is almost 102, was the center of attention. She was two years old when the Girl Scout organization was founded and has been instrumental in its success in Mississippi.  

Photo of the Week from the MFAeA Homecoming Gala

 Lillian Wade, President of Mississippi's First Alumnae Association, Mitzi Greene, President of Mississippi University for Women's Alumni Association, Allegra Brigham, Interim President of MUW. Wreunited

Alumni Achievement Awards 2011

David Ivey, Class of '92, Nancy Adams Collins, Class of '68, MFAeA President, Lillian Wade, Wanda Ray, Class of '63, Shirley Rutherford Spain, Class of '64

Mississippi's First Alumnae Association presented the 2011 Alumni Achievement Awards at Homecoming.  This year's honorees are:  Nancy Adams Collins (class of 1968), David Andrew Ivy (class of 1992), Wanda Gail Ray (class of 1963) and Shirley Rutherford Spain (class of 1964).  The purpose of this award is to recognize and honor alumnae and alumni who have made significant contributions to Mississippi University for Women, or to their community, or to their profession and who, through these contributions, have brought favorable recognition to Mississippi University for Women.

 

Nancy Collins, who was the Founding President of Sanctuary Hospice House, was recently elected to the Mississippi Senate. As the daughter and granddaughter of MUW alumnae, she sees The W as a tradition that needs to be continued. She has been active in her community as a member of First Methodist Church in Tupelo, the Junior Auxiliary and the Tupelo Garden Club. She has served as a board member for Habitat for Humanity and the Family Resource Center. Past awards include the National Jackie Kennedy Onassis Award for Public Service, the State Governor's Volunteer Award and the State Jefferson Award. She is married to Jim Collins and they have four children and five grandchildren. 

David Andrew Ivy, formerly of Columbus, now lives in Georgia. His practice with the Doeve Law Firm, LLC focuses on civil litigation and business law. Ivy, who was the first male Student Body President at MUW, provided testimony to the Mississippi Senate opposing the effort to change the name of MUW. He is a member of the Boy Scouts of America and the National Eagle Scout Association. Along with his wife and son, he attends St. Jude Catholic Church in Sandy Springs, Georgia. He has served in the U.S. Air Force National Guard and received a Masters degree in Public Policy and Administration from MSU and his Juris Doctor from the University of District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law. 

A longtime employee of MUW, Wanda Ray calls the W her "home away from home". She was the Assistant to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs for 42 years. During her tenure at MUW she was a member of several professional groups and served a term as President of the MUW Office Personnel Association. She served as Secretary of Mississippi's First Alumnae Association from 2009-2010. Her colleagues at MUW named her MUW Staff Member of the Year in the Supervisory Category and she received the Faculty Senate Award for Outstanding Service to the University and Faculty. Ray is also a member of the Church of Christ, Steens, Mississippi, and the Steens Civic Association. 

Shirley Spain has been an active leader in our Birmingham, Alabama chapter. Her career was with the Social Security Administration where she began as a temporary and retired as the Area Administrative Assistant for Alabama. During her career she received many awards including the Commissioner’s Citation Award, which was the highest honor. In 1978 Spain was included in the Outstanding Young Women of America. She has been on the Positive Maturity Board of Directors for over ten years and served as Chair of this Board for a term. She has served on the Walker County Council on Aging, (now the Retired Senior Volunteer Program) including two terms as President. She has worked with United Way and participated in other civic functions. She is the proud mother of a MUW alumna.

MUW Alums Are Now United

This is one of those posts that I get to write because I do most of the writing for this blog.  It is a post that is my opinion and not the opinion of Mississippi's First Alumnae Association or anyone else besides me (unless he or she shares my opinions).

One of the highlights of Homecoming this year was that Mississippi's First Alumnae Association and the MUW Alumni Association voted to merge with MFAeA being the surviving entity, and agreeing to change its name to the MUW Alumni Association.  The first opinion I would like to express is gratitude to all those who worked to make this happen.  Thank you to Interim President Allegra Brigham, MFAeA President Lillian Wade and MUW Alumni Association President Mitzi Green for working to undo the damage done to the school by the former president.

The second opinion I'd like to post is that now is the time for all alumnae and alumni to come together and work for the good of MUW.  It is time to support MUW by recruiting students, spreading good news about the school and supporting it financially.  It is also time for fiscal accountability on the part of the Foundation.

Hail to Thee MUW!