2014 Lafayette-Oxford-University Area Women of Distinction Luncheon Souvenir Program

Wednesday

November 12, 2014 11:30 a.m.

First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 800 Van Buren Avenue Oxford, MS

Luncheon Program Welcome............................................................................................................ Mary Haskell Prayer............................................................................................................ Mary Ann FrugĂŠ G i r l Sco ut P led ge.................................Oxford-Lafayette County Girl Scouts introduction............................................................................................Katherine King K ey n ot e Speak er......................................................... Peggie Gillom-Granderson Girl Scout Highlights.............................................Melanie Schild, GSHS CEO 2014 Nominees.............................................................................................. Mary Haskell Vicki Sneed Pl edg e C ampa ign an d closin g.................................................. Vicki Sneed

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2014 Women of Distinction Nominees Cynthia Bolden.................................................................................................................... page 3 Mary Ann Connell............................................................................................................... page 4 Kas ey Da ni e l s...................................................................................................................... page 5 Carol Dye................................................................................................................................. page 6 Do n n a Fi s he r ....................................................................................................................... page 7 Beth Fitts................................................................................................................................ page 8 Lila Herren.............................................................................................................................. page 9 Ly n n K l e pz i g ....................................................................................................................... page 10 Kathy Mooney.......................................................................................................................page 11 Katie N a ro n..........................................................................................................................page 12 Rachel Robinson...............................................................................................................page 13 Linda Spargo....................................................................................................................... page 14 R ac he l We s t ........................................................................................................................page 15

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Nominees

cynthia bolden Cynthia Bolden is easily one of the most compassionate people around—the kind of person who is always willing to give of herself to others each and every day. This is especially true when it comes to girls and young women—to inspire them to be more and to see their beauty through the eyes of love.

“She was given a solid foundation from strong women starting with her mom who taught her the love of God. Cynthia’s father encouraged her to see that a strong woman is a giving woman.

The foundation of Cynthia’s character was further strengthened through the role models, teachings, opportunities to teach as well as be a role model herself at Hopewell Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL. and Producing Faith Church in Irondale, AL.” Cynthia’s spirit and personality also shows in her 24-year marriage to James Bolden. She has shown that a woman can be part of a very successful marriage, pursue her personal dreams, and be a shining example to others.

Cynthia has a degree in Information Systems from NEC and was also a graduate of Dudley Beauty School. In Birmingham, AL, Cynthia owned and operated Bold and Beautiful Hair Design. In the beauty salon is where opportunities to be an influence for others really took off. She loved working with the girls, listening to them, giving advice and sharing special moments with them. While in Birmingham, Cynthia and her father entered into a joint venture, Stork News of Birmingham - a baby’s birth announcement service - where professionally designed, brightly colored signs were displayed in the yards of proud parents.

Cynthia has been a Health Consultant with Nature’s Sunshine products for 18 years. She has also owned and operated Good Nutrition here in Oxford for the past 10 years. Cynthia has raised awareness of natural health in the Oxford, University, Lafayette communities and beyond by teaching and sharing at various classes and workshops. She received her certification as a Health Minister from Hallelujah Acres. She also serves as the Health Minister at Kingdom of God Ministries here in Oxford, MS where she has designed classes to teach people how to take better care of their bodies.

Cynthia continues to work with young female adults who are usually college graduates and are just not sure what’s next for them. She assists them in budgeting their finances, saving for their futures and showing them how they have so much to give. Cynthia does all of this with an incredible spirit and dedication in contributing to the lives of so many.

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Nominees

mary ann connell Mary Ann Strong Connell is a woman who cares deeply about others, excels professionally, and gives unselfishly to our community.

