We Are One
One Love
We stood together April 2 to share positive messages and stay connected during this global crisis. More than 150 sheets of solidarity were posted online to unite our community. Grace Yingling ’22 and Leticia De Leon ’22 expressed the thoughts of many of us as they posted their two signs for one unified message: “Dayton brought us together … Distance can’t keep us apart.”
The idea to share signs began in Campus Ministry and spread through our community. It was an act of faith in our future and love for one another. It was a call to lead and to serve. And it was definitely pure UD. View the complete sheet sign album.
April 2 was planned to be a day of celebration and giving — our second annual One Day, One Dayton giving day.
Although the focus changed, the original 12 groups of Flyer donors who created challenges and matching gifts of over $450,000 in anticipation of One Day, One Dayton chose to continue their support. They were joined by 1,558 other donors who came forward to assist students through UD scholarships and programs. This brought the giving total to approximately $702,481.
Three Flyers and their families led the way by creating gifts that would be unlocked throughout the day, creating momentum during One Day, One Dayton just like they have generated momentum for the University through their gifts and years of leadership and service.
Debra Plousha-Moore was so inspired by the support for UD during last year’s giving day that she chose One Day, One Dayton 2020 to establish the Plousha-Moore Scholarship for the Flyer Promise Program. The program supports high-achieving students from select area high schools. Early in her career, Plousha-Moore served as a UD student affairs administrator and adjunct faculty. She then became an executive leader in health care for 20 years before founding the boutique consulting firm Plousha Moore Group. She now serves as a University of Dayton board of trustees member.
A lifelong supporter of the University, this Flyer’s giving day contribution is being used to establish a family scholarship. The scholarship will be named after their parents to celebrate their hard work in providing a model of success for their family and community. The donor wants to honor their parents’ sacrifices by helping to lessen the burden for UD students with financial need.
As longtime supporters of the University, Margie ’68 and Bill ’68 Klesse decided to join in the One Day, One Dayton spirit by providing unrestricted support to the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the Champions & Scholars fund. Their giving day contribution represents just a portion of the family’s commitment and involvement at UD. Bill currently serves as a University of Dayton board of trustees member.
- Brigid Brakefield ’88
- Matt Lambiase ’88
- John ’68 and Kathy ’68 McKeon
- Greg ’78 and Denise ’77 Palmer
- Anonymous donor from the class of ’76
- Alumni Association Board
- Parent Leadership Council
- School of Engineering Advisory Council
- University Libraries Advisory Council
For now, we’re #FlyersAtHome. #WeAreOne forever!
You can still join the outpouring of love for our amazing community during this critical time. Keep everyone’s spirits and hope up by posting positive messages on your favorite social media sites and tag the University (or use #FlyersAtHome or #WeAreOne).
We know that these times are uncertain for a lot of us. That’s especially true for our current students. So, if you are looking for ways you can help during this tumultuous time, making a gift to the Student Crisis Fund, scholarships or any area of your choice could make an even bigger impact now than it ever has.