President's Blog: From the Heart

By Eric F. Spina

(Jennifer Dalton and Verb Washington are the 2025 recipients of the Lackner Award, given annually to lay faculty or staff who have made a significant contribution to the Catholic and Marianist character of the University of Dayton. Dalton is the director of the dietetics and nutrition programs. Washington is assistant dean for student academic affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences. Here are Eric Spina's reflections from a Feb. 28 dinner honoring them.)

What a beautiful evening celebrating two outstanding members of the University of Dayton family! Jen and Verb — you are such deserving recipients of the Lackner Award, and I am honored to offer a few remarks about how I see your leadership.

Both Jen and Verb model the Marianist way of leading through service to others. At UD, they realize they are part of something greater than themselves. Through their daily actions and interactions with students, they bring our mission and values to life, making our university a better place and contributing to the common good.

At first glance, a dietitian and a retired Army colonel might not seem to have much in common.

Yet Jen and Verb share a deep commitment as Marianist Educational Associates. They’re part of a corps of dedicated faculty and staff who pledge to “strengthen, sustain and develop the Catholic and Marianist mission and identity of the University of Dayton.” In this role, which has been integrated into all their other roles, Jen and Verb represent the heart and soul of UD.

Their work is deeply rooted in helping students find their path and discover their vocation. As assistant dean for student academic affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences, Verb sometimes meets with students who are struggling. He sees their worth, recognizing that each one is created in the image and likeness of God. To these students, he offers simple yet profound insight, and, quoting Verb here:

"The biggest thing that my faith encompasses is the idea of grace. We all fall short of the glory of God. He accepts that we aren’t going to be perfect. He’s made us and given us free will. We make bad choices all the time, but that shouldn’t be the end of our story." That is the kind of assistant dean that we want at UD, someone focused on grace and growth.

Jen’s impact with students is undeniable as well. Remarkably, for the ninth consecutive year, 100% of the students in the dietetics and nutrition program have secured placements in one of their preferred internship programs, an impressive achievement that far exceeds the national average.

Under Jen’s leadership, the program embraces a holistic approach, equipping graduates with compassion, empathy, strong communication skills and a deep respect for differences. These qualities are distinctly Marianist and not part of the standard dietetics curriculum.

Like Mary, tonight’s Lackner recipients say “yes” — again and again. Verb has represented the University on the Atlantic 10 Commission on Racial Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. He’s taught numerous study-abroad courses and served on the Leadership UD development team, among countless other committee assignments. Jen has served on the executive committee of the Academic Senate and helped advance the Blue Sky initiative. She organizes retreats and invites colleagues from across the University to gather monthly for informal “coffee and charism” conversations.

This past fall, at the New Student Convocation, I emphasized for our new first-year students the importance of “showing up to their ultimate success.” In fact, I think at one point I said “Show up. Show up. Show up. Show up!” This is what Jen and Verb have always done in their varied careers and positions across their lives and in their times at UD. You cannot find more earnest, approachable, caring people than Verb and Jen. They show up for others when the chips are down, they show up for UD when the need is great, they are among the first to be called when creative change is needed, they show up to lead when it is hard, they show up to follow when their support will make a difference. They show up with active minds, humble hearts and eager hands.

Jen and Verb, you embody the Marianist commitment to education, service and faith in action. You always put our mission first. You are so worthy of this recognition and, both personally and on behalf of a grateful University of Dayton community, I congratulate you.