Friday, July 2, 2010

In Memoriam: President Fred Maryanski


Dear Friends,


With heavy hearts, we remember President Fred Maryanski. He passed away Friday evening (July 2) surrounded by his family and friends. A brilliant light and champion for Nevada State College, President Maryanski touched many lives during his five years as our leader, colleague, mentor, friend, and confidant. 

The purpose of this site is to provide a common gathering place for the NSC Community  to share their experiences, memories, and thoughts of and gratitude for President Maryanski. 


This site is one of many efforts designed to celebrate  President Maryanski's life. Nevada State College encourages all who were touched by his warmth and generosity to use the "Post Comment" feature located below.

67 comments:

  1. We encourage all to share your thoughts, memories, and well wishes. Our thoughts are with the Maryanski family.

    We miss you already, Fred!

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  2. My thoughts/prayers are with Dr. Maryanski's family and closest friends. His commitment to NSC was appreciated and will be forever remembered.

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  3. The first and only time I met Fred Maryanski was only a couple months ago, and I could tell he was a great man. I knew of his name well before I met him, and even though I didn't really get to know him, I will always be grateful for the dedication he had to making NSC a better college for everyone who is attending NSC now and in the future. He will be missed. My thoughts are with the Maryanski family.

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  4. Thank you for everything that you've done for the college and the community. You were a kind, caring soul and will be missed dearly.

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  5. Fred stopped by my office at NSC almost every week for four years. When I started at NSC in 2006, I thought it was a fluke -- no president of any school I'd worked at dropped by and asked what was happening. I wasn't sure at first if he really wanted to know. But, after a couple of weeks, I realized that he really did want to hear what was new and that I had about 4-5 minutes to share important news. It a way, he taught me how to focus on what was important and how to communicate it clearly. He also made me feel welcome and included in a brave new adventure, a great school, and a wonderful team of committed educators.
    There's so much more to say, but I can't right now because I'm so sad. I just wanted to share how much Fred cared and inspired us all to care as much as he did.

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  6. Fred's commitment to the college and his caring nature was seen in its truest form at graduation. He was so proud of our students - as if they were all his own children that he was watching graduate every year. I also found great pride in his smile when our students fought for the college during the budget cuts. I think it was in those moments he could see the results of his hard work, and it was the reason he kept fighting for NSC. Thank you Fred for 5 years of dedication to our students, staff, and faculty. We will celebrate your life and memory always.

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  7. I will never forget how this wonderful man always remembered me and my story. As a student, I never felt as if I was a number at Nevada State College thanks to his efforts. Dr. Maryanski truly cared about all of us. My heart is heavy with sadness and my thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.

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  8. Fred was one of the classiest men I have ever had the fortune of meeting. He was genuine, caring, and always had a minute to talk with you-- no matter what. Fred made everyone who wanted to be part of the NSC family, part of the family.

    Fred left his mark on Nevada State, and I only hope new students and staff, incoming faculty and administration, are given his story.

    He will be missed.

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  9. Fred poured his heart and soul into NSC, because he believed a community's greatest asset is an educated citizenry. We need more people in Nevada like Fred Maryanski.

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  10. Fred, we missed you already!

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  11. Fred was trooper. I can recall a time when he was undergoing treatments and not feeling his best but somehow managed to work through lunches and late into the evening, advocating for his students even if it involved a lot of walking to and from meetings.

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  12. Fred was indeed a gentleman. I very much enjoyed our conversations over the past years. NSC will thrive and be the great college it was meant to be. This was Dr. M. wish and every success was his doing. May you rest in peace my friend. My heartfelt condolences to your family.

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  13. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Maryanski family.We are very sorry for your loss.

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  14. I first met President Maryanski at a welcome dinner for 3 new hires. I caught him off guard by giving him a big bear hug on my way out. I was so excited for the dream job I was just starting. President Maryanski has helped put together a college that is amazing. We have a great team of faculty that are happy and inspired. We have great students who are getting the chance to show their brilliance in our classrooms and beyond. Students and the community have greatly benefited from his dedication to growing our college. I, too, have had many office visits from the President and I have appreciated every visit and his approachable character.

    Thank you for your kindness and dedication to all of us at Nevada State College and to education. We will greatly miss you!

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  15. Dr. Maryanski was "Fred" to us (the faculty) because he sought our opinions, listened to our ideas, and put them into practice. His genius was his personal touch, which can never be replaced. He was truly a "one-of-a-kind" person and president.