Reaching out to those in need describes Mary Ann as well as does her impressive career accomplishments. She weekly cooks for and carries food to elderly and young friends; she gives rides to friends in need; she meets with and counsels numerous friends. Her contributions to the Oxford-Lafayette County area are numerous, indeed, with her having served on the University of Mississippi Foundation Board, the University of Mississippi Athletic Committee, the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce, the First National Bank Advisory Board, the Board of Directors of Friends of Mississippi Public Broadcasting, and as the Jr. Warden and member of St. Peter’s Vestry. Additionally, Mary Ann is a member of The Browning Club and has served as its president three times. She is an outstanding lecturer, presenter and teacher. Currently Mary Ann practices law with the Mayo Mallette firm in Oxford. She also teaches two courses on education law at the School of Education and has been an adjunct professor at the University of Mississippi School of Law and the Business School.

“Mary Ann has been recognized as a leader in the legal profession with numerous honors. She is past president of the National Association of College and University Attorneys by whom she received the Distinguished Service Award from this association. She is past president of the Mississippi Council of School Attorneys; a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation; a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award bestowed by the Lafayette County Bar Association; a recipient of the Thomas S. Biggs, Jr. Award for leadership, integrity, and service in the legal profession and the higher education community from Stetson University Law School; the NAACP Freedom Award for life-long service in the area of education and civil rights; the Outstanding Woman Lawyer in Mississippi award; the University of Mississippi Chancellor’s Award for outstanding contributions toward increasing diversity; the University of Mississippi Mortar Board Award for outstanding teacher of the year, and has been rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell.”

“Mary Ann’s caring for others is demonstrated by the time she devotes to her family and her friends.

Mary Ann’s husband, Bill, passed away in 1982 when their children were quite young. Their four children, Elizabeth, Stella, Mary Ann, and Jane, never lacked for attention and guidance, even when Mary Ann was parenting alone.”

Mary Ann has charm that draws people to her. She is poised and confident while being one who listens intently to others and respects the opinions of others even when they differ greatly from her own. She is and has been a mentor to many within our Oxford-University-Lafayette County community.

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Nominees

kasey daniels Kasey Haynie Daniels has lived all of her life in Abbeville where she resides with her husband, Ian Daniels, and their 4 year old daughter, Jayde. Kasey has always been a very active participant in the community. In High School she was a member of the Beta Club, Captain of the LHS Dance team her senior year, and member of the LHS Choir. She was also a member of the Mississippi Moonshine Cloggers, performing and entertaining at Nursing Homes, 4th of July Celebrations in Oxford, and various special events and fundraisers. During her senior year at Ole Miss she worked as a part-time Intern with the Chamber of Commerce and has served as an Ambassador with the Chamber, welcoming newcomers to our community and attending ribbon cuttings for new businesses.

Kasey has completed the Leadership LOU Program through the Chamber and has also completed the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program. She is a member of the LOU Young Professionals. Kasey has served as a Committee Member and as Chairman of the Abbeville Autumn Festival, planning and organizing the annual event that hosts arts & crafts, food vendors, children’s games and rides, entertainment and street dance.

After College, Kasey’s character traits of preparation, dedication and self-confidence coupled with a strong work ethic, enabled her to land a job with Q-93 Radio as an advertising sales representative.

Later she worked for the Pro Matura Group as an account representative, and when the Oxford University Bank opened she was hired as a Loan Processor. She returned to the Abbeville Bank and the Bank of Holly Springs as the Mortgage Loan Officer and remains there today as an Assistant Vice President and Loan Officer. She is always eager to help other employees and bank customers any time there is a problem or a question that needs answering, oftentimes saying, “I may not know the answer, but I will find someone who does.”

Kasey’s hobbies include a love for the outdoors, whether it is raking hay for her dad, dove hunting with her husband, or riding and caring for their two horses, she is at home on the farm. She has also become an accomplished seamstress making dresses for her daughter and monogramming for her family and friends. Kasey truly loves her family and her friends; her infectious smile and show of affection is always obvious at any gathering.

Kasey has a strong faith in God and is a member of the Abbeville Baptist Church. Through the years she served as Bible School teacher to preschoolers and has worked with different age groups and sometimes as a mentor and helping others develop their trust and faith in God. Kasey believes, “You should always give more than you take,” and to remember to thank God for all of his blessings, “...those we take for granted and those we ask for.”

