This weekend we celebrated Mother’s Day, and it got me to thinking about mothers past, present, and future. These women have been our supporters, encouragers, teachers, and protectors. They are those who have fed and nourished us.
Many think of birth mothers when they think of Mother’s Day. Or perhaps an adoptive mother, grandmother, or other primary person in our early life.
These are the people who walk the floor with us at night when we have an ear infection or are teething. They lose a lot of sleep over us.
They feed us and take care of all of our basic physical needs.
They read us stories and help us to learn how to interpret the world.
They go to a lot of concerts, plays, and sporting events to cheer us on.
They teach us how to do life. They do life with us.
These are the people who launch a child into the world.
When we go off to college these people are sometimes afraid. They wory that their child may not be safe. They worry that they will not be needed or will be forgotten. They often have tears in their eyes as they leave their child at college. They will miss them.
No need to worry, though. They are just beginning a new type of relationship. They will just be watching the progress from a new vantage point.
There will still be supporters, encouragers, protectors, teachers, and those who will nurture their child. A new set of mother-type figures enter the picture — not as replacements, but as reinforcements.
From the dorm to the classroom to the library to the cafeteria to the chapel, and even up and down the sidewalks of Wesleyan, they are there. They will teach and guide and encourage and sometimes chide. They will feed them.
After four years or so, these people will also feel the sting of tears as they launch the student out into the world beyond college. They will miss them.
Mother Figures During the Early Years at WVWC
In the early years, there were house mothers and dorm mothers. These were very strict people who had curfews. One such person was Rachel Ogden.
She taught Modern Languages from 1926-47, but also served as the Dean of Women from 1926-32. Any girl who was in need of guidance or discipline found herself having a serious conversation with Dean Ogden.
Another great example is Miss Nellie G. Wilson. Miss Wilson also held the title of Dean of Women, and taught Religious Education. She served as a house mother for many years – many of them in Agnes Howard Hall. Although a strict disciplinarian, she was beloved by many.
The 1964 Murmurmontis was dedicated in her honor, and the lounge in Benedum Hall is named for her as well. During the Spring 2019 semester, this space was used as a temporary library study space during the remodeling of the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library. Her portrait hung over the printer, and I had the feeling that she was keeping a watchful eye on the current students.
Mother Figures in Present and Recent Times
There are way too many to name. The Campus Life Office is full of them, the Library is full of them, the Student Success Center is full of them, the Learning Center is full of them. Classrooms all over campus are full of them.
People like Alisa Lively, Katie Loudin, Jessica Vincent, Julie Keehner, Shauna Jones, Lauren Weaver, Tamara Bailey, Cindy Roby, Devon McNamara, Jill Okes, and Carol Bowman.
They feed students and take care of all of their basic physical needs. (I once personally saw one of these people go out and help to find a specific color shirt because she knew that a student needed it for a choir performance).
They read stories (and assign them to be read) and help students learn how to interpret the world. They challenge the students and provide resources and support to help them succeed.
They go to a lot of concerts, plays, and sporting events to cheer “their” kids on.
They teach students how to do life. They do life with them.
They are good listeners, they have shoulders to cry on and huge smiles for celebrating.
These are also people who launch a student into the world. And, when they go, they will miss them. They find themselves watching progress and accomplishments from a new vantage point.
Funny thing….often the parents and the students and these WVWC mother figures find themselves celebrating together and staying in touch for years to come.
Alma Mater of the Mountains
We consider the school where we graduate to be our Alma Mater – we even sing about it at times like Founders Day or Commencement. Our Alma Mater was written more than 100 years ago by President Wallace B. Fleming. We generally sing only the first verse. My personal favorite is actually verse 2!!
The term Alma Mater is Latin for Nourishing Mother. So, it turns out that it is also a Mother’s Day song! Try substituting “Nourishing Mother” for the words “Alma Mater” — it works great for a Mother’s Day tribute.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Mothers and the Mother-Figures. Those early in life and those who help nourish students while they are at WVWC.
