ver as director at the Frank P. Phillips YMCA on Feb. 17, replacing Andy Boyd, who retired in December after 11 years in the position. Woodruff grew up in Columbus, participating in YMCA programs in the downtown facility. Also like Boyd, Woodruff is known for his genial nature, helpfulness and embrace of the YMCA’s mission. After 38 years in the grocery business — including 17 years as the manager at the Columbus Kroger, Woodruff said he plans to apply the same “people first” attitude that guided him through his previous career. We wish him every success.
A rose to Mississippi University for Women, which will host its fourth annual “Imagine, Inspire Challenge Symposium” on Thursday and Friday. This year’s conference is titled “Stem Cell Therapies in 2020: Healing, Hope or Hype.” During Thursday’s keynote address, Texas-based artist Dario Robleto will join MUW alumna Dr. Doris A. Taylor, director of regenerative medicine at the Texas Heart Institute, for a conversation on the deep connections between art and science, focusing in particular on Taylor’s groundbreaking research in trying to create a functioning human organ. Saturday’s events include six lectures, followed by a Q&A session with Robleto and Taylor. Although the symposium has only been around for three years, it has already established itself as one of the most intriguing and informative programs the university has to offer. Certainly, this year will be no exception.
A rose to Starkville Community Theatre, which brought home top honors form the Mississippi Theatre Association’s annual film festival in categories including Best Production (“A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay About the Death of Walt Disney”), Best Director (Gabe Smith), Best Actor (Paul Ruff) and Best Supporting Actor (Ben Christmas) during the four-day event. The honors only confirm STC’s long tradition of outstanding live theatre. We applaud not only the STC but also the community, whose support is critical to the continued success of the program.
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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