School of Business Administration

On an overcast move-in weekend, approximately 450 incoming business students at the University of Dayton made an impact on their new community by participating in a Habitat for Humanity panel build. The event, part of the University’s dedication to service and community engagement, took place on campus as the students, just starting their college journey, began to lay the literal and figurative foundations for their futures.

As part of the weekend's activities, students worked together to construct walls for a future Habitat for Humanity home. These panels, once complete, were raised on-site to give the students a tangible sense of accomplishment before being transported to the Edgemont neighborhood for final construction.

"This event is a perfect representation of what we stand for at the University of Dayton," said Trevor Collier, Dean of the School of Business Administration. "Our students are encouraged to serve from the very beginning, and this build is just one of many ways they will engage with the Dayton community throughout their time here."

David Mauch, Development Director for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton, highlighted the significance of the students' contributions. "This panel build is an important first step in helping a local family achieve homeownership with a 0% interest rate," Mauch said. "Last year's Flyer Nation Habitat for Humanity Build was a tremendous success, and we're thrilled to kick off Flyer Nation Build #2 with the support of the University of Dayton."

Since 1983, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton has built nearly 400 homes, providing affordable homeownership opportunities to those in need. Each family selected to purchase a Habitat home must complete at least 275 hours of volunteer work, known as "sweat equity," and participate in over 40 hours of homeownership education classes. 

Last year's incoming students also participated in a similar event, and the home they started is expected to be completed this fall. It will be the first new house built in the Edgemont neighborhood in 80 years, marking a significant milestone in the area’s revitalization.

Despite the weather challenges, students found joy and unity in the experience. "My favorite part was definitely the camaraderie among strangers," said Anna Wallace, an incoming first-year student majoring in marketing. "We just met these people, and we were building a wall together, soaking wet, pouring rain. And it feels like we're all close now."

Lily Flynn, an incoming first-year accounting student, echoed this sentiment, adding, "We all just came together and accepted that it's raining and we're on top of this. Creating a good thing."

As the panels were raised and students saw the beginnings of a new home take shape, they were reminded that their work is just beginning. For these future business leaders, the experience of building a home for a local family serves as a powerful introduction to the University's mission of combining education with meaningful service.