School of Business Administration
From Participant to Leader: Growing as a Business Student through Servant Leadership
During Welcome Weekend, incoming first-year students at the University of Dayton participated in activities aimed at fostering connections and creating a sense of belonging. Among these was the SBA Service Day in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton, a cornerstone event for School of Business Administration (SBA) freshmen now in its second year. While the build has become an inspiring tradition, sophomore Olivia Harwood offered a unique perspective on how the experience shapes students beyond their first week on campus. Harwood, who returned as a volunteer after participating in the event as a first-year student, reflected on the leadership, connection, and sense of community the build fosters.
Harwood, an SBA sophomore, participated in the build last year and returned to volunteer this year, experiencing the event from a new vantage point. She said the advice and wisdom she received from volunteers as a first-year student left a lasting impression, inspiring her to return and share similar guidance with the new class of students.
“Volunteering this year was especially meaningful because I had the chance to share my experiences and insights with the freshmen,” Harwood said. “I wanted to make a lasting impact on them, just as others did for me.”
A rainstorm during this year’s build provided one of the event’s most memorable moments. Harwood recalled how the students’ determination never wavered.
“Without hesitation, multiple students continued building,” she said. “We were given ponchos and kept moving. This moment made me realize how dedicated and motivated UD students are and how they can overcome challenges as a team to complete the task at hand.”
The resilience and teamwork displayed during the build embodied the University of Dayton’s core value of community. From managing the rain to collaborating on the project’s mission, the freshmen demonstrated adaptability, perseverance, and a commitment to the university’s values. Their collective effort highlights the strength of the UD community and sets a promising outlook for their time at the university.
Harwood reflected on how the event strengthened her connection with the campus community and the local families served by Habitat for Humanity. “I felt connected with the community while my team and I built walls and established teamwork to benefit another family’s situation and create a forever home,” she said.
The Habitat of Humanity of Greater Dayton Build Service Day, established in 2023, gives incoming SBA students the chance to work alongside fellow students as well as faculty and staff. The event fosters a sense of unity within the university and the greater Dayton community. Harwood described her return to the build as a “full-circle moment” that allowed her to fulfill a new role as a sophomore volunteer.
This level of community service extended beyond the Habitat for Humanity service day. Olivia, along with fellow second-year student Sophie Salamone, volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Women’s Shelter as part of their BIZ 202 service requirement. Having previously volunteered at an SVDP location in Akron, Ohio, the students were eager to serve again. At the shelter, they worked with a small group of volunteers from a local Dayton church, setting up food, preparing tables, serving meals, and connecting with the residents.
“Volunteering with people from diverse backgrounds and age ranges helped shift my perspective,” Harwood said. “My favorite part was asking each person how their day was and putting a smile on their faces by serving them a filling meal. Even though most interactions were brief, I hope I was able to make a small but positive impact on their day.”
For Harwood, the experience was a meaningful way to step beyond the “UD bubble” and engage with the wider Dayton community. “It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of academic life and take opportunities for granted,” she reflected, emphasizing how service shaped her outlook and strengthened her connection to those she served.
Harwood's experience highlights the deeper connections and growth that result from engaging with the Dayton community, reinforcing the University of Dayton’s mission of service and fostering a sense of purpose in students beyond their academic pursuits.