Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

While their initial motivations differ, young alumni K.C. Scudder ’17 and Tonica Johnson ’12 agree that their love for the University of Dayton, and their appreciation for the experiences they had as students, keep them engaged.

Scudder, a data scientist for a tech firm in Chicago, began volunteering in 2019 when UD was launching a new peer-to-peer ambassador program in which alumni share campus updates and giving opportunities with their peer networks. 

“UD staff member James Brothers was the adviser for my fraternity when I was at UD. He reached out and asked if I’d be willing to help. I said yes, of course, anything for UD,” said Scudder.

Serving as a peer-to-peer ambassador was just the beginning of Scudder’s volunteer journey. He is the incoming vice chair of day10 — UD’s young alumni group — and recently helped plan his class reunion.

Scudder enjoys the connections and fun that come with volunteering but notes the real reward is the satisfaction of giving back to the place that gave him so much. 

“All the great experiences I’ve been fortunate to have all come back to one theme — and that’s UD,” said Scudder. “I want to pay it forward for future students to make sure they have the same opportunities.”

Johnson, an independent education consultant and owner of Cardinal College Planning, learned early the impact volunteers can make.

“Growing up, I was someone who needed the support of volunteer organizations,” said Johnson. “If people wouldn’t have taken the time to volunteer in the ways that touched my life, I don’t know where I would be.”

And like many young alumni, Johnson didn’t always have money to give — but she did have time — and she gives it, with great satisfaction, to UD.

“There’s a volunteer role for everyone, and there is always a need for help. Getting involved, even in small ways, can make an impact,” said Johnson. 

In addition to volunteering on her class reunion committee this past summer, Johnson serves as a Flyer Champion. In this role, she shares her UD experience and enthusiasm with newly admitted students and welcomes them to the Flyer family. And as a new resident of Colorado, she is also excited to connect with other UD alumni in the Denver Alumni Community.

Both Scudder and Johnson encourage fellow young alumni to get involved to whatever extent they can. 

“UD really emphasizes the importance of service as part of the undergrad experience, and that lesson stuck. My classmates share that same virtue, so it can’t be a coincidence. It’s part of what makes UD so special to so many,” said Scudder.

“If you think about UD’s mission and Marianist values, it’s really what we are called to do — to give back,” said Johnson.