LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Francis Marion University important to entire Pee Dee

I would like to respond to Linda Page’s letter to the editor of the Florence Morning News on Oct. 8.

Francis Marion University is in Florence County, but it is important to the whole Pee Dee.

My four sisters and I had to go to Rock Hill to Winthrop College. My five brothers attended Clemson and the University of South Carolina. There was no college nearby.

The performing arts building in downtown Florence will be an asset to the city and county as well as the entire Pee Dee.

I would like to see more support from individuals to FMU. Please join the Swamp Fox Club, give to the FMU foundation, support its scholarships, and encourage students to attend our great university!

In the fall of 2008, there were 4,019 students enrolled at FMU. Ninety-five percent were from South Carolina. Today, the enrollment is higher, and 54 percent are from the Pee Dee. Seventy-nine percent of the alumni still live in South Carolina with 29 percent living in Florence County.

Latta, Ms. Page’s hometown, is a part of Dillon County. There are 587 FMU alumni living there.

I would like to challenge all towns and counties in the Pee Dee to join the city of Florence in supporting Francis Marion University!!

Gladys Atkinson Vinzani
Florence