The women of Tau Lambda Sigma are selling “T-Pain is My Homeboy” shirts to raise money for Relay For Life, their main philanthropy event.
This is the last time the shirts will be available to order, and all proceeds will go toward the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. The shirts are white with a black design and have a picture of University President Troy Paino riding a tricycle on the front.
TLS members juniors Kelly Mahaffy and Abby Tetzlaff designed the shirts. Paino’s announcement that he is resigning and the sale of the shirts just happened to coincide. Sophomore Deanna Rush, Relay For Life chair, says TLS had decided to sell the shirts prior to Paino announcing his resignation.
“I was concerned with him leaving that people would really want [the shirts] or not want them at all,” Rush says.
Rush says the group has sold more than 180 shirts so far. Paino says he was concerned TLS wouldn’t want to sell them after he announced he was leaving Truman.
“I feel honored that an image of me, and sort of a joke about me, would be something that would sell and help make money for a good cause.”
– President Troy Paino
Even after his time at Truman State, Paino says he still plans to wear his “T-Pain” shirt.
“It’s a great memory for me because the thing I’ve loved the most about my time at Truman is my relationship with the students,” Paino says.
There are three styles available — bro tank, T-shirt and long sleeve. All three are $15, and ordering closes today, March 4. People can order a shirt through TLS’s T-Pain is My Homeboy Facebook event.
Contact Rush with any questions at dkr3457[at]truman.edu.
Omicron Delta Kappa members also are selling shirts featuring Paino’s likeness. The shirts read “T-Pain for Prez, To Infinity and Beyond” and the organization will donate half the proceeds from the sale to Kirksville Victim Support Services, according to the group’s Facebook event page. Visit the group’s ODK T-Pain for Prez Shirt Sale Facebook event page for more information.