University Libraries

By Kathleen Webb

Today I woke up before my alarm to a chilly morning breeze through my bedroom window, still open a few inches from yesterday’s warm afternoon. The pink and orange in the sky hadn’t yet given way to blue, and the birds were singing. It seemed like a day made to order for what’s been on my calendar since last fall: One Day, One Dayton.

Today is still One Day, One Dayton, and it’s still a made-to-order day for it. It’s just not what we planned. While a festive, joyful celebration of Flyer pride like we had in 2019 would have been wonderful under normal circumstances, our circumstances are far from normal. We’re in a crisis, and we all have a responsibility.

Today, while #FlyersAtHome around the world show their love for UD, I am doing the same.

I have spent 27 years working at the University of Dayton, and to me, it is as much my home as where I sleep. I’m grateful to be part of this outstanding institution that embraces excellence, community, diversity and innovation. All the positive energy I’m seeing today for One Day, One Dayton shows me that what I love so much about UD isn’t just on campus. It’s everywhere.

Thank you, #FlyersAtHome, and thank you to all those who are working so hard to care for the sick and keep our cities, hospitals and essential services up and running. We will get through this together.

Learn more about how you can support our students and the University today.

— Kathleen Webb is dean of the University Libraries.