FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2005
Contact: Regina L. McCray
(662) 329-7119

MUW O.W.L.S. induct new members

COLUMBUS, Miss. – The Omicron-Psi chapter of the Older Wiser Learning Students (O.W.L.S.) at Mississippi University for Women recently inducted new members.

O.W.L.S. is a student organization specifically designed for adult learners of all majors. The organization is affiliated with the National Omicron-Psi Honor Society.

MUW President Claudia A. Limbert served as guest speaker for the induction ceremony. Students were presented certificates, insignia pins and honor cords.

O.W.L.S. defines an adult learner as any student who is at least 25 years of age or a younger student who has adult responsibilities such as caring for their children and parents or students who are veterans.

Potential and current members of O.W.L.S. must possess and maintain the principles of duty, honor and service. They must also maintain and demonstrate high ethical standards in all aspects of life.

Other requirements for membership in O.W.L.S. include being a junior, having a minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, current participation in three community service activities such as 4H, work with senior centers or church related activities.

Linda Halbert, director of counseling and testing, said, “O.W.L.S. was named after The W’s mascot and our motto is ‘never give up, never give in’.”

The following students were inducted:

Marianna Ballard, a junior from Louisville, who is seeking a bachelor of science in nursing. She serves as the vice president of O.W.L.S.

Janea Edge of Dallas is a junior majoring in fine arts with an emphasis in interior design. Edge is the SGA fine and performing arts senator and vice-president of the MUW chapter of American Society of Interior Designers.

Dale Jones is a senior broadcast communication major from Vernon, Ala. Jones’ minor is exercise science. He is a WMUW disc jockey and intramural sports writer for The Spectator.

Tamela King is a music education major with an emphasis in vocal performance. King is from Pensacola, Fla. She is a student member of Mississippi Professional Educators, a W Rep and sings in the Madrigals choir.

Dorothy Nell Ray of Amory is a senior majoring in business with a concentration in management information systems. Ray is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and has been honored by Who’s Who Among Students in Universities and Colleges, MUW’s Dean’s List and National Dean’s List.

Shafonda Spain is a graduate student from Indianola. She is pursuing a master’s degree in reading literacy. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Delta Epsilon and the Student Mississippi Association of Educators.

Trena Hampton of Okolona is a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in health education. She received her bachelor of science in family studies and is a pre-professional certified family life educator.

Renetta Nichols, a junior psychology and Spanish major and English minor, is from Amory. She is a member of the MUW Spanish Club.

The organization’s honor key includes all the symbols that its members are expected to dedicate their lives to such as a continued pursuit for learning, seeking higher educational pursuits and encouraging others to do the same, individual service, living with honesty and integrity and being an example in life instead of part of the problem.

Halbert said, “These students have made many sacrifices in order to pursue their college education and must balance having families, children and jobs. Members find support from others in the group in sharing the challenges they face and in knowing that they don’t have to go through it alone.”