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Nominees

carol dye Carole Shields Dye has made numerous and varied lasting contributions to our community focusing on education and service. A number of years ago a group of women, with Carole’s wise leadership, was able to assist in getting the first neonatal and mammography equipment for the hospital. Another need was a new library. Carole was instrumental in urging the City and County boards to commit land and resources for our library on Bramlett Boulevard. In the early 1970’s, a Title 3 Center was established in Oxford. Carole was one of the educational consultants who worked in several surrounding counties getting diagnoses on children’s educational status as well as their physical health, their hearing, and their social situation. In 1976 Carole realized the need for a proper child care facility in Oxford and opened the First Baptist Church Child Care Center for children aged six weeks to six years. It was fully integrated with as many as 14 different nationalities attending.

Now, 40 years later, this child care center is still considered one of the premier facilities for child care in Oxford. Carole is active in Oxford-University Methodist Church where for many years she has chaired the bereavement committee. She makes personal contact with families and takes meals to families who have lost a loved one.

As principal of Bramlett Elementary School in 1984, she was responsible for planning and implementing public school kindergarten which Bramlett piloted with two classes the first year and built a building and fully implemented it the second year. At the end of her tenure at Bramlett, the school district received an honor from a consortium at Mississippi State University for being the top district in the state in educating students of all races. Additionally while at Bramlett, Carole worked with the rector and a member of the Episcopal Church in starting the Leap Frog program which was designed to boost educational and social privileges for underprivileged children after school.

Carole’s greatest accomplishment is being part of and contributing to a loving, generous, caring family. For 54 years she has been married to Bill Dye, and they have a daughter, Anne, son-in-law, Robin, and two grandsons, Christian 17 and Shields 13.

She is often the quiet one in the background making life better just as she has often been the leader on the forefront of dramatic programs that have served and continue to serve so many in our community. Without a doubt, Carole has and is a leader that has strengthened education and service to all people while mentoring teachers and students.

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Nominees

donna fisher Donna Fisher has served the City of Oxford in her position as Clerk of the Municipal Court of Oxford and served this community in an exemplary fashion. “Her professionalism, integrity and graciousness to all she encounters are extraordinary. Her sweet nature and patience are matchless.” She is a part of fundraising for the United Way, and gives support of the Lafayette School system where her son Nicholas is a student. She is also faithful with her church.

Her leadership in her office is also quite evident. In addition while working full-time for the city, she graduated from the University of Mississippi. The example she sets in her position as well as in her community renders a positive role model to inspire girls to achieve and grow positively to adulthood. Her mentoring skills also mean much to the influence she has over these young girls and women.

“Her demeanor on the telephone and in person is perhaps her most impressive quality. As anyone can imagine, the concept of going to court is not pleasant, but everyone who interacts with Ms. Fisher exits that office uplifted, rather than degraded. She treats everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their station in life. The standard to which we aspire is the symbol of justice, the lady with her eyes covered so that all are equal. She works after regular hours and on Saturdays. Ms. Fisher is not only loyal to court employees, but to others involved as well. She never acts as though she remembers when someone has been less than kind.”

“Without walking into her office, the general public would simply not know the number of people Donna interacts with daily. She reveals her true self and why she is one of our communities’ true gems. Donna has the ability to somehow get to the very essence of a particular individual’s problem, the symptom of which landed them in City Court to start with. She cautions individuals on the use and overuse of intoxicants without becoming judgmental. She talks them through relationship problems without picking a side. Still Donna does not dismiss a single individual until they are ready to leave on their own and even though the line is forming at her door and the mountains of documents still wait. Donna gives them the time each needs. I get the impression that Donna is their last friend—she is there when friends and family have given up.”

“Donna Fisher affects her community one person at a time as she is an example, a friend and a mentor to those who find their way to her desk. Donna Fisher embodies what all of humanity should strive to achieve.”

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Nominees

beth fitts “Beth Fitts is one of the most wonderful women living in Oxford today.” Before Beth retired a few years ago, she was an award winning journalism teacher at the local high school. She was loved and respected by her students as well as fellow co-workers. In the year 2002-2003 she was selected as the Teacher of the Year at Oxford High School as well as the district. That same year, she received the Dow Jones National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year Award. In 2005, she received the Distinguished Service Award from the Southern Interscholastic Press Association. Many other awards followed.

