Once upon a time, some visionary leaders established an institution that would become Millersville University. Since then, it has been a place where dreams come true.

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet the Class of 2027 when first-grade students came to campus to learn about college life. I had such fun talking with them, asking them what they want to be when they grow up and delighting in their answers. I shared with them that they should continue to dream and that it's OK to change their dreams.

Imagine my surprise when those little students departed and some of the university student workers on duty at the time thanked me. Those students were preparing for graduation, yet they took to heart my admonition that they continue to dream. I was reminded once again of the magic that is Millersville University — a place where dreams come true.

The class that inspired today's column was shepherded to MU by an alumna, so it is only fitting that I begin with her story. "College changes everything," she shared. "Those four years were critical ones. For me, they were the years when my childhood dream of becoming a teacher began to come true." Our graduate credits her parents and professors with gently guiding her and providing the education necessary to realize her dream. It came true, and she now mentors student teachers and returns to the university to escort her charges to campus to instill in them the belief that their dreams can come true if they are willing to work hard.

Another grad shared his experience: "With high hopes of making my dream of a career in banking a reality despite having limited resources, my desire to pursue a quality education led me to Millersville University." He notes that his college days were marked by challenging courses, mentorship and "great professors who were as engaged as I was in making my dream a reality." After a successful 30-year career in banking, he reports, "Clearly, I owe a great deal of gratitude to MU for who I am today."

My instruction to those first-graders not to be afraid to change their dreams resulted from watching numerous students modify their dreams as higher education expanded their horizons. Take for example, the young man who dreamed of becoming a technology education teacher ... then he came to MU. "I changed my goal after my freshman year," he says. "MU gave me the tools of knowledge, perseverance, and leadership experience." This student now dreams of "making a lasting impact on the Millersville and Lancaster communities to improve others' lives."

Another of our students began his university career without a specific dream. But on the second day of his freshman chemistry class, he decided to become a chemistry professor. This student's imagination was sparked by the professor who communicated his passion to the class. Our student observed, "I am especially indebted to the inspiring and knowledgeable faculty who have made learning enjoyable."

Our faculty, too, are realizing their dreams at MU. One professor writes, "My dream since an early age has been to help people learn. Millersville has provided me with an opportunity to fulfill this dream on a scale that is helping them learn. I get to work with students from diverse backgrounds, strengths and aspirations, and share unique experiences and challenges that I have encountered along the way."

Another faculty member reports that she was working as a musician, writing songs and recording her personal music in the hope that someday she could record a professional-quality CD and perform around the country. Working at the university has inspired the professor to move forward with her dream.

Our staff also find that the university offers them a chance to fulfill their dreams. An employee shared with me that her dream was to obtain a college education. She noted that, as a young Native American from rural South Dakota, "the road was full of obstacles." She dropped out of a Midwestern college, moved to Lancaster and found a job at MU. Her struggles were many, but she "met wonderful and supportive faculty and staff" here. They believed in her dream and guided her to becoming a first-generation graduate in May.

Undoubtedly, there are other places where dreams come true, but this is the place that I know and love best. If I were a fairy godmother, I would wave my wand and decree that Millersville University will always be a place where dreams come true. But it isn't a wand that will ensure this happens; it is the dedication of faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and the students themselves who make that happen. And it has been my privilege and pleasure to work with these wonderful people. Not bad for a little girl from the Hill District in Pittsburgh whose dream was originally limited to "attending college" is it?

Dr. Francine McNairy, president of Millersville University, will retire in January. This is her final column. Email her at sunnews@lnpnews.com.