President's Blog: From the Heart

By Eric F. Spina

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Welcome home, Flyers! I hope you enjoyed a restful summer and are as energized and as hopeful as I am about the beginning of a new academic year — and all the promise it holds.

For the Class of 2027, you are starting a journey that will change your world, expand your horizons, and help you become the person you are meant to be: a professional, a community builder, a compassionate servant-leader, a changemaker for the common good.

For our newly hired faculty and staff, you will help build an environment that will allow our students to soar. I offer an especially warm welcome to Dr. Darlene Weaver, our new provost and executive vice president of academic affairs, who is already demonstrating that her sharp intellect, pragmatic wisdom, and Marianist heart will make her a great leader for UD.

For all in our campus community, you inspire me with your dedication to nurturing the University of Dayton’s powerful sense of community and culture of respect for others, especially across differences. The gifts you bring — your personal identity, your talents and passions, your faith, and optimism — make this University stronger.

As a community, we are embarking on an academic journey of great purpose and aspiration together. I wish everyone an outstanding year, one filled with joy and possibilities.

May God’s grace be with each of you.

Warm regards,

Eric F. Spina
President