For Immediate Release - August 23, 2007
W Alums Gather for Wretreat
Alumni of Mississippi University for Women gathered on Jekyll Island the week of August 4 -11, for "Wretreat." Eighteen members of The Mississippi University for Women Alumnae Association and their guests took part in what is expected to become an annual event.
Brunswick transplant Neely Hunter served as the official host of the week-long gathering, which was the first visit to Jekyll and the Golden Isles for most of the participants. Occupying four rented cottages near Beachview Drive, the alums participated in planned activities as well as many impromptu activities.
"The objective of the 'Wretreat' was to offer alums a wide range of opportunities to enjoy the area and each other's company," Hunter said, noting that activities ran the gamut from challenging games of Scrabble to casual trips to the beach in the blazing August heat. Organized events included chapel service at Faith Chapel led by "W" alumna and Presbyterian Pastor Anghaarad Teague, a private behind-the-scenes tour of the new Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Sunday brunch at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel Grand Dining Room.
The group was also treated to a tour of the Jekyll Historic District led by Museum Director John Hunter, and many participated in an early morning Hatchling Walk led by volunteers and interns of the turtle program. The group invited W alums local to the Golden Isles to join them for a dinner of seafood gumbo and W-inspired martinis.
Local alums and sisters Mary Rice and Ann Johnson joined the visiting alumni in several activities and pledged to work with Hunter to form a local chapter of The MUW Alumnae Association.
Mississippi University for Women is located in Columbus, MS, and was the nation's first state-supported institution of higher learning for women established in 1884. Hunter indicated that plans are already underway to organize the 2nd annual Wretreat. "It is an event sure to become a treasured tradition," she said.
For more information regarding The MUW Alumnae Association, visit the group’s Web site www.muwalumnae.com.