True or false? Life at the University of Dayton in the summer moves at a slower pace until the adrenaline rush of a new academic year kicks in at the end of August.
I might have marked that one as “true” until I looked at my calendar. If I kept a diary, these would be my top 2025 summer entries. Every vignette illustrates UD’s mission in action and reflects who we are as a welcoming Catholic, Marianist university.
May 22
The University stepped into the spotlight when over 1,000 visitors from 45 countries came to Dayton for the NATO Parliamentary Assembly that marked the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords. As part of the historic gathering, the Roger Glass Center for the Arts hosted a dozen thought-provoking “Dayton Dialogue” panels on peace and security, featuring diplomats, think tank leaders, and public intellectuals. Quite a high-profile moment!
June 6-8
Once a Flyer, always a Flyer. During a beautiful early June weekend, the campus came alive when thousands of alumni returned to reconnect with their alma mater, celebrate friendships, and share memories. It was an especially poignant reunion for the Class of 2020, who recreated their senior toast after missing graduation because of COVID.
June 10-12
You could feel the joy and positive energy from our newest Flyers and their families at the first of 10 New Student Orientation sessions. “We’re here to care for the whole person,” Associate Provost Lee Dixon told the first-year students. That’s a message that hit home. From dedicated holistic advisers to hands-on learning experiences and a soon-to-open Health and Wellbeing Center, his message was clear: UD is here to support and guide you every step on your academic journey.
June 13
We announced today a transition in the role of vice president for mission and rector that will occur before January 1, 2026. It’s hard to imagine the University of Dayton without a Fitz in a leadership role. Thankfully, Father Jim Fitz, S.M., who’s been a guide and mentor for me and countless others, is only semi-retiring after a long career at UD, most recently as vice president for mission and rector. And, fortunately, Brother Tim Driscoll, S.M., who serves on UD’s Board of Trustees and as assistant provincial for education, said “yes,” in the spirit of Mary. “I always remember a passage from scripture that reminds us, the gift you received from God, do your best to give others,” says Father Jim, who will continue to assist with liturgies. That’s the Marianist philosophy we want our students to carry with them.
June 17
Such a welcome sight: bulldozers began to move dirt at the former Montgomery County Fairgrounds, signaling the beginning of the much-anticipated onMain development with the construction of a largely state-funded Digital Transformation Center. We’re collaborating with Premier Health to transform the 37-acre parcel into Dayton’s Imagination District. This is the spot where Wilbur Wright spoke to a huge gathering of proud Daytonians in 1909 when the city threw a homecoming parade to honor the Wright brothers’ invention and flying of the first airplane. Today, the future is ours to invent. I’m thrilled this site is coming back to life and will be part of Dayton’s glorious future.
July 22
We soared! Today, we announced the end of a wildly successful comprehensive fundraising campaign that exceeded its lofty $400 million goal by $53 million. The Flyer Faithful showed up in record numbers — as donors, volunteer leaders and new members of the Front Porch Society. Thanks to your love for UD, we’ve been able to expand the number of scholarships available to high-achieving students, guarantee hands-on learning opportunities for every student, and support innovation throughout campus.
We had our share of generous million-dollar gifts, but the heart of this campaign came from gifts of every size, considering that the median size of gifts was $90. Everyone’s contribution matters when you’re trying to do something bold. Thank you, Flyer Nation!
July 30
Let’s talk about the Dayton basketball brotherhood — and the bond Dayton Flyers have with Coach Anthony Grant and the Flyer Faithful.
“This is a second home for me,” DaRon Holmes II of the Denver Nuggets told me after a spirited pick-up game with this year’s squad in the Cronin Center. “I will always come back to Dayton, no matter what,” said Obi Toppin, a power forward who helped lead the Indiana Pacers to their second NBA Finals appearance this year. Joining them on the court were Koby Brea, drafted this summer by the Phoenix Suns, as well as Nate Santos and Jalen Crutcher, who saw action in the NBA summer league with the Orlando Magic. While Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara couldn’t join the reunion, you could feel his presence in every defensive stop. This is Dayton basketball!
July 31
Karen and I hosted many of the 60 bright, curious undergraduate interns from the University of Dayton Research Institute for a picnic. Their stories: inspirational! One redesigned a robotic tooling stand. Another helped to fabricate and test composites. At UDRI, innovation is in the DNA, but we also take great pride in how our researchers mentor undergraduates. While most are studying at UD, this year’s crop of interns included students from a dozen universities, including Purdue and Georgia Tech. The future of innovation is in very good hands.
Aug. 1
Every time I listen to the Berry Summer Thesis Institute Scholars present their summer research, I’m in awe of their poise, confidence, and ability to articulate complex ideas in a way that all can understand. This is faculty-mentored, hands-on learning at its best.
Aug. 2
I was honored to witness the promotion of our newest professor of military science to lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army in a ceremony at Serenity Pines. Just as Dayton Flyers Coach Anthony Grant is an educator, so is Lt. Col. Donald Dyer. He will help form UD students into commissioned officers with leadership skills, character and an ethical compass.
Aug. 9
It’s hard to put into words the impact these three men have had on our campus. Together, Brother Phil Aaron, Father Jim Fitz, and Father Joe Kozar have given 195 years of loving, selfless service as Marianists. Today, we celebrated their jubilees with a beautiful Mass and reception, and the love and appreciation in the room spoke volumes. They’ve devoted their lives to bringing others closer to God and Mary. What a blessing!
Aug. 23
What a day! More than 800 student, faculty, and staff volunteers welcomed the Class of 2029 with outstretched arms, open hearts, and a joyful spirit. This is the Flyer way. I watched move-in day unfold with a joyful heart as students connected with their roommates and parents savored this coming-of-age moment. Welcome, Flyers!