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  16. Dr. Maryanski was the most amazing college president I've ever had the chance to know -- partially because, as many colleges as I've attended through the years, he was the first president who bothered getting to know people.

    I met him years before I ever became a student, though. He was always just Fred to myself and my former coworkers. We all thought the world of him, and knew he played a large role in making NSC the amazing school it has become. If it wasn't for his spirit and dedication, I never would have bothered attending NSC. Now I'm on my way to a great career that I know I'm going to be so happy in, and I've always said it was partially because of his influence.

    Fred's smile and warmth is something I'll never forget. My condolences go out to his family. Thank you for sharing a little piece of him with the entire NSC community.

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  17. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Karen. You were both so wonderful to spend time with. I will never forget watching the two of you out on the dance floor...!
    I so admired the way you had fun, took care of everyone, and how well Fred did his job.
    He will indeed be missed.

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  18. I am just so saddened to hear of the loss of our great President. He was such a beautiful man inside and out. He truly spoke highly and fought so hard for our school as hard as he fought for his illness. I have never worked at any other college before but just knowing how personal he has been with all of us was phenomenal. And not even with us but every person he came into contact with either the students, faculty, staff, or even our family members. He opened his home and his heart to all of us here and will be deeply missed by all of us. I will miss our chats we had just to discuss how things are going with me as well as with him. I will never forget you Fred.

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  19. This may sound random, but I will miss talking about NCAA basketball (his beloved UCONN usually went to the playoffs). It was nice to have a President be so down to Earth. I'm sure his family is deeply heartbroken - my thoughts are with them and the NSC community.

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  20. I remember coming to this school and meeting Fred within the first week as a Freshman. I found it amazing that the president of the school knew me by name and actually asked about my progress toward my degree. Fred had a way of making you feel special and inspiring you to do great things. One of the most amazing things to me was the fact that he was present for every momentous NSC event up until his passing. I was so proud that he was there to see me graduate. At every board of regents meeting I attended, I remember thinking how proud I was that my school president did not back down and always stood up for his students, his faculty, his school. Thank you Fred.

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  21. My thoughts and prayers are with the Maryanski family during this difficult time. I greatly appreciate the dedication and time that Dr. Maryanski gave to Nevada State College. The higher education community of Nevada, including the faculty, students, and people of this valley will miss his influence.

    God bless you Dr. Maryanski in the next chapter of your life.

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  22. The first time I met President Maryanski he introduced himself and ask about me. I was surprised, the president of the school was interested in me and what my plans were. When I explained I would be graduating this Dec, he asked if I planned on walking this last May. He really listened to what I was saying, and cared about me and my education. We all lost an amazing man and champion of our school and education.

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  23. Fred was one of the good guys. He always had a moment to chat and ask how you where doing. We will miss you, rest in peace my friend.

    Michael Neely

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  24. I am so sad at the death of Fred Maryanski. I offer my deepest sympathy to Karen and his sons, daughter and grandchildren, as well as his many friends and colleagues. I knew Fred for many years at the University of Connecticut where I worked in the Provost's office (Gulley Hall) for the Office of Labor Relations (later the Department of Human Resources). He brought innovative ideas to the administration and saw them to fulfillment in a quiet, committed way. He had a personal concern for others, all the while focusing on his goals. He was a model for an effective, selfless administrator. I feel privileged to have know him. May he rest in well-deserved peace and happiness. We will see you again, Fred. Thanks for being a part of our lives during your time on earth.

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  25. The Mayfield FamilyJuly 6, 2010 at 8:23 AM

    Dr. Maryanski was a great man who gave his all for NSC. I will always remember Fred's sense of humor and love for The Rolling Stones and Meatloaf. Terry and I enjoyed our times with Fred and Karen and both will always be in our thoughts and hearts.

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  26. President Maryanksi was always so personal. Even when I first started working for NSC as a student worker, he made a point to get to know me by name. Anytime he saw me, he would say hello to me by name and ask me how I was doing. And that was before I became a full-time employee. I am proud to say he was waiting to meet me on the stage as I walked at commencement.

    ~Tori R.

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  27. I am deeply saddened to hear Fred is no longer with us. We were colleagues at UConn. He was a great leader, a caring administrator and a good friend to all. My prayers and thoughts are with the Maryanski family. We will miss you Fred.

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  28. I, too, will miss Fred as both a colleague and as wonderful person who genuinely worked to make every person at NSC feel as if they were part of a family, not simply a number or employee.

