A Letter from Nick Vailas '76

As an incoming freshman from Manchester, N.H., I chose Plymouth 32 years ago because it had a well-thought-of physical education program, it was close to home, I was able to continue playing football and it was located in the middle of an outdoor utopia. I do not have to tell you how special the place truly is.

Instructors, coaches and administrative staff were always receptive to the challenges I faced as a young man trying to find his way in life, especially in the 1970s. Teachers and coaches, as we all know, make great sacrifices to enlighten us about ourselves and the world around us. They inspire us to be better people and to make us reach beyond our grasp. My fondest memories of Plymouth State were my relationships with teammates, classmates, coaches, faculty and staff. To this day, I have been blessed to be able to maintain some of those relationships.

Before attending Plymouth State, I was told that whatever I got out of college would be in direct proportion to what I put into it. That is true of any relationship. I really believe this cycle of giving is a law of nature—that life is all about relationships and our ability to serve one another by giving of ourselves.

I hope all Plymouth State students understand that our relationship with the University does not end when we graduate. That the school cannot thrive just on what is provided by the state of New Hampshire. That alumni support, however big or small, is paramount in keeping the school strong and making it even better than when we experienced it. That Plymouth State University is our school and by taking ownership we have a greater sense of custody. That giving back is not a matter of pride—it is the right thing to do.