FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 27, 2009
MUW turns 125 on March 12; community invited to birthday party
By Jill D. O’Bryant
COLUMBUS, Miss. -- Mississippi University for Women is set to celebrate its 125th anniversary on March 12, the anniversary of the Mississippi Legislature’s approval of the Martin Bill to create the university originally known as Industrial Institute and College (II&C).
“We are so thankful to the forward-thinking women who lobbied for
this school, the Legislature that established it and the City of
Columbus that made it possible through donations of buildings and
money,” said Dr. Claudia A. Limbert, president. “We have so much to
be thankful for.
“Not only will this be a day of celebration, but it also will be a
day to remember and honor our past.”
II&C, the first public college for women in America, became Mississippi State College for Women in 1920 to more clearly reflect the institution’s effort to integrate professional training with the
four year baccalaureate degree and was again changed in 1974 to
Mississippi University for Women. Men have been admitted since 1982.
Blue and white, the university’s colors, will be the colors for the
day at the celebration that will take place at 1 p.m. at Bryan Gazebo on campus. Not only will there be 125 blue and white balloons released to represent each year of the university’s existence, but there also is expected to be a sea of blue and white as those attending the ceremony are asked to wear blue and white to add to the festiveness.
Other plans for the celebration, which is sponsored by the MUW Alumni Association, include a birthday cake made by MUW’s Culinary Arts Institute with Rep. Esther Harrison, a 2000 alumna, cutting the first piece, a proclamation presented by Columbus Mayor Robert Smith and greetings given by other officials.
In the case of inclement weather, the celebration will be moved to Rent
Auditorium of Whitfield Hall.
For more information about this event which is free and open to the
public and other events scheduled to celebrate this anniversary year,
please visit www.muw.edu/125th.