    He and I often discussed books, and to my surprise, one day out-of-the-blue he sent me a copy of a book he had recommended. I was more than pleasantly surprised not only that he remembered a short conversation we had had weeks before, but also that he had taken the time out of all those budget crisis meetings to do something nice for me simply because he thought I might like it. That sort of thoughtfulness is hard to find in this world, and it, like the man, will be sorely missed.

    Good-bye and God speed, Fred - you were truly one of a kind!

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  29. It is very rare when you have a President who takes the time to stop by faculty members’ offices just to see how they were doing and allow them to voice concerns. I was always appreciative of this.

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  30. I am deeply sadden to hear of Fred's passing. I can tell that he had a great impact at NSC, and I can attest that he was greatly missed at Univ of CT. He was a genuine and honorable man. My thought and prayers are with his family.

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  31. Dr. Maryanski was such a wonderful and nice man. When I worked at NSC he always greeted me by name. He treated everyone as an individual person not as another student filling up a seat in the college he ran. he will be greatly missed.

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  32. Fred left his mark on the community as well as the college. He was always there to inspire, reinforce, motivate and celebrate the smallest contribution. For a boy from Jersey, he was a class act.

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  33. I remember seeing President Maryanski in-person for the first time. I was at LAS's lounge near the stairs, and he came in from the doors where the LAS Sculpture was.

    I always see him on the pictures when I visit the website, but when I saw him standing there, I immediately knew it was him - in his suit and a fedora hat.

    It was great having his presence that time, seeing students study, faculty teach, and staff work. He just has this aura which makes everybody feel like they have to do their best in pursuing their goals in life. Maybe because he is the president, and/or maybe because he always smiles at everyone - he smiled at me.

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  34. As someone who benefited from Dr. Maryanski's extraordinary leadership at the University of Connecticut, I want to add to these comments celebrating the life of a very special man, whose depth of caring humanity in his professional role I will never forget. May his memory be a blessing, and may those who loved him most be comforted and strengthened by the knowledge that we whose lives he touched will always remember him.

    Sincerely,
    Frederick Roden
    Department of English
    University of Connecticut
    frederick.roden@uconn.edu

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  35. I knew Fred Maryanski some years ago when he was at the University of Connecticut. He was the first upper-level university administrator I met who represented all that is best in the university ideal. Fred was humane, caring, decent, and worked hard to support faculty, staff, and students--particularly those populations of the university that were under-represented. He was a very special man and I send my sincere condolences to those who loved him. His legacy lives on and those of us who have been touched by his extraordinary leadership will always remember him.

    Clare Eby
    University of Connecticut

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  36. All I need to say about Dr. Maryanski as a friend, leader, family man, grand father is "YOU"RE THE BEST!"

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  37. We were so saddened to learn of Fred's death. Fred and Karen added so much to the University of Connecticut community before they moved to NV. They are both missed. Fred was a model administrator who also had a warm heart. Karen, you are in our thoughts. We hope that with time, your memories will bring you joy.

    With deepest sympathy,
    Bill & Mauricette Stwalley
    Mansfield Center, CT

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  38. We are saddened by Fred's untimely passing and our prayers are with Karen and her family. I worked with and for Fred for many years at UConn and knew him as a dedicated educator, a talented administrator, a caring man and most importantly, a friend.

    God Bless you, Fred. May you rest in peace.

    Dick & Jill Gorham
    Portland, Maine

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  39. I remember Dr. Maryanski from his days at UCONN where he held responsibility for the regional campuses. I recall that he was always a gentleman,who listened (and responded) to the needs of those at the regional campuses. He was never easily rattled by any of the sometimes difficult conversations on budget, etc. I am not surprised that he was loved by those at the NSC campus. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

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  40. We are always have you in our heart forever. We love and respect to you.You are wonderful DR. Maryanski.

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  41. Fred Maryanski transcends description. He was the most amazing human being who truly cared about the success of NSC, the faculty, staff, students, the community, country, and humanity in general. I will never forget him and will do my best to continue his mission at NSC to educate the next generation of professionals in Southern Nevada. My love and prayers to his amazing wife Karen and the rest of his family. He will truly be missed, and is irreplacable in our hearts and at our college.

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  42. Thank you Fred... for the mentoring, the good sense, the quick wit, the understanding, and the even temperament under duress. You will be greatly missed and long remembered...