In addition, through her leadership of Explorer’s Bible study in our community, hundreds of women each year are invited to deepen their spiritual ‘walk’ as well as build a healthy attitude toward oneself and others. She has impacted so many women, old and young, through her teaching the last 29 years. She and her group of leaders recently hosted a National Explorer’s Bible study convention here in Oxford which was attended by over 300 women. The things she does for Christ is an important part of her everyday life. Jesus is the focus of any service or good she brings to others, and she is very active in her Church.

At present, Beth serves on the Board of Directors of the Oxford-Lafayette Baptist Memorial Hospital.

She has raised two lovely daughters, Linndy Hurdle and Marni Herrington.

“I have greatly admired Beth as a high school teacher as well as the leader of Explorer’s Bible Study, but most of all I have admired her for the courage in the midst of adversity. She lost her husband to cancer four years ago and she has mourned the loss of two stillborn grandchildren since then.

Through it all, she was always an inspiration to all who know her. Beth truly is a Woman of Distinction.”

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Nominees

lila herren How many lives has Lila Herren touched in a positive way?

Countless, and because of who she is, young women can find an intelligent, resourceful, compassionate and accomplished role model in Lila Herren.

While battling rheumatoid arthritis and other physical problems, Lila Herren is raising her 13 year old granddaughter. She gets up well before dawn every work day to get Laura Ann off to school. Then she goes to her other full-time job at the hospital. For the last 25 years, Lila has been the Director of Volunteer and Patient Services at Baptist Memorial Hospital North Mississippi. She conducts orientation for all new employees and volunteers, and has vast knowledge of both the hospital and the Oxford area. Many former student volunteers went on to become health care professionals and would stop by her office and thank her for the guidance and encouragement she gave them. She always made time to ask about their progress.

The epitome of a leader, she gets the best from her staff of volunteers by setting a wonderful example. “Lila helps us find our role in serving patients, their families, and hospital staff. She frequently expresses her gratitude for our service, and checks on us if we are ill or grieving. She asks about our families, looks at pictures of our grandchildren, and attends our funerals.”

“Her compassion is evident by her willingness to go above and beyond – arranging for child care for surgical patients, meals for family members, transportation, clothing and so much more. Lila knows everyone, because she takes the time to invest in others. She will celebrate with you in victory and offer a hug when times are tough. She will ask about your mama, and remember every diagnosis and surgery. She will make you smile when you feel like crying. Lila is loved and respected by her co-workers because her job is a mission – to make sure patients and their families have care and understanding in what can be a most stressful time.”

Faith, family and community are all very important to Lila. She teaches a Sunday School class at First Baptist Church, Oxford for special needs adults. Her rapport with her students and concern for them is evident. Over the years, she has shared her talents in music and public speaking in many venues. Lila is an asset to any team she joins, in church, at work, or in the community.

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Nominees

lynn klepzig Lynn Aloway Klepzig has lived most all of her life in the Abbeville Community where she resides with her husband Joe and their two children, Megan and Morgan.

She began her business career at the age of 15 working part-time with her father in their jewelry store in Water Valley. Bob Aloway, Lynn’s father, was well recognized as a Master Jeweler and at Crouches Jewelry Store on the Square in Oxford before purchasing his jewelry store in Water Valley. In 1990 Lynn’s mother, Betsy Aloway, opened Furniture World on West Jackson Avenue and the jewelry business was moved to Oxford and located within the same building. As her father’s health began to fail, the jewelry business was phased out and Lynn joined her mother in the furniture business, where she is now the General Manager and Co-Owner of Furniture World, Inc. Lynn is a graduate of Lafayette High School, the School of Jewelry in Little Rock and attended Ole Miss. In High School she was recognized as a promoter and one of those unique individuals that always gets the job done no matter what the task. Her promotional and leadership skills have gained her several awards in the furniture industry. She is a very capable business woman and is just as comfortable driving the delivery truck if necessary as she is dealing with the CEO of a large corporation. Being raised in a family that is very sales and business oriented has helped her develop the necessary skills to deal with the general public in today’s business environment.

