Closing Column

An open letter to Mary Washington students

When Truman State University senior Erica Nolan learned in February that her school president would be leaving to become the 10th president of UMW, she wrote a letter to Mary Washington students. This is an excerpt. Dear University of Mary Washington Students, Writing this has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It’s primarily because I’m still in shock that President Troy Paino is leaving Truman State University. It’s also because President Paino is impossible to put into words. To UMW, Troy Paino is currently just a man. To Truman, he is so much more than that. He’s our biggest cheerleader. He’s a role model to every student who walks on campus. He’s a father figure when you need one, and he will always and forever be our own personal T-Pain [a nickname he’s called by Truman students]. If you ever have the opportunity to meet a Truman student or alum who had the privilege of having Paino as president, I can guarantee they have a personal Paino story. He’s willing … [Read more...]