Serving the W – Chapter by Chapter

By Jane Dearing Dennis


When it comes to giving back to their alma mater, members of Mississippi’s First Alumnae Association continue to make a significant impact by contributing creative skills, professional services and financial resources for the benefit of Mississippi University for Women. Contributions range from providing free legal expertise and communication services to funding scholarships, assisting with student recruiting and hosting special events to honor students and faculty.

The MFAeA’s 37 chapters criss-cross the country and serve as the springboard for much of this heartfelt work benefiting the W. The value of these contributions is immeasurable.

Attorneys Kym Golden Gore ’97, an assistant attorney general in Tampa, Fla., and former MFAeA president, and Julie L. Hussey ’95, with the global legal services firm of DLA Piper, have generously shared their legal expertise pro bono with the association. They represented the Association in cases argued in Lowndes County Chancery Court and before the Mississippi State Supreme Court, and continue as legal advisors on other matters.

 “I love the W and there was a need that I could fill by supporting the Association,” Gore said. “Young alums, I think, often find themselves feeling as though they can't contribute to the W because they can't write a check and fund a scholarship. Most have up-and-coming careers, young families, and other financial obligations that keep them from being able to donate financially. When the opportunity to donate my time and my skills came, I was happy to help.”


Hands-on volunteers maintain “a tangible connection with the W through the Association,” Gore said. “That connection is important because the time will come when those young alums can write a check and fund a scholarship, and we want the W to be first on their list.”

Likewise, Cindy Pond ’84, owner of Taylor & Pond Interactive, a web design, development and new media agency based in San Diego, freely shares her expertise and resources with the association by helping create and maintain the web site (www.msfirstalumnae.com), among many other special projects. While her firm’s professional services would normally cost many thousands of dollars, Pond donates the work to the association because she appreciates the education she received at the W and wants the university to thrive and be strengthened for the future.

Dozens of other MFAeA members give their time and talent as writers, accountants, communication specialists, managers, special event planners and encouragers, all because they love MUW.

Fund raising is a very important aspect of the support MFAeA chapters provide. For example, the Lowndes County Chapter raised $100,000 and created an endowed scholarship benefiting deserving students from their county. The chapter also contributes significant funds to MUW’s Culinary Arts program. And recently, members served as “stage moms” for the cast and crew of MUW’s production of “Streetcar Named Desire,” hosting an opening night party, as well as meals and refreshments throughout the run of the show.

The Delta Chapter awards two annual scholarships to outstanding students from their six-county area in the Delta. The chapter is also generous in providing financial support to the MFAeA to enhance the association’s support of MUW.
The Oktibbeha County Chapter proudly awards an annual scholarship to an outstanding Oktibbeha County student attending MUW.


The Jackson Metro Chapter, which holds monthly “Lunch Bunch” gatherings, provides a scholarship annually for a deserving Jackson area student at the W.


The Arkansas Chapter offers an annual scholarship to a student from Arkansas. The 2009 recipient, Rachael Johnson ’10, a senior nursing student from Lake Village, Ark., said she was “so honored to be awarded this amazing scholarship. With it being my last year in nursing school, and with tight funds, I will put this money to good use.”


Providing scholarships is “one way alums can give back to the W and show our love for the university,” said Arkansas Chapter president Amy Johnson Davis ’93. “As a former scholarship recipient, I remember the excitement and honor I felt knowing that someone thought enough to recognize a student like me. I am happy to know that I am a continuing part of that legacy. It is the least we can do to show our appreciation for what the W has done for each of us.”


In addition, when members of the MUW Office of Admissions were unable to attend a fall College Night hosted by the Little Rock School District, several Arkansas alumnae stepped up as volunteers and represented MUW at the event, attended by several thousand high school students. The alums worked with the Office of Admissions and “were delighted to lend a hand and introduce students in this area to MUW,” said one volunteer.


Other alumnae associated with MFAeA have provided valuable assistance in documenting oral histories of many of the W’s Golden Girls. The ongoing project is sponsored by MUW's Center for Women’s Research and Public Policy.
Members of the Stitchers E-Chapter aim to share knowledge and skills related to threads, textiles and various forms of “hand work.” They donate some of their creations to not-for-profit and charity organizations. Member Laurie Hawkins Teague ’71 donated the chapter’s first completed piece, a bright red scarf she knitted, to the Lamia-Afghanistan organization.


The Wcomm E-Chapter of MFAeA brings together alumnae in the field of communication — including those in speech, journalism, marketing and public relations – for online discussions and networking.             Each month a member prepares and posts an article or a discussion topic for discussion.  The chapter blog is found online at www.wcomm.wordpress.com.

Most recently members of the Atlanta Mag Chain chapter met for lunch.  They discussed their desire to have a service project for their chapter and opted to raise money to support the Oral History project – specifically by providing funding for travel when interviewees are unable to come to the campus.  Members also agreed to serve as volunteers to record any interviews that need to be gathered anywhere in the state of Georgia.  A check will be presented to Dr. Pieschel at the Fall Board meeting.


The Memphis Chapter joined with a local bookstore to host a book-signing event featuring MUW professor of English Bridget Smith Pieschel ’79, editor of “Golden Days,” about MUW’s “Golden Girls.” Several other chapters have invited Pieschel to give readings from the book.


The Association lends support to the university in a host of other ways. Sales from its beautiful “Southern Grace Cookbook” fund a culinary arts scholarship. Association members fully endowed the Patsy Lockhart McDaniel ’63 Scholarship, honoring the longtime director of the Office of Alumni Relations. Students are welcomed back to campus each fall and feted with a party. Outstanding alums are recognized annually with Achievement Awards. This year, we are hosting a reception in honor of the outstanding authors presenting during the Welty Writers symposium. (See Invitation elsewhere in this Newsletter.) Plans are under way to present awards recognizing an outstanding faculty member from each of the four colleges, as well as an outstanding young faculty member.

The time, talent and service so generously given by MFAeA chapters and their members are both astounding and monumental. But perhaps that’s not so surprising since MUW is itself such a special and extraordinary place. 

Special Events - Welcome Back Party for Students August 20, 2009

Mississippi’s First Alumnae Association hosted its first Welcome Back Party for students at the Rosenzweig Arts Center in downtown Columbus. Heavy rains couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the students, alums and faculty who enjoyed a barbecue supper with all the fixins' served by members of the Lowndes County MFAeA chapter. More than 25 local merchants donated 60 gift certificates and other door prizes. The diversity of the student body was well represented with members of all classes, social clubs and independents, on and off campus students, and lots of different majors attending.