A rose to Mississippi University for Women Interim President Allegra Brigham, who pulled off a feat many of us thought would never happen: the reunification of The W”s fractured alumni groups.
Past President Claudia Limbert, who had accused workers and members of the official MUW Alumnae Association of trying to get her fired and hindering fundraising efforts, terminated the century-old group”s official ties with the school in 2007. Lawsuits, harsh words and bad blood flowed and Limbert formed a new alumni group.
Forging a peace between the two groups is an accomplishment worthy of an elder statesman. The rift among alumni at times made the Israel-Palestine conflict look tame by comparison — and we”re only half kidding.
Roses, as well, to Mitzi Green, president of the Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association, and Lillian Wade, president of the disenfranchised Mississippi”s First Alumnae Association, for leading their respective groups back together.
Divided, the feuding alumni only hindered The W”s future. With the alumni reunited, great things lie in store for the university.
A rose to the members of the Mid-South Fly Fishers club, who came to Columbus for an annual fishing trip on Saturday — one with added benefits.
Members of the club brought along six boys from the Palmer Home for Children in Columbus, teaching them the ins and outs of fly fishing.
The challenging sport teaches patience, attention to detail, and dexterity — and imparts a love of the great outdoors.
We thank the group for giving back to the Columbus community each year.
A rose to the small army of volunteers who made Clean Sweep Columbus another success this year.
We all say we want to live in a clean city. Volunteers from all walks of life did more than talk the talk on Saturday — they threw in a little elbow grease.
Groups fanned out throughout the Friendly City, picking up litter and debris made worse from Friday”s storms. They also teamed up to paint the Magnolia Bowl in downtown Columbus, and mulched and planted flower beds.
Thanks to all who turned out Saturday to make Columbus a more livable city.
A rose to Glenn Lautzenhiser, who was honored this year with the Columbus Exchange Club”s annual Book of Golden Deeds award.
Lautzenhiser was recognized for his extensive service on city boards and in the community. The retired Lautzenhiser has been appointed to several positions over the years, including the Columbus school board and the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau board of directors.
The committed volunteer also teaches a Bible study class at First Baptist Church on Sunday morning and other volunteer work.
“He”s not a sprinter — he”s a marathon runner,” the Exchange Club”s Jim Davidson said of Lautzenhiser this week. “When he takes on a job, you can count on him to finish it.”
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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