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  43. Veronica MakowskyJuly 9, 2010 at 6:17 AM

    Fred Maryanski was a model administrator in that he understood that a good and true administrator was selfless; he was never the egotist because he knew that his job was to help students, faculty, and staff succeed at their endeavors. He helped me a great deal at UConn, and his example was a large part of that assistance. Like many others, I am thankful to have known him and feel his loss greatly.

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  44. Every time I went to a budget rally, a legislative hearing or a Board of Regents meeting I would light up the moment that I saw him. I was so proud that this great man was ours and we were his. In a brief moment over the past few days I wondered if he knew how much he was loved, and then I understood what this quiet man knew about living. Fred's love was a daily action that he shared with everyone that crossed his path because he knew that our capacity to give and receive is infinite. As surely as I do not question his love for us, I know that this wise, gentle man understood what sometimes goes unsaid.

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  45. I remember Fred most as a stalwart, assertive, yet deliberative leader of the regional campus system at UConn. The many advances made on the Avery Point campus were built out of his foundational work. His departure was a real loss to the regional campus system. Fred was also a pleasure to work with on a personal level, always a good listener and honest and direct in his responses to difficult issues. Nevada State, I am sure, will miss him.

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  46. To Fred's family I write to offer my sincerest and deepest sympathy for their loss. I had the distinct privilege and honor to work for Fred for many years while he was Vice Provost. He was one of the most kindest, caring and fair-minded people that I have ever met. His incredible work ethic clearly helped make UConn the amazing institution that it is today and we will all miss him terribly. May God Bless you all. Kathleen Moore

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  47. Fred taught me the difference between a trip and a vacation. When you visit family you go on a trip, otherwise it is vacation. That concept taught me to apprecaite the family time as just that-time with loved ones and not necessarily time to get away and relax. Fred was the glue that made the insitution run. He was one of those people who did not need a last name. Even today at UConn if someone mentions Fred eveyone knows who Fred is. Thank you for the gift of the dancing bulls holiday tie.

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  48. I was truly saddened to hear of Pres. Fred Maryanski's passing. I will miss the conversations we had when we happened to meet walking on the campus, or when he came down the hall in the School of Nursing. I will also miss the fun we all had dancing at the employee appreciation dinners. NSC is where it is today because of his committment and dedication to it's mission. He will truly be missed, but remain in my heart forever. My condolences go out to his wife,Karen and the rest of his family.

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  49. I knew who Dr. Maryanski was when I first attended Nevada State College in 2007 but never truly got to know him. However, when I would see him walk by in the hallways around both campuses and there was never once he didn't say hi to any of the students. He was kind and caring, and NSC would never be where it is today without him. He will be greatly missed. I give my sympathies to his family.

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  50. Dr. Maryanski, you were the first and only President in the Nevada System of Higher Education who ever made the time to see how I was doing and visit our department. The only President I know who knows nearly all faculty and staff by name. I will always have fond memories of NSC because of your leadership. Thank you for your support of the TRIO Upward Bound program at NSC, for your thoughtfulness, leadership, and positive support. You will be missed. You are by far one of the greatest college Presidents I have ever seen in action. Mrs. Maryanski, may you find comfort during this difficult time.

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  51. I had a pleasure to meet Dr. Maryanski and had a conversation about attending NSC. I Thanked him for giving everyone an opportunity to attend an istitution where everyone can have a chance to continue their education.

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  52. Fred always made rounds to check in with staff and offer warmth, advice, or just a friendly smile. His leadership style was very encouraging. I also enjoyed his appreciation dinner parties. His courage and vision has impacted where NSC is today and will truly be missed. Condolences to the family and loved ones. Thank you Dr. Maryanski.

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  53. I had the wonderful opportunity to know and work with Fred through UConn's Orientation program where he served as our welcome speaker many times. He was such a wonderful person to work with and was always very supportive in our efforts to recruit and orient the newest of the UConn population. My sincere condolences to the Maryanski family at this very difficult time. I am so saddened to hear the news about such a gentle-man and fine administrator.

