Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

Three Reasons to Smile
By Sharon D. White ’78, Alumni Association president
As it faces challenges common to higher education institutions across the country, the University of Dayton is currently undergoing significant changes and leadership is actively developing strategies and taking actions to ensure the University’s continued success and growth well into the future.
Change is never easy. That is why the task of President Eric F. Spina and his leadership team is so difficult. That said, I can assure my fellow alumni of one thing:
The University of Dayton is in a great place!
You may wonder: “What is the reason for her optimism?” Well, I recently spent a great deal of time on campus, joining the board of trustees’ meetings and, also, when the Alumni Association hosted our Volunteer Summit and Alumni Awards celebration in October. Here are three of my key takeaways:
Strong University Leadership
Leadership is often about navigating difficult choices, taking calculated risks, and making decisions that may not always be popular but are necessary for growth and progress. President Spina and Provost Darlene Weaver are demonstrating they are not afraid to make bold decisions. Playing it safe can sometimes feel like the easiest route because it avoids conflict and uncertainty, but both of these leaders are showing us that true leadership requires courage to face challenges head-on and acting in the best interests of our students, and alumni have responded.
We have raised over $400 million and engaged over 2,800 new volunteers at this point in our campaign. This is extraordinary because so many universities struggle to engage with their respective communities. But so many in our UD community make UD a top priority. We owe a great deal of gratitude for those that have supported us to date and we need others to join us in our collective efforts.
Amazing Alumni and Friends Across the Board
We honored five UD alumni for their professional achievements and commitment to service. I had the pleasure of serving as emcee for the Alumni Awards that we hosted for the first time in the state-of-the-art Roger Glass Arts Center. What an extraordinary act of philanthropy by Roger Glass and his family. The meaning and spirit behind this building make it a true treasure. And what an asset it will be for students of various academic majors well into the future.
Also, 200 UD volunteers returned to campus for our Volunteer Summit! UD alumni live all over the country, but these dedicated volunteers came home because they believe in their university. I loved hearing their ideas and experiencing the energy they brought throughout the weekend — I was honored to be in their presence.
Laser-focused on Student Success
UD will have a new health and well-being center opening in fall 2026. Opening this new facility is a great way to support our students, especially in a world where mental health challenges are increasingly common. Many young people face immense pressure, from academic stress to social media influence, and this often leads to struggles with mental health issues.
This is yet another example of UD recognizing a need, and enhancing services for our students. I was so encouraged by this new initiative, knowing that an increased number of qualified staff will be serving Flyers in this capacity.
We continue to have terrific outcomes for our graduates, with an 82% six-year graduation rate. Also, 98% of our graduates are either employed in their chosen field, attending graduate schools or serving in the military or a service program within six months of graduation. These proven outcomes are something we should all celebrate.
With change comes opportunities and as we approach our 175th birthday in 2025, we are well-positioned for continued growth and success. As we celebrate this holiday season, we are thankful for you — our Flyer family who make a difference!
Happy holidays to you and yours!