Editor:

Thank you for providing the editorial from the Commercial Dispatch in Columbus concerning Mississippi University for Women. The “messy fight” at MUW has gone on long enough and is certainly not in keeping with the dignity of the University.

My ties with MUW go back many years, having grown up in Columbus. I entered first grade at the Demonstration School on the MSCW (now MUW) campus which was just a few blocks from my home. My mother, Bessie Bates, who now is a resident of Picayune, telephoned then President Parkinson for permission for me to walk through the campus to get to school. I just could not wait to graduate from high school so that I could become a “W Girl.” Then my daughter, Jennye, carried on the tradition, entering MUW after graduation from Picayune High School. I hope that my granddaughters will consider the “W” because it is said, “Once a “W” girl, always a “W” girl,” no matter our age or where we live! And, of course, I will be thrilled if my grandsons choose MUW also!

I have never met the current president, Claudia Limbert, and I am sorry that she apparently feels threatened by the Alumnae Association and the traditions of the University. As far as I know, MUW has never had a Queen Bee before this president and I can assure you that “W” girls and boys past, present and future are not to be considered as her hive. We have always had a voice and used it, whether as students or alumnae.

Traditions run strong at MUW and the cohesion of faculty, students and alumnae have kept the university alive despite many adversaries and critics. President Limbert may close the Alumnae Office and supposedly fire the staff members, but she can never bring down our spirit. The very existence of MUW has been threatened over the years and public, long-running and silly disputes like this do nothing to preserve the stability of our beloved University.

MUW was there long before Claudia Limbert came on the scene and MUW will be there long after she is gone!! “Hail to thee, dear Alma Mater, Noble and Strong …!”