“Lynn is very active in the community, always willing to give of her free time, knowledge and skills for a worthy cause. She has served on numerous committees and civic organizations in both Oxford and her home town of Abbeville to help improve the quality of life for everyone. It is not uncommon to find her around Abbeville before the Autumn Festival with a weed-eater, shovel or broom helping spruce up the area before the annual event. She has served on the Festival Committee numerous times and also chaired the Committee. Her abilities and leadership skills are well recognized enough for the citizens of Abbeville to have elected her as Alderwoman where she serves on the City Council.”

Lynn is a life-long member of the Abbeville Baptist Church and whether it is singing in the choir or teaching Sunday School, her faith in God is never tiring, always being one of the first members to be called upon whenever a particular need arises. Lynn loves and is very dedicated to her family and her friends. Anytime a family member or friend is in need, she is there for a hospital visit or to prepare a special treat to brighten up the day.

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Nominees

kathy mooney Mary Katherine (Kathy) Mooney is currently the Senior Vice President of Operations with FNB Oxford Bank. She has spent the past 42 years working in the banking industry, with 37 of those years at our local community bank, FNB Oxford. Kathy is a role model at work. She can be found staying late in the day to ensure all tasks have been accomplished as well as when FNB sponsors community events like Relay for Life or the annual Over Sixty-Two party. Throughout the years in her career, she is one of those people who sees what needs to be done, and she demonstrates a high level of initiative to get it done. Kathy’s willingness to help and ability to make a person feel at ease makes her a natural leader and mentor.

Kathy serves within the community at her church, Anchor Baptist, as church secretary, Awana leader, church hostess, choir member, and financial committee member. Annually she takes a medical mission trip to Nicaragua and serves as the coordinator for providing meals for the mission team and those attending worship services. She has coordinated clothes drives to gather lightweight clothing to be shipped overseas for the Nicaraguan people.

She has served in the Pilot Club of Oxford for over 29 years. A Pilot Club co-member describes her as, “...a fixture within the club…always visibly and actively supportive of fundraising and projects the club would undertake.”

Kathy has been happily married to Clinton Mooney for over 45 years. As a mother of two sons, Ricky and Jason, she is also the proud grandmother of Sarah, Taylor, Drew and Lillie Kate. Growing up in a large family, Kathy had three sisters and five brothers. Being the oldest girl, she gently “mothered” her siblings. This “motherly” instinct continues to flow over into her work, community service, and church family. When there is a need to be met, she is there to serve others.

“This nomination letter can’t adequately describe this Woman of Distinction, our Kathy Mooney.

However, if you met her, you would feel her warm welcome, the connection she makes with others, her heart for serving others before self, and her genuine care and concern for people. After all, to make an impression on others, a woman must be distinctive. Service above self, integrity at all times, and dedication to her job, church, and community are all Kathy’s distinctive qualities that are not always present in today’s society. Her life has been and is an excellent model for others to follow.”

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Nominees

katie naron Katie Naron has been a highlight of every organization she touches.

Upon graduating from college, she went to work as a teacher in the Water Valley School District for many years. She truly enjoyed the challenges and the people she met daily. Katie was recognized as the Water Valley School District Teacher of the Year in 2010. While this was no surprise to her friends, she was humbled by the honor. “Katie served on many extra committees while in Water Valley, helping children who were further behind and helping fill in for the Special Education department on top of her daily duties. It was not uncommon to find Katie helping kids after school, too. She learned of a little boy who would go home for the weekend and not eat another meal until he returned to school on Monday, so she bought him a microwave and sent home meals with him on Friday to ensure he was eating.� There were countless other kids she helped in Water Valley.

Katie not only has worked full-time, but has been working towards her Ph.D. in Education for many years, taking classes to earn this prestigious distinction.