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  54. Fred was a gifted individual with the ability to see the big picture with a keen eye that also allowed him to not miss any of the smallest of details. At UConn, meetings with Fred were such that he knew the names of all ... his way of keeping track of attendees in his spiral notebook was his special way of doing so ... which conveyed a management style of including all in the deliberations. Fred was one to always respond to issues raised -- email was answered at all hours -- in a way that fairly addressed issues to improve the University. In doing so, he treated all with respect. When he left UConn to head to Nevada State College, he commented to me that it was a great challenge and opportunity while also being aware about Nevada politics being wild-west in nature. I knew at the time that he would excel in meeting both challenges. So sad news indeed, but we are all fortunate to have worked with Fred and have learned from his leadership. Condolences and best wishes to all.
    Eric Soulsby
    University of Connecticut

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  55. I met him once, years ago, as he was stepping out of his car in the parking space reserved for him. I said, "So you're Dr. Maryanski!" His humble nature was evident as he shook my hand and asked my name. I thanked him for the appreciation dinner I had just attended the week before. It was a brief, yet memorable encounter. I was struck by his powerful aura and gentle persona. I felt honored, and now grateful to have met him, however briefly.

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  56. The Johnston FamilyJuly 13, 2010 at 9:25 AM

    As I read the wonderful comments and personal stories that are being shared regarding President Maryanski, it humbles me to know the lasting impression he left on my daughter, Danielle, will never be forgotten. Danielle is a 2010 Education Major Graduate who was also a student worker for NSC throughout the 4 years she attended.

    This last year as an employee in President Maryanski's office. Danielle would tell me the most wonderful stories and encounters she had with President Maryanski. The time he spent getting to know the students, always speaking to everyone he encountered, taking the time for any comments and concerns they might have. He truly was a hands on president who had great pride in his college and the students it produced. I know my daughter was very proud and happy he was able to attend the graduation ceremony in May and saddend that his signature wont be on the degree she receives's in August. He is truly a missed man who left a great legacy at NSC.

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  57. In my career, I have served many different executives. Fred was the most patient, generous, kind, and humble of all of them. He will be missed.

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  58. Aww, man...this can't be happening right now...

    I am so...sorry...

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  59. I was deeply saddened to hear about Fred's passing and extend my condolences to his family. It also brings me joy during this difficult time to read all the adoring comments from faculty, staff and administrators at Nevada State about Fred as a man and a leader. I knew Fred during his years in UConn's central administration and had the good fortune to report to him directly for part of that time. Fred was wonderful to work for. I am sure that anyone who worked with Fred will recall his one-line emails-- sent at any time of the day or night-- sharing thoughts or responding to questions. These short communications conveyed his interest in the issues and eagerness to support his colleagues. Above all else, Fred was committed to making the university a better place. He did that with caring, respect, vision, and, not to be forgotten, a great sense of humor.

    Lynne Goodstein
    University of Connecticut

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  60. Mr. Maryanski always made every student feel warm, welcome, and important. He was one of NSC's greatest assets and he will be greatly missed by all.

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  61. May God Bless you always & your beloved family / friends / colleagues whose lives you have touched in many ways . . . Thank You for the wonderful legacy you leave behind!!!!

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  62. President Maryanski Truly was a remarkable man, I am saddened to find of his passing since the only reason I stumbled across the news was since I had decided to come back to school. He was there every day always greeting us with smiles, had that genuine care and concern a student would feel from maybe a principal in a much smaller school, almost sureal. But he truly was a remarkable person and I am blessed that I was able to meet him.

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  63. It has been a year without our dear President. There has not been a day yet that does not go by that I do not think about him and what he has done with our school. He would be very proud of how hard we are working on to fight for this school. I know that he is watching over us during these rough times with the budget cuts. I teach every day the best I can because of what he had taught me in the 5 years I worked with him. I remember our talks he had when I was new at teaching and wasn't sure if I even knew how to teach and he would reassure me that I am doing a good job. He always had the moment to talk to each of us individually. I will miss that but will keep his memory alive through my teachings.

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  64. Nevada State College is what it is today because of Fred Maryanski. I remember how he scheduled a 30 minute individual meeting every year with every faculty member - unheard of for a President of any school or any company for that matter. He was a truly unique individual and was loved by all of Nevada State College; faculty, staff, students, and the surrouding Southern Nevada Community. I will never forget him.

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  65. Dear Fred,

    One year later and you still have a profound influence over Nevada State College as you always will.

    Your passion and devotion for our school continues to inspire faculty, students, staff and community.

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  66. One year has passed but we still think of Fred often. I remember in July 2006 accompanying him to the NWCCU meeting in Idaho to get feedback on our first accrediation visit. The feedback was positive and the college moved forward. Fred will always be recognized for his efforts to develop NSC.

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  67. I have thought of Fred many times over the past year when struggling with a problem. I hope we call all just remember:
    What Would Fred Do?

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