University Libraries

By Katy Kelly

How many people can say they’ve been in every house on Lowes Street? I can!

One of my favorite aspects of the University of Dayton community is getting to know people around campus and work toward the missions of their departments in support of the University’s overall mission. This summer, the Office of Housing and Residence Life put out a call for volunteers to assist with move-out, a six-week appointment-based process with COVID-19 precautions in place. I enthusiastically signed up to help and get a change of pace from my daily routine, which up to that point consisted of working remotely from home. 

During my shifts, I unlocked and locked doors within the north and south student neighborhoods as students arrived for their move-out appointments. One shift, we all got a new project — an audit of every house on every street to ensure we had the correct number of residents left to move out and to ensure every house was secured. I was assigned Lowes, a beloved neighborhood location (so I hear). I saw a variety of historic characteristics and several unique layouts and spaces for dining and gathering. The housing and community setting at UD is truly special. Housing and residence life does incredible work to coordinate a huge asset to our learning and living community. 

July 1 marks my 10-year anniversary at the University of Dayton and as a resident of Dayton, which I consider my adopted hometown now. I truly enjoyed volunteering with housing and residence life for a brief time because it gave me insight into other student life experiences beyond my usual library and classroom perspective.

— Katy Kelly is an associate professor and the coordinator of marketing and engagement in the University of Dayton Libraries.