Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

When Darius Beckham ’19 graduated from the University of Dayton, he made an intentional choice to give back to the Dayton community. After serving as a legislative aide to Nan Whaley’s administration and helping navigate several crises, Beckham is now a senior policy aide to Dayton’s current mayor, Jeffrey Mims.

“No matter the job title, I have remained a student of both the issues that we must tackle as a community and the leaders who have come before me,” said Beckham.

Beckham also works to learn, lead and serve as president of the Greater Dayton Young Democrats and makes time to give back to his alma mater, engaging with UD's Black Alumni group and the Fitz Center for Leadership.

He previously worked as project manager of the Hall Hunger Initiative, an effort dedicated to creating innovative food solutions so that everyone in the Miami Valley has sustainable access to healthy food. 

Born and raised in Dayton, the accomplishment he’s now most proud of to date is purchasing his first home in one of Dayton’s core neighborhoods, Five Oaks. 

“As a leader among my peers, my aim is always to be an example both personally and professionally,” said Beckham. “To do that, I believe it is necessary to show commitment to community and the ability to constantly evolve as a leader.”