Letter from MFAeA President

Loyal Daughters & Sons,

Well, college comrades we have once again stood up for our beloved alma mater. Last week I had the pleasure to drive up to Jackson for W day at the Capital. Despite the cold temperatures and broken water mains, W alums received a very warm reception in the House. Our very own Toni Seawright (class of ’87) was a super star as she sang from the House floor. I was thrilled to see so many alums and students filling the galleries and packed into the Friends of the W reception at the Old Capital Inn. Several folks asked why I made the four hour journey from Pensacola and I responded that it is for my love of the W and for her future that I made the drive as did so many other alums. Our passion for our university is evident and the state legislators were reminded again of the distances we will go to support MUW as a free-standing, independent university with a strong women’s mission. So to the Friends of the W and other folks who made the day a success, I say KUDOS!

Our winter board meeting is coming up the first weekend in February and I want to extend an invitation to all alums to come and be a part of the work of the board. We will have dinner at J Broussards on Friday evening and follow up with some strategy talks, wine & cheese where all voices and ideas are needed as we look ahead to the impact of the state budget on the W’s future. The board convenes on Saturday morning at 9:30 am at the Wesley Foundation.

The impact of the state budget cuts has not been fully felt yet, but the W is facing lean years ahead and now is the time for us to continue to remind the state and beyond that Mississippi University for Women is a jewel that should be treasured and preserved.

Hail to Thee!

Anghaarad Teague Dees
President
Mississippi’s First Alumnae Association