Limbert received Bethel College distinguished achievement award

The Awards Committee of the Bethel College Alumni Association has named Claudia A. Limbert, Columbus, Miss., formerly of Newton, as the winner of the 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award.

Limbert was appointed by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning as the 13th president of Mississippi University for Women July 1, 2002.

Originally from Missouri, Limbert married and had four children (three sons and a daughter) before beginning college. She received a bachelor’s degree with majors in English, history and education from Bethel College in 1978. She earned a master’s degree in creative writing in 1980 and a doctorate in English literature in 1988, both from Boston University.

When her family moved to Newton in the 1970s, she gathered up her courage to apply at Bethel when she was 35 and her youngest child had entered first grade. She rode her bicycle three miles from her home to campus because she had no working car.

The Distinguished Achievement Award acknowledges character and citizenship, achievement in a chosen profession or vocation, and work of benefit to humanity.

Limbert and other alumni award winners will be honored at the annual Alumni Banquet at 6 p.m. May 24 Memorial Hall. All alumni and friends of Bethel are invited.

Those making banquet reservations will receive a discount if they do so with full payment by Friday. After that, all regular-price registrations must be received with payment by May 14.

Cost of the banquet is $16 per person if paying early, $18 regular price. To make a reservation, visit or phone Thresher Bookstore in Schultz Student Center, between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 284-5205.

Payment or credit card information is required when the reservation is made. (No refunds can be given after May 16, since the Alumni Office will have been charged for reserved meals by that date.) Attenders receive a personalized nametag at the door that serves as their banquet ticket.