In 2011, Katie went to work for the University of Mississippi for the writing project and traveled all over the state helping school districts evaluate and redefine their writing curriculums. Last year, Katie was also offered the opportunity to teach two classes at Ole Miss along with her writing project work. She taught in Oxford, Tupelo and Grenada. This year, Katie earned her own full-time spot as an adjunct professor, teaching 18 hours this semester in Oxford and Grenada. She continues to help other schools with evaluations.

This professional go-getter is also a good do-er. Katie has served for many years on the board of Leap Frog, as a member of Junior Auxiliary, chair of the JA Bash, and now is the current Chapter Advisor for the Delta Delta Delta sorority at Ole Miss. When not volunteering her time, Katie is at Oxford Floral, where she and her husband David own and manage the store. Katie is also quick to show her praise for all the staff at Oxford Floral by having them over to eat at her home or taking them for a night on the town in Memphis at the theatre. Katie is quick to make light of her duties. She is a very deserving and dedicated professional.

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Nominees

rachel robinson Dr. Rachel Robinson has been a faculty member at the University of Mississippi, School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Practice department for the past 17 years. She teaches in the Skills Lab, the Nonprescription Drugs course, and she teaches a Geriatrics elective course. She interacts with approximately 200 students each semester in her classes, of whom seventy-five percent are female.

Rachel is a servant leader. She is the faculty advisor for Kappa Epsilon Professional Pharmacy Fraternity for women students.

She supervises approximately ninety women in the organization.

Her group participates in numerous activities within the School of Pharmacy, the University and the Oxford community. The women of Kappa Epsilon collect food for The Pantry, conduct influenza immunization clinics, host a bagel breakfast for Oxford area pharmacists and conduct bake sales with proceeds going to Susan G. Komen foundation.

She gives countless hours of her time for pre-pharmacy advising. She motivates by example. She is there sharing their joys and there to lend a listening ear when things are not going well for the students. She has served on several University committees. She is past chair of Faculty Council, past chair of Who’s Who School of Pharmacy Sub-Committee, and serves as a faculty investigator for the Code of Conduct Council. Outside the University, she is active in her church. She is past president of Women in the Church, past Prayer Chain coordinator and served as planner for Dinner on the Grounds for four years.

“One of Rachel’s biggest passions is Oxford Medical Ministries Clinic. It is a free clinic for the working poor in Oxford. Rachel is a board member and volunteer pharmacist for Oxford Medical Ministries Clinic. She faithfully goes to the clinic once a week to work in the pharmacy filling prescriptions, counseling patients with their medications, and helping the patients understand and manage their prescriptions. She brings one or more of her students with her to show them first-hand how difficult it can be for a patient with limited income to choose medications over food or transportation. Her students gain a greater appreciation of how challenging it can be for some patients to manage their health care needs.”

Students, faculty and community members have benefited from her commitment to service.

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Nominees

linda spargo Chancellor Khayat created an open door policy for students and alums. Linda Spargo became the open door, and it blossomed into an amazing experience. For 19 years she was able to create a network of families and alums who call her directly when they have a special student coming for a campus visit and for whom they’d like us to dust off the red carpet. Linda calls it ‘collecting people.’

Linda believes that if she’s going to talk students into coming, then she also wants to be available to them as they mature—thus, a continuation of the open door policy.

Linda has sometimes been called ‘the Closer.’ She saw this part of her job as her contribution to the mission—investing energy, time, personable customer service, compassion and caring. Linda spends a lot of time as a resource who guides families through scholarship, housing, and financial aid issues and who is accessible once their child has moved in and becomes a freshman. Along with a group of student leaders, she started the first Safe Ride program in 2000. They started from nothing, but that committee gradually became an organization that raised money and awareness about alcohol issues. Linda is the faculty advisor for this student-led organization, and they have run a successful Safe Ride program carrying about 50,000 students each fall from the campus to the Square. She was awarded the Thomas Frist Student Service award in 2001. This is student-nominated and presented at the Commencement in May for, “Recognition for Extraordinary Service to Students.”

