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Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

Helping Beyond Yourself

“It is one thing to be awarded a scholarship,” said junior marketing major Angela Crawford, “but another to get a chance to learn more about the people behind it.”

This past spring, recipients of the Berry Family Scholarship did just that. They attended a luncheon with John Berry Jr. and Charles “Chuck” Berry, who, along with John’s wife, Shirley, established the Berry Family Scholarship in 2019 to support Honors Program students.

Prior to establishing this scholarship, John met a group of honors students who received scholarships as part of the endowment created by his father, John W. Berry Sr., the late CEO of Dayton-based L.M. Berry & Company started by his grandfather, Loren M. Berry, who began mass production and publication of the Yellow Pages throughout the Midwest and beyond when he launched his company in Dayton in 1910.

“I was just kind of blown away,” John said of the students he met. “It was so impressive.”

After not being able to meet in person for a few years, John said this year’s event was like a reunion. “Once again, the students were engaging. They’re smart. They’re confident. They’re all appreciative of the education they’re getting at the University of Dayton.”

“After meeting the Berrys, I want to work harder and prove to them that they invested in the right student,” said Crawford. “After all, it’s harder to let someone down after you’ve met them!”

In addition to working hard toward her degree and being in the Honors Program, Crawford is very involved on campus. She is in Pi Sigma Epsilon, Flyers for Financial Literacy and Students for University Advancement. She also volunteers for campus events, including One Day, One Dayton and a donor celebration.

Crawford is interested in sales and using her skills to help individuals and companies. She notes that sales tends to be viewed as a transactional experience where someone is just trying to get a commission. “PSE (Pi Sigma Epsilon) and the sales program at UD have taught me that sales should be a consultative approach where your needs are met with a solution I can cater to you,” she said. “Your struggles are a challenge to me that I want to help solve!”

Though sales is a male-dominated field, she hopes to gain a level of respect that men are often given automatically. “So, I’m just trying to work on two stereotypes in the business world — which should be easy, right?”

After hearing about the Berry family success, Crawford felt inspired. “Even though they have made a great life for themselves, they did not make it sound easy. I am grateful to them that they really emphasized how much grit and hard work went into making the Berry name.”

“She was very driven,” said John. “You just have to admire her accomplishments and what she wants to do.” He also said that she represented the group in general with their strong push to excel. “It gives you a lot of confidence in the next generation.”

“I am truly humbled that the Berry family has invested in my future,” said Crawford. She credits them with giving her the chance to further her education and achieve the life she desires. “I am paying for college on my own, and I am a first-generation student. Going to college isn’t easy for me, but with the Berry Family — it’s our investment together.”

Crawford added, “The Berry family is the best example of what UD is all about — philanthropy and helping beyond yourself.”

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