New union should’ve been named more carefully

My name is Noah True-Daniels and I am a Slippery Rock University alumnus; I graduated in 2007 with a degree in political science. 

I have just recently heard about the new student union that is to be named after President Smith. 

I have read that President Smith has done a lot to expand the campus. 

However I question the decision that was made to name the new student union after him, The Robert M. Smith Student Center. 

Please excuse my bluntness, but this name does not at all seem appropriate to me considering the alternatives. 

I read that SRU's Student Government Association initiated the naming resolution and that it was announced by The Council of Trustees. 

I would ask both of these groups if President Smith's name really is the best choice, and why both of the groups seemed to, from my current knowledge, ignore the memory of the young soldiers that have graduated from SRU and were killed in Iraq. 

Wouldn't the new student union do better to be named after one of or all of these young heroes who were killed serving our country? 

Of the many positive things President Smith has done, he has, after all, just been doing his job. 

And if you think he has been doing more than his job I would argue that as president that is exactly what is expected of him. 

If I was campus president I would not allow my name to be used to inaugurate the new student union in my honor. 

I would know that there are so many more persons that are more worthy than I that have given up their lives, their youth and their families in service of our country and our university. 

As president I would excuse myself and request a nobler name for the building. 

Student unions represent the heart of a campus and I believe a better name can be created that reflects the sacrifices of our student population that have died overseas in the military.  

Noah True-Daniels

SRU alumnus, 2007