At the University of Dayton, scholarships are more than financial aid. They are acts of faith in a student’s potential and a commitment to the common good. Each award plants a seed of confidence, purpose and service that continues to grow long after graduation.
When Katerina discovered how compassion shapes health care, when Haley led her first team and when Dwight found belonging far from home — each moment was made possible by a scholarship. These gifts remind every student that someone believes in their potential and their power to make a difference.
Katerina Fronimos
As a triplet, Katerina Fronimos ’26 thought the easiest option would be to stay in Illinois and go to college with her siblings. However, when she stepped on UD’s campus, she immediately felt at home, and chose UD, even if it meant being five hours away from her family.
Her path to pre-dentistry was solidified through UD's Health Engagement Fellows program and her work with the Miami Valley Child Development Centers. Her experience taught her health care is rooted in trust, advocacy and human connection, not just science.
Through campus clubs like Alpha Epsilon Delta and the Dental Interest Group, Fronimos learned leadership is not about having the loudest voice, but about listening, showing up and lifting others, mirroring the support she received to gain more confidence.
“My confidence, service and growth were made possible by donor generosity. I am here today because someone chose to plant a seed. And I promise to spend my life, and the rest of my time here at UD, becoming the harvest.”
Haley Reid
As Haley Reid ’26 toured UD’s campus, she could envision herself here. She made up her mind at the end of the tour when the guide shared, “Even if you don’t pick UD, I hope the place you choose makes you feel as happy as I do here.”
Guided by UD’s values of learning, leadership and service, Reid has immersed herself in high-impact roles, progressing from a first-year student transforming a website for Flyer Public Relations to an account executive.
“I now gain experience guiding practicum students in creating public relations strategies for clients like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and UD’s Master of Public Administration program,” said Reid. “The generosity of donors has not only allowed me to thrive during my undergraduate years but has also empowered me to continue my academic and professional journey with confidence. I see this next chapter not as an end, but as a continuation of the values that UD has instilled in me — service, leadership and community.”
Alessandra Veira-Concepción
San Juan, Puerto Rico, native Alessandra Veira-Concepción knew she wanted to experience something new and adventurous, but she never imagined it would be at the University of Dayton. She’s grateful she’s here.
The most impactful aspect of her experience has been the people who created a supportive home where she learned to lead with heart and believe in herself, igniting her passion for becoming a doctor.
“When I first came to UD, I only had an idea, a small spark, that I wanted to be a doctor,” she said. “But over time, that spark grew into a fire. This University is where that passion was truly ignited and where I realized medicine isn’t just a goal for me; it’s a lifelong purpose.”
Veira-Concepción jumped into UD’s hands-on experiences — UD Emergency Medical Services, peer mentorship and helping start UD’s MEDLIFE chapter — which led to an international service trip to Peru. Now, as a senior, she is prepared for medical school with a clear vision of her future, all thanks to UD.
“Because of donor generosity, students like me get to walk, run, fly and someday soar, not just for ourselves, but for the people and communities we’ll serve in the future,” Veira-Concepción said. “I’ll carry that spirit with me as I take my next steps toward becoming a doctor.”
Dwight Smith
Dwight Smith, a civil engineering major from New York City, took a bold leap of faith when he chose the University of Dayton without ever visiting campus. Growing up with adversity and personal challenges at home, Smith learned resilience early.
His strength and faith carried him from uncertainty to opportunity, a journey starting with UD’s Multi-Ethnic STEM Summer Bridge Program. That summer, he felt something he had long been searching for — a genuine sense of belonging.
Since then, Smith’s UD journey has been marked by transformation and purpose. He has grown, not only as a student of engineering, but as a leader, mentor and man of faith. From overcoming academic challenges to finding his voice through service, he’s embraced every opportunity to evolve. As an orientation leader, PEERS mentor, and RECkids supervisor, Smith has used his story to lift others, proving leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence and authenticity.
Now, Smith looks toward the future with gratitude. His goal is to leave a lasting legacy — one day becoming a donor himself to empower the next generation of Flyers to dream boldly, rise above fear and soar like him.
“Holistic growth has always been central to how I navigate life. I’ve seen firsthand how these gifts create opportunities for students like me to discover our purpose, grow as leaders and feel supported through challenges. Knowing that someone chose to believe in my potential inspires me to do the same for others.”