Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

When Bella Lundgren first came to the University of Dayton campus, she was tagging along for her older brother’s college tour. When it was time for her to apply to colleges, she knew that UD was the right fit and a second home.

“I felt like I kept comparing other schools to Dayton and what I knew I loved about it,” said the senior education major. “It was a sign that that’s the place I should be.”

Since starting her journey at the University of Dayton, Lundgren has dedicated her experience to service. She has a passion for helping first-year students transition to life at UD. This led to opportunities for her to work with Student Transitions and Family Programs and as a counselor for Camp Blue, a program that allows first-year students to arrive on campus early, form connections and develop hands-on leadership skills.

In addition to serving at UD, Lundgren is driven by serving the Dayton community that surrounds the University. Through her membership in the Kappa Delta sorority, she has volunteered with local Girl Scout troops and with Big Brothers.

“It’s really nice being part of organizations that schedule out intentional time for you to go serve the community,” she said. “A big passion of mine is specifically serving in the Dayton community.”

Lundgren’s dream to become a teacher was solidified by working an on-campus job at the Bombeck Family Learning Center. Now she is a student teacher teaching second grade in the West Carrolton School District, with an emphasis on supporting students who are on an individualized education plan or struggle with dyslexia.

Thanks to donor-funded scholarships, Lundgren has the opportunity to give her all to her students.

“Scholarships have given me much more freedom this semester to focus on being an effective student teacher.”

“We have a lot on our plates because we’re also full-time students. So not only are we teaching, but we're also going to our own classes. Scholarships have given me much more freedom this semester to focus on being an effective student teacher,” she said.

In addition to providing financial support, donor-funded scholarships are a major source of inspiration for Lundgren and have fueled her love for the University of Dayton

“It shows that there are people who support what I’m passionate about and who care enough to invest in future leaders and future educators,” she said. “It also is a big reflection of who I want to be going forward — supporting people who are younger than me and showing them that they have a family and a community of support within the University.”