Chapter News

MUW alumnae far and wide are sharing love and appreciation for their alma mater through Mississippi’s First Alumnae Association. A strong and growing network of chapters associated with MFAeA unite alumnae and alumni by utilizing both tried-and-true traditions and some surprising new innovations.

The MFAeA currently has more than 30 chapters established or in various stages of organization, stretching from the East Coast to the West Coast, and all points in-between. Some are citywide, some regional, some statewide; others are organized around common interests or concerns. Some have members gathering face-to-face in homes or favorite eating establishments; others meet in the virtual world of the Internet.

MFAeA chapters are currently organized using three distinct models:

• Traditional Model: With a formal, structured organization, the traditional model typically includes the election of a president and other officers, collection of local dues, a regular meeting schedule, and sponsorship of local projects.

• Informal Model: A chapter may choose to follow a more flexible pattern of organization, electing to identify a contact person to represent the group, to meet from time to time, and to remain flexible in terms of its activities and projects.

• E-chapter Model: A chapter may also consist of members from a widely dispersed geographic area who share common interests or backgrounds and opt to create a virtual chapter, following either the traditional or informal model of organization. E-chapters may be started to facilitate connections between alumnae with a common major, members of the same social club or organization, or other shared interest or purpose.

The Lowndes County Chapter in Mississippi is an example of the traditional model. Located in the county that is home to MUW, the chapter not only holds monthly “lunch bunch” gatherings but also has hosted a variety of special events and activities that spotlight the university and its students. A “Valentine Extravaganza,” for example, was held at different antebellum homes and catered by students in the university’s Culinary Arts Department. Over the course of its 10-year history, the Extravaganza had as its goal raising $100,000 for an endowed scholarship. That goal was reached in 2008.

Scholarships, no matter the amount, “are the best investment” an alumnae chapter can make, said Lillian Harris Wade ’68, a member of the Lowndes County Chapter and MFAeA president-elect. “Everyone wins.”

The Memphis (Tenn.) Chapter is currently an informal chapter that may adopt the formal chapter model once a regular meeting schedule is re-established, according to organizers. Alums in the area will have a special treat June 27 when Dr. Bridget Pieschel ’79, MUW Professor of English, is special guest at a book signing from 1-3 p.m. June 27 at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in Memphis (Laurelwood location). Alums are invited to make this occasion their summer kickoff chapter meeting.

“I think that participation in a chapter — even an informal one — is an excellent way to meet alums in the area, share information about what's going on, develop a dependable group that can then go out and invite others to join us and grow our membership — both nationally and locally,” said Memphis Chapter Rep Anne Swearingen ’73. “It's fun to watch people from different years talk about their experiences and find the similarities and differences. And, of course, I love to hear that W girl squeal when we see those we haven't seen in a long time.”

The newest model, E-chapters — offered as an option beginning in early 2009 — allows alumnae to organize around common interests. Participants stay connected via email correspondence, blogs and other electronic means. The MFAeA currently boasts E-chapters for persons interested in the study and research of single-sex educational institutions; for alums in fields of communication, including journalism, public relations, speech and e-commerce; and another for alums who considered themselves “Golden Days Independents.” Future E-chapters may focus on any number of other topics of interests.

As an example, the goals for the W-Comm E-chapter are to “create support for each other, enhance our skills, and encourage our new communication graduates,” said chapter rep Lydia Quarles ’71. Members engage in discussion, post articles and share thoughts related to communication issues via a blog (wcomm.wordpress.com).

The Stitchers E-chapter pulls in alums interested in "hand work" — knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, quilting, any kind of handwork that deals with threads and textiles. Chapter organizers expect to donate handwork to various not-for-profit organizations throughout the year, such as shawls and afghans for the bereft or ill, and chemo hats for cancer patients.

“Alumnae of Mississippi University for Women share a common bond that is very special. We all know the feeling, even if we can’t explain it,” said Jane Dearing Dennis ’80, chair of the MFAeA Chapter Development Committee. “Our chapters play an important role in fostering fellowship and camaraderie. They allow us to celebrate that special bond and build upon it, even if we’re separated by years or long distances. It is our shared experiences and love for the W that unite us.”

To learn about an existing MFAeA chapter in your area, or to learn more about starting a chapter in your area, contact Jane at janedennis@comcast.net or (501) 223-2809.