“Linda wrote Dr. Khayat’s speeches for four years for every event imaginable from visiting Choctaw Native Americans, to governors, to visiting dignitaries, to alumni groups, to student organizations, to Rotary Clubs all over the South, along with producing the annual PowerPoint for the State of The University for faculty and staff meetings and Foundation Board meetings. The central message was about taking the University from a good university to a great public university.”

She has been a member of Coterie since 1995, an organization based on meetings about the cultural aspects of our community and fundraising for community service projects: Southern Studies, Oxford public school needs, Oxford Medical Ministries Clinic, Christmas Store, Boys & Girls Club, the Pantry, Interfaith Compassion Fund, Leap Frog, University Museum, etc. She has been a member of Oxford-University Methodist Church since 1986.

Linda’s daughter, Hattie, is married to Chris Steiner, and they have given her one of her most important gifts, their 16 month-old daughter, Isla.

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Nominees

rachel west Rachel Malone West overcame dyslexia - after she was diagnosed in the third grade - to graduate from the University of Mississippi with a journalism degree. She was managing editor of The Daily Mississippian and earned a choral scholarship. She continues to share her musical talents as an alto singer with the chancel choir at Oxford University United Methodist Church. Rachel earned a master’s degree in business management from Belhaven College in Jackson, MS, while maintaining a full-time job in public relations and writing freelance articles for Jackson’s VIP Magazine.

Rachel makes time to serve as a volunteer on several activities at OUUMC. She is snack chairman for the Leap Frog after-school learning program for under-served children and serves on the Leap Frog board of directors. Her volunteer spirit extends to her six years of service with the Junior Auxiliary of Oxford, where she was named Volunteer of the Year in 2011. She also works with under-served girls at the Junior Auxiliary’s Camp Sunshine.

“In all of these activities, Rachel gravitates toward helping girls and young women who could benefit from her volunteer spirit and willingness to help others. During a recent Christmas season, Rachel learned of a family that was struggling financially and whose children would likely not receive gifts for Christmas. Rachel bought bicycles for the three children along with dolls for the girls and action figures for the little boy in the family. That is one of the many things I love about her: she thinks of others’ needs before her own.”

Professionally, Rachel founded Invitation Oxford magazine in 2006, and added a second magazine, Invitation Tupelo, in 2008. More than 80 percent of Invitation Oxford Magazine’s employees are women, and Rachel goes to great lengths to ensure that women of all ages have a voice in her publications.

On the family front, Rachel and husband Phil West have a 3 year-old daughter, Mary Katherine. She finds time to take Mary Katherine to fun and educational activities. Rachel takes great pains to let Mary Katherine know that she can become anything she wants to be. To that end, Mary Katherine says she wants to be a doctor when she grows up. Rachel will do everything she can to make that dream come true. “She is the ideal wife and mother. She finds time to be with her family while working and engaging in volunteer activities that make this city a better place to live.”

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Keynote Speaker; Master of Ceremonies

peggie gillom-granderson Peggie Gillom-Granderson is a Mississippi native who grew up in nearby Abbeville. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Ole Miss in 1980. Peggie is the Ole Miss all-time leading scorer and rebounder in women’s basketball.

After her career at Ole Miss, she played one year of professional basketball before going into the coaching profession. Peggie spent 16 seasons as an assistant coach on Van Chancellor’s Rebel coaching staff from 1981-1997. Prior to returning to Ole Miss in 2003, she was the head coach at Texas A&M University. She was also an assistant coach for the 2000 Women’s Basketball Olympic team.

In 1996, Peggie was inducted into the Ole Miss Athletics Hall of Fame and is a 1997 inductee of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame for the last five years. The Gillom Sports Center at Ole Miss was named after Peggie and her sister, Jennifer, in 2000. Peggie joined FCA staff in October 2009 and serves as part time chaplain for the Ole Miss women’s teams. She also leads women’s Bible studies on campus for the student athletes. Peggie married Anthony Granderson in 2005, and the couple resides in Abbeville, Mississippi. Peggie was most recently inducted into the Ole Miss Alumni Association Hall of Fame as part of the 2014 Homecoming festivities.

mary donnelly haskell Originally from Beaumont, Texas, Mary was crowned Miss Mississippi in 1977, and graduated with distinction from the University of Mississippi in 1981. She has starred in episodes of Touched By An Angel, Seventh Heaven, Sisters, Diagnosis Murder, Days Of Our Lives, and over twenty movies for television, including two of the Hallmark Channel’s highest rated Christmas movies - Once Upon A Christmas and Twice Upon A Christmas.

