Mississippi University for Women

Welty Gala
2012 Welty Gala

When

October 19, 2012
7:00 p.m.
Mary Ellen Weathersby Pope Banquet Room
Hogarth Dining Center
MUW Campus

Cocktail Attire

Please R.S.V.P. by October 15, 2012

   

Schedule

3:00 p.m. - Student discussion / informal Q&A (location TBA)
5:30 p.m. - Private Reception in President's Home
7:00 p.m. - Dinner in Pope Banquet Room (Hogarth Hall)
8:15 p.m. - Byron Pitt's Presentation
9:00 p.m. - Book Signing
   

About the Gala

On Friday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m., the MUW family including students from the Ina E. Gordy Honors College, alumni, as well as community members are invited to enjoy the evening.
The evening begins with a dinner followed by a presentation from author and CBS News Chief Correspondent, Byron Pitts.
The Welty Gala is the annual fundraiser for the Eudora Welty Chair in
Humanities. To ensure the success of the evening, MUW needs supporters who will participate as Benefactors, Patrons, and Friends. The Welty Gala is a tremendous asset to MUW and the local community. Creating avenues for students to become involved while providing excellent steps for their scholarly development, MUW is very grateful and appreciative of your support.

   

About the Speaker

Byron PittsKnown for his thought-provoking coverage and his commitment to exceptional storytelling, Byron Pitts is a multiple Emmy award winning journalist. As Chief National Correspondent for CBS Evening News With Katie Couric Pitts was an embedded reporter covering the Iraq War and was recognized for his work under fire. Pitts was also CBS' lead correspondent at Ground Zero immediately following the September 11th attacks and won an Emmy for his coverage. A news veteran with over 20 years of experience, other major stories include the war in Afghanistan, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the military buildup in Kuwait and the refugee crisis in Kosovo, to name but a few. Pitts realized a life-long goal when he was named a Contributing Correspondent to CBS' 60 Minutes in 2009.
Pitts' many achievements are all the more extraordinary when he tells of the many obstacles he faced as a child. Raised by a single mother in a working class neighborhood in Baltimore, Pitts was illiterate until the age of twelve and had a persistent stutter. Capitalizing on his desire to play football, his mother mandated he receive Bs or above in school in order to play.
With that focus, Pitts learned to read and went on to attend Ohio Wesleyan University. With the help of his roommate and a college professor, Pitts found the support and encouragement necessary to pursue a career in broadcast journalism–a field that demands excellence in writing and speaking. By staying focused, setting simple and achievable goals and finding strength in faith, Pitts overcame his powerful odds and his disability. He graduated in 1982 with a BA in Journalism and Speech Communication.
   

Donor Levels

Benefactor
$5,000 ($4,800 tax deductible)
Reserved table for 8 with Preferred Dining Services
Private Reception with Byron Pitts in President's Home
Program Recognition
Four autographed books by the author

Patron

$500 ($475 tax deductible)
Dinner seating for one
Private Reception with Byron Pitts in President's Home
Program Recognition

Friend

$75 ($50 tax deductible)
Dinner seating for one

You may also make a 100% tax deductible contribution to support the Welty Chair in Humanities.

   

For More Information

MUW Foundation
(662) 329-7148

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