Skip to main content

Flyers for Life

Welcome to the alumni family

By Devin Mallett ‘17

Author Bio
City: Cleveland, OH
Profession: Student at Case Western Reserve University
Favorite UD Home: UD Office of Multicultural Affairs
UD Role: I enjoy being a member of the day10 Executive Committee because it allows me to stay up-to-date with UD news as well as collaborate on fun projects with fellow Flyers.

The transition to life as an alum has been an emotional roller coaster. On the one end, you are free from schoolwork and class time. On the other end, you have many more responsibilities and less time to do them — scary!

After graduation, I had a desire to stay connected to the University of Dayton. I thought it would help make my transition easier if I could continue to learn and benefit from the great community that we are all so proud of. I decided to volunteer for UD as member of the day10 Executive Committee and was excited to begin my role. day10 serves as a bridge between the Alumni Association and graduates of the last 10 years. We provide valuable content and resources directly to recent UD alumni, but we also provide the perspective of young alumni back to UD.

In September 2017, I started my new role at the annual Alumni Leadership Conference where my new title, alum, felt all too real. I was surrounded by alumni of all different ages during the conference; I could feel the energy and enthusiasm as if I were back in the student section at a UD home game. Every alum was excited to be there, excited about the direction of the University and excited for the opportunity to volunteer their time.

Now that I am an alum, I see how truly special UD is. In my life outside the UD student community, I notice diversity in thoughts, beliefs and values. This helps me appreciate the inclusive, welcoming community on UD's campus and the lessons it taught me. I learned how to connect and work with those who may have different priorities and experiences than I do. I strive to bring the Marianist values to my new community and life beyond campus. And, thanks to UD, I better understand what it means to be an empathetic leader and how empathy generates not only professional results but is important in all areas of our life.

I want new graduates to know that they might be leaving campus but they are not leaving the UD community. I encourage fellow young alumni out there to consider getting involved in their local alumni community, coming back to campus for Reunion Weekend or donating to UD. Staying connected to UD has been valuable to me as I have transitioned into the “real world.” To all my fellow recent graduates - welcome to the alumni family - we are glad you’re here!


Visit your.udayton.edu/day10 to learn more about UD’s young alumni group, alumni events across the country and more.

Next Post

Sarah Richard '19

Since graduating, Sarah Richard ’19 has become a proud Dayton transplant who is heavily involved in local and regional environmental justice efforts. She has worked for a local non-profit, CleanEnergy4All, co-authored international and local food system grant efforts, and joined a team in the local community working to create a more just local economy rooted in food access.

Read More