President's Blog: From the Heart

By Eric F. Spina

(University of Dayton President Eric F. Spina offers an Easter message to the campus community.)

Dear University of Dayton Family,

Happy Easter! Karen and I wish you and your loved ones a most joyful holiday.

As Christians prepare to celebrate Easter, we find ourselves in the midst of “Good Friday” moments in our world and our society — from the senselessness of war and violence to the injustices too many of our brothers and sisters bear.

We find renewed hope in the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. On this most glorious of feast days, we will profess our belief in the reality and possibility of new life — in a new way of treating one another with love and compassion.

When Jesus rose from the dead, he shared meals with and brought words of peace to his disciples. As we share Easter meals in a world desperately in need of solidarity and peace, I ask for your prayers. Together, may we continue to educate students for service, justice, and peace. May we recommit ourselves to preparing students to learn, lead, serve — and be leaders for the common good.

For our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters, respectively, celebrating Passover and observing Ramadan, and to all of differing faith traditions, we extend peace and happiness during this Holy season.

On this Easter, may we as a University community be a source of new life for all. I wish you and your loved ones God’s grace — and the hope embodied in the Resurrection.

Warmly,

Eric F. Spina
President

(Photo credit: Diptych: Crucifixion and Resurrection. Iconographer unknown, Ethiopian, likely 20th century. From the Marian Library Art & Artifacts Collection.)