President's Blog: From the Heart

By Eric F. Spina

UD senior Sierra Hammond strives to live by the words of Oprah Winfrey, “To move forward, you have to give back.” As the University of Dayton launches One Day, One Dayton on April 10, Sierra borrowed my blogging pen to describe why she has volunteered to help her beloved University attract an ambitious 1,850 gifts over 24 hours.

Sierra, take it away!

Hello, my fellow Flyers and friends!

I am excited to write this guest blog for President Spina for the University of Dayton’s first-ever giving day. I started volunteering as a logistics and social media coordinator for One Day, One Dayton at the start of the semester because I am so passionate about UD.

Imagine not having the study-abroad experience that changed how you viewed the world. Not seeing that amazing light in a child's eyes during Christmas on Campus. Not meeting those special people willing to help me study until 2 a.m. for that economics exam. Can you imagine not meeting the people who make our University so special to you?

As a senior marketing major, I have been involved with a number of social, academic and fitness groups. When I heard about One Day, One Dayton, I immediately knew I wanted to be involved. The donors to this amazing university make a huge difference by paying it forward and changing the lives of every student on this campus, including me, every day.

From a very young age, I heard my mother stress the importance and value of education and, without the generosity of donors, the full UD educational experience would not have been possible for me. Several donor-funded scholarships helped shape my experience and made me into the person I am today. That’s why I’m eager to give back to a university that has given me so much over the years. After graduation, I hope to take everything the University has taught me to continue my professional journey without forgetting what brought me to this point. I will give back, no matter where life takes me.

I fell in love with the University of Dayton because of our commitment to community, our dedication to service, and our passion for inclusivity. On April 10, you can help students from many different walks of life have an unforgettable UD experience — an experience that will help them grow and become people ready to ignite change in the world with the tools that only UD could give.

I hope you will join me online or on campus during our inaugural giving day by giving a gift of any size, reaching out to the people who make our University so special to you, and celebrating One Day, One Dayton. Please use this hashtag, #1Day1Dayton, and show your love when you make your gift. We created some fun, bold graphics for you to use on social media.

You can make a real difference in the lives of incoming and current students by giving back to the University that has given you so much.

Thank you, Flyers!