College of Arts and Sciences Newsroom

By Devin Chivers ’27

Like many students nearing graduation, Marion Pope initially sought an internship to help build his resume. But his summer working in the Dayton Mayor's Office gave him so much more: a career path rooted in serving the common good.

Pope, a communication major from Cincinnati, interned through the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community’s Ethics and Leadership Initiative, which offers students ethics-focused placements across professional fields with a parallel curricular component to prepare them to meet the ethical challenges of their future professional lives.

“I was able to figure out a career path that aligns with my passion for community service and helping others become self-sufficient,” he said. “I also strengthened  my research skills and networked with local nonprofit organizations.”

Darius Beckham, mayor’s office senior policy aide, said Pope took on a variety of tasks this summer that included conducting research, drafting reports and assisting with community outreach initiatives.

“One notable instance of Marion’s capabilities was his months-long research on the issue of homelessness in the city of Dayton,” Beckham said. “He provided a comprehensive outline of the local homelessness continuum and coordinated discussions with external partners.”

Christa Johnson, the Ethics and Leadership Initiative’s outgoing director, said the internship program has allowed 40 students to work full-time in the Dayton community over the last three years, helping them to “grow immensely in empathy.”

“They have developed in both their understanding of leadership and basic skills for their careers,” she said. “They walk away with a new understanding of the community they inhabit and the impact they can have on the world.”

In addition to his internship, Pope is a Flyer Promise Scholar, which makes a UD education attainable for students from a partner high school or regional program with a weighted high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Through University and donor funds, selected students receive scholarships and financial aid, covering all tuition costs and significantly reducing housing and meal costs.

Johnson said she has seen students thrive and even make life-altering changes because a donor saw an opportunity to make a difference.

“In my experience at UD, philanthropy elevates education by providing opportunities for high-impact experiences outside of the classroom that will set our students apart,” Johnson said. “It allows for everyone to take advantage of those opportunities, not just those who can afford that extra cost.”

Pope is now considering a career in public administration, centered around community involvement.

“I was able to see what others go through and issues that are not talked about often,” Pope said. “My goal is to be an example for others who come from a hard place. I want to lead by example while following the values I believe in.”