An accomplished singer, Mary has performed at venues including The Kennedy Center, The White House, and with The Prague Symphony Orchestra. She is also a popular children’s recording artist, having released four CDs through her company, My Songs. In 2005 she released her first contemporary adult album entitled Inspired - a collection of inspirational standards. In May 2007, she released Power Of The Cross - a collection of Sacred Hymns and Praise Songs recorded with The Prague Symphony, and in Christmas 2008 she released a Christmas CD entitled Just In Time for Christmas.

Mary continues to perform with various Symphonies and at churches across the country.

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Event Sponsors

ambassador level sponsors FNC, Inc.

Kappa Delta Sorority Alpha Mu Chapter

cadette level sponsors Baptist Memorial Hospital North Mississippi Charter Road Hospitality, Inc.

FNB Oxford Bank Invitation Magazine Ole Miss Athletics Foundation

junior level sponsors Abbeville Bank Caterpillar, Inc. Sam & Mary Haskell

Renasant Bank Swetland Cook, PLLC University of Mississippi

brownie level sponsors BancorpSouth Oxford Don & Mary Ann FrugĂŠ Kitty Mann Mayo Mallette, PLLC

Oxford Universty Club, LLC Sneed Hardware The Oxford Eagle, Inc. Y’all Twins Margaret & Katherine King

daisy level sponsors Lee & Shannon Ferguson

Event Sponsors

luncheon sponsors Many thanks to the following restaurants for providing such a delicious lunch. As you patronize these eateries, please thank them for their generous contributions to our community.

Abner’s Famous Chicken Tenders Lunch for our Attending Girl Scouts

Details Rental Elizabeth Heiskell Catering My Michelle’s McAlister’s

Newk’s Oby’s Panini/Oxford Catering Party Waitin’ to Happen Tallahatchie Gourmet

gifts provided by Katherine Beck Halon’s Day Spa Jodi Hill, Author Hinton and Hinton Holli’s Sweet Tooth Katherine and Margaret King, Authors Lammons Jewelry Molly & Ed Meisenheimer My Favorite Shoes Nail-Thology

The J. E. Neilson Company Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation Pink & Proper Vicki and Harry Sneed Square Books The Lily Pad University Sporting Goods Visit Oxford

floral arrangements by Bette’s Flowers Mimosa Flower Gift and Gourmet

Oxford Floral Company The Twisted Twig University Florist

Special thanks to Regions Bank for the generous gift of the Life Green Bike.

Thank you also to First Baptist Church for providing an excellent facility in which to recognize and reward Oxford’s Women of Distinction.

And thank you to our dedicated 2014 WOD Committee Members: Chairperson - Vicki Sneed, Jennifer Eastland, Mary Ann Frugé, Mary Haskell, Margaret King, Molly Meisenheimer, Abi Rayburn, Dana Williams, Jenny Jones and Alison Coons.

Oxford-West

110 Heritage Drive (662) 232-2442

Oxford

112 Heritage Drive (662) 236-2500

Oxford Conference Center

103 Ed Perry Blvd. (662) 234-5565

Oxford

105 Ed Perry Blvd. (662) 238-3522

Coming Soon

For work, play and festivities

102 Ed Perry Blvd. (662) 232-2367

Your

Friendly Neighborhood Bank honors the 56 women that keep it running smoothly.

Thank you for all you do!

Special thanks to Kathy Mooney for her 37 years of dedication!

www.fnboxford.com (662)234-2821

Girl Scouts Heart of the South www.girlscoutshs.org I 800.624.4185