The University of Mary Washington marked a milestone occasion Friday, April 21, with the inauguration of its 10th president, Troy D. Paino. A crowd of nearly 1,000 students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members packed George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium for the momentous event. Recounting the rich history of the university, which rose from Civil War ashes in 1908 to prepare female teachers, Paino spoke of its transformation from a normal school to the premier public coeducational liberal arts and sciences institution it is today. He reflected on Mary Washington’s trailblazers who, empowered with a liberal arts education, paved the way for pursuing challenging careers in science, government, industry, and education. “Mary Washington is at its best when it is reminded of its mission to serve,” Paino said. “Mary Washington thrives when it understands that its very existence is an investment in hope – a hope in the students we educate and a hope in our republic’s future. … [Read more...]