In the summer of 2011, I participated in the University of Dayton Summer Appalachia Program and life has never been the same.
As I rolled up to the UDSAP house on the first day, I was filled with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. At the time, I was hoping for a summer filled with adventure and new friendships with other UD students.
What I didn’t realize was how encountering families, children, teens and the community of Salyersville, Kentucky would impact how I saw the world. It’s an experience that I think about every day; from the choices I make, to the way I show up in relationships with others, UDSAP continues to shape who I am.
The History of UDSAP
The University of Dayton Summer Appalachia Program brings UD students to Salyersville to run a day camp, teen center and volunteer at the local nursing home, all while living in an intentional community that is rooted in our Marianist charism of faith, Mary, mission, inclusivity and community.
What began as a food and clothing drive soon turned into the University of Dayton Community Action Group (UDCAG). Several years later, the program evolved into summer programming for kids and teens and was renamed UDSAP. What stayed true through each iteration was an approach to community engagement that is deeply relational and centered on meeting needs named by the community of Salyersville.
In its 62 years, UDSAP has called Salyersville home. We serve over 50 families each summer and over 600 UD students have participated in the program over the years, each with their own take-aways, lessons and stories.
On a recent zoom call with the UDSAP community, folks called in over a family dinner, from across the USA including Alaska, Scotland, Germany, and Portugal — and one alumnus now lives in Salyersville, KY. This shows that the impact of the program reaches far beyond our time at UD.
Our home for the program since 1996 has been a small rented farmhouse, now over 100 years old, tucked between the mountains, with simple accommodations and just enough space to come together for prayer, meals and to host cookouts and bonfires.
It’s been a home that has served us well. It’s full of sacred laughter, tears, conversations on porch swings and countless reflections written on the walls of the living room, affectionately known as the “love room.” These messages represent more than 30 years of UDSAPers, and together they create a wallpaper that shows what students have learned over the course of their summer experiences.
A New Chapter for the UDSAP House
Now, as the Director of UDSAP, I am excited to announce that we are entering a new phase of UDSAP history.
To sustain UDSAP’s future, we are working towards purchasing this sacred property. The plans for improvement will keep the simplicity, history and spirit of the program, while also helping us be better partners to the community of Salyersville. This new chapter will also lead us to grow deeper into our Marianist charism with intentionality and purpose. I’m most excited about the opportunities this presents UD and Salyersville to work more closely together beyond the summer months.
As I think about this new endeavor, I am constantly amazed by the ways in which this program continues to grow and evolve. It’s a program that will always be rooted in our mission as a University for the common good, and in forming students to be people who learn, lead and serve.
But it’s also fulfilling our call as people of faith to work together to see the value, dignity and beauty in each person. UDSAP continues to teach me how to show up for my community, be a better neighbor and honor the reflection of God that each person holds.
How You Can Help Make New UDSAP House Possible
This project can’t happen all on its own. We need your help to continue building the legacy of UDSAP, and to realize the potential for growth and more sustained partnership with the community of Salyersville.
Please consider supporting this project by making a gift of any size to the UDSAP Building Fund. We have reached just over 50% of our $810K goal.
If you are able, consider a gift of $1,000 or more, you can help unlock more funds – Bob ’74 and Beth ’74 Kuzmick will contribute $50,000 if 50 individuals give $1,000 or more to the UDSAP Building Fund by Dec. 31, 2026. Every single donation makes a difference, no matter the amount.
