University Libraries

By Diane Osman, Amy Rohmiller, Shari Neilson, Henry Handley

The University of Dayton Libraries are inviting students to take a virtual tour of Woodland Cemetery through an asynchronous program using Springshare’s LibWizard software. Students who participate will learn about the cemetery’s history; explore the lives of community leaders interred in Woodland, including UD alumni; and reflect on memory and legacy in the context of UD and Dayton history. The activity connects to the University of Dayton’s campus (just next door) and the books, archival collections and other materials in the University Libraries. A few of the notable people highlighted in the module include humorist Erma Bombeck, inventors Orville and Wilbur Wright and poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. UD students and Woodland employees Meg Klepacz and Kayla Dawson collaborated by recording TikTok videos with information on some of Woodland’s VIPs, which are embedded as part of the experience.

By exploring the lives and legacies of people who shaped UD, Dayton and the world through the historic landmarks at Woodland Cemetery, students have an opportunity to reflect on the paths charted by inventors, civil rights leaders, writers and others and how they connect to their personal values and experiences. For those observing All Saints Day and All Souls Day, the program can be an additional avenue of remembrance.

Visit virtually or in person

Visiting the cemetery in person is not a requirement for the AVIATE activity. Students who are interested in visiting on their own can reference the map of the virtual route, though they should be respectful of memorials and other visitors, including keeping a considerate distance from services in progress. If you decide to visit, confirm the hours on the cemetery’s website. 

This AVIATE program is PATH point-eligible and runs through Nov. 18. The module can be found in UD’s 1850 app.

— Diane Osman is an administrative assistant in the University Libraries dean’s office; Amy Rohmiller is the associate archivist in the University Archives and Special Collections; Shari Neilson is the administrative assistant and office coordinator in the Marian Library; Henry Handley is an assistant professor and collections librarian in the Marian Library.