University Libraries
Roesch Retreat
By Katy Kelly
“Calm.” “Cozy.” “Quiet.” “Open.” These are some of the adjectives University of Dayton students used to describe their ideal space for a study break. These words and other suggestions collected via a survey informed the design of a new well-being space, funded entirely by gifts made on One Day, One Dayton 2024.
Reviving the well-being space
Located on Roesch Library’s fifth floor in a corner formerly occupied by the Zen Den, Roesch Retreat offers students a unique and relaxing space, whether it’s needed for studying, conversation or contemplation. It was built to be more structurally stable and accessible than the Zen Den and to bring the spirit of nature indoors.
Student-inspired
Student input guided the transformation of the space through a survey conducted during UD’s Welcome Weekend and the first two weeks of classes. Students overwhelmingly supported a forest-inspired design. A first-year student offered the Roesch Retreat name. Employees, including a student employee, from a cross-section of campus designed the resulting structure according to the feedback. A sound machine, decorative lighting, comfortable chairs and activity books are the initial student-requested amenities featured in the space. Roesch Retreat will evolve with additional input from students.
Donor-funded
Roesch Retreat is the latest example of a successfully funded One Day, One Dayton project. In 2024 the University Libraries promoted the need for an enhanced well-being space project, and donors responded to our call and helped us achieve our goal. Thank you to our loyal and new supporters for making this happen for our students.
— Katy Kelly is a professor in the University Libraries and assistant dean of strategic communication and outreach.
Roesch Retreat credits: Amanda Black, Mike Puckett, Patrick Czeiszperger, Jack Williams ’26, Matt Jennings, Joey Shaffer, Ann Zlotnik, Katy Kelly and our One Day, One Dayton donors.
Main blog photo by Surya Deip Reddy Kesaram ’25.
