University Libraries

By Katy Kelly

One Day, One Dayton, University of Dayton’s annual giving day, was again an exciting day full of Flyer pride. On April 6, we saw the UD community rally together for student success; even the rain couldn’t dampen the mood! We wore our Club Roesch T-shirts to the campus lunchtime party, where people could dine from food trucks, play yard games and challenge the librarians at ax throwing (inflatable axes with Velcro, of course). This also gave us a chance to promote our giving day goals: enhance student learning through exhibits and programs; digitize important collections; and update furniture in library study spaces.

The results are in

Our three projects are funded thanks to 104 donors and the growing influence of One Day, One Dayton. And, we’ve already taken action, such as:

1. Sending fragile issues of Flyer News published between 1955 and 1970 to a specialist who will digitize the pages into a screen-readable format to make them viewable online. This ensures students and researchers can learn more about University history through the lens of the Flyer News student journalists.
2. Purchasing another popular study pod with an adjustable desk, chair and lamp for the second floor of Roesch Library; when it arrives, we'll designate it as a One Day, One Dayton gift.

Funds will also support the planning of creative programs and events that will invite students to engage with uniquely UD collections. One, for example, focuses on the Blessed Virgin Mary’s connection to miracles and medical cures. Another explores interpretations of the Catholic folk tale The Juggler, which is about finding one’s calling in life. The Libraries Dean’s Fund for Excellence will support student learning as they experience what it is like to design, write and create interactive exhibits, both in the library galleries and online. You’ll see events and exhibit announcements on our blogs and social media. 

One Day, One Dayton Overall

Flyers from all 50 states rallied to set a new record for donations to UD during One Day, One Dayton 2022: 6,634 donors contributed more than $2.2 million to support current and future Flyers. Poised to graduate in just weeks, the Class of ’22 led all classes with 172 donors. What an example of generosity in community! Thank you to all donors. Let’s do it again next year!  

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