Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

It’s no surprise that parents were the first responders for students when COVID-19 turned our world upside down. And, true to our community, many of them were looking to help more students than just their own.

The Parent Leadership Council was one of the first groups to act — donating more than $38,000 to the Student Crisis Fund on the day that was supposed to be our second annual day of giving.

The council is made up of parents and family members who work closely with University leaders to advocate for students and student opportunities through philanthropy and volunteerism. And, rather than stepping back to see what might happen as the pandemic began, they immediately stepped up for all UD students who needed assistance.

Parents from across the University knew it was an important time to make a difference. James and Laura Michaud recognized that the physician assistant program — which relies heavily on hands-on learning — was going to need to provide enhanced virtual learning opportunities. After discussing it with the program director, the family made a gift to the program fund which could be used to support the areas of greatest needs, like online learning.

When Margaret Agan received her daughter’s housing refund, she reached out to UD to see if the housing credits could go to a student in need instead of being returned.

“I was reading so many things, from articles in The New York Times to Facebook posts, about people asking what they would get back from colleges that were moving to online learning,” Agan said. “These are unprecedented times for all of us, including colleges, and I wanted to be part of the solution — to make an impact in some small way.”

Part of her motivation came from seeing the changes in her daughter when she came home after her first semester at UD. “She came back from UD, and she was already such a changed person in a great way,” Agan said. “UD is truly a different place. Kids find a sense of belonging, purpose and greater good. By giving back, you foster that growth.”

Seeing all the positive things that happen for their children when they’re learning at UD seems to be a universal reason why more and more current parents are choosing to make a gift to the University.

Tom and Dawn Clewett made their gift as their daughter graduated with a degree in engineering. “When it comes to our gift to the University and its students the motivation was quite simple: We know that there are students at the University of Dayton in great need of support. For us, giving to any nonprofit comes down to a highly personal decision,” said Tom.

“We give to organizations where we see their impact firsthand. The University of Dayton attracts great students and provides a first-rate education. More than that, UD genuinely cares about students’ well-being. Giving back was an easy decision for us.”