Susan Raynor Puckett '75
President
Dear MUW Alumnae and Alumni,
There are events in all our lives that have a profound effect on how we view the world. The events over the past two years regarding the MUW Alumnae Association have shaped each of us and perhaps changed us in ways we could not have anticipated. We are all a little wiser, a little more determined to stand for what we believe is right, a little more patient with those with whom we disagree, and a little more optimistic in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Above all, we have been rewarded with new friends, new opportunities and the pleasure of working alongside outstanding women and men who all learned at MUW to think and act independently.
Despite the immense challenges that we have faced and continue to face, we have refused to indulge in pessimism or negativity. The script of this year should have been very different but rather than mourn what "should have been," we have all refocused our energy and talents and faced each new challenge with optimism.
Because of each of you, much has been accomplished this year. We began the year as a disaffiliated organization forced to meet off campus and we bring the year to a close back on our campus and re-affiliated with the university we love and support. This is largely due to Julie Hussey and Kym Gore and their outstanding work representing us so superbly as we faced legal battle after legal battle. Julie, Kym and their team went above and beyond what should be expected of any alum. Their job, however, would have been even more daunting without the work you all have done to not only keep our historic alumnae association viable but to make it even stronger and more committed to serving our university.
This newsletter is a perfect example of the new ideas generated this year. Each committee has followed though with the projects for which they have always been responsible while creating new projects to meet increased challenges and opportunities. The accomplishments of each committee are far too numerous to mention, but have all served to lend unquestionable support to our university and to guarantee the continuation of the "Long Blue Line".
I am very honored to have served as your president for the past year and look forward to doing all that I can to ensure an outstanding new year as the gavel is passed to Kym Gore. We are all very fortunate to have Kym leading us into the new year. Winston Churchill said, "If we are together, nothing is impossible". Kym will need all of us to give our very best and I know you join me in pledging support to her and her leadership as we look forward to a new year.
Susan Puckett