Department of Health and Sport Science

• Dietetics and nutrition undergraduate students participate in experiential learning through interprofessional education opportunities with local health care professionals (Grandview Hospital, Dayton Children’s Hospital, Premier Health Network), Sport Nutrition Club, provide community nutrition education to our communities and work alongside dietitians on practice-based projects at Dayton Children’s Hospital and with private practice dietitians.
• As part of their degree program, dietetics and nutrition graduate students participate in the MDN and Premier Dietetic Internship (PDI) program, which is designed for Dietetics students who have completed their undergraduate degree from an ACEND-accredited didactic program in dietetics.
• Health and wellness undergraduate students participate in practicums and internships to gain practical experience.
• Nursing undergraduate students take classes at both UD and Sinclair. The Sinclair Nursing program uses clinical sites at a wide variety of hospitals (Premier Health, Kettering Health Network, Dayton Children's), long-term care facilities and community agencies.
• Sport management undergraduate students participate in two internships — one on-campus and one off-campus.

To prepare you to be a global citizen and prepare to work in a global marketplace, we offer a variety of study abroad and away programs throughout the academic year, including a full slate of summer programs.

The Gary Mioli Leadership in Community Fund creates a platform for student studying sport management to advocate for 501(c)3 organizations whose service holds personal meaning. Students in the Sales and Fundraising in Sport class (HSS 358) participate in an annual philanthropy tournament, and the top four students have gifts donated to their respective charities in their names and in honor of Mioli.

The fund, established in 2016 with a goal of raising $175,000 by 2026, honors the legacy of Gary Mioli ’79, who dedicated his professional life to leading young men — both on and off the football field — and who embodied UD's values in leadership, service, and the education of the whole person. Mioli was a Physical Education major and a manager of the UD football team (1975-79).

Philanthropy Tournament and Recent Winners

Students enrolled in the Sales and Fundraising in Sport class (HSS 358) participate in a philanthropy tournament each fall. Students pitch the community organization they want to support, and the top four students have gifts donated to their respective charities.

Recent winners and the organization they supported:

• 2025: William Gaskin (view presentation on YouTube) | Anthony's Avengers DIPG Foundation
• 2024: Jordan Harbeck (view presentation on YouTube) | Alzheimer's Association
• 2023: Andy Mason | Children International
• 2022: Lucy Wheeland (view presentation on YouTube) | Center for Adoption Support and Education

Make a Donation

UD is committed to providing an education that extends beyond the walls of the University. The sport management program allows students to gain real life experience, which includes making a positive impact on the lives of those around them.

Donations to the Gary Mioli Leadership in Community Fund help support our students' opportunities to learn more about giving firsthand.

You can make a donation to the fund online or by calling 888-252-2383. Checks can be mailed to:

Gary Mioli Leadership in Community Fund
c/o Advancement Relations
University of Dayton
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469-7056

Organizations Benefitting From the Fund

Dozens of organizations have benefitted from the Leadership in Community Fund, including:

• ALS Foundation for Life
• Alzheimer’s Association
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Athletes For Hope
• Brain Trauma Foundation
• Can Do MS
• CARES Foundation
• Center for Adoption Support and Education
• Children International
• Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area (MI)
• Dayton Children’s Hospital (OH)
• EBDV Boruga
• Epilepsy Foundation
• KAREFarm
• Lil MAC Kids Foundation (OH)
• Mission Partners Guatemala (OH)
• Move United
• Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• New Beginnings Recovery Mission (IL)
• Oregon District Tragedy Fund (OH)
• Partners in Prevention (Clark County, OH)
• Pink Ribbon Good
• PORT Health (NC)
• Purple Pansies
• Shanerock (OH)
• Special Olympics
• Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes Foundation
• TCN Behavioral Health Services
• The Compassionate Friends
• The Michael J. Fox Foundation
• The V Foundation for Cancer Research
• Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities

Founding Supporters

Thank you to the visionaries from the class of 1979, who not only brought Gary’s story to our attention, but also made donations: Karen Meaney, Jo Balsamo Wood and Claudia Wahl Lund.

Thank you to the following classmates of Gary's who supported the establishment of the fund with a founding gift:

• Andrea Ambrosini
• Andrew M. Balsai, Jr. '79 & Susan S. Balsai
• Kevin W. Callahan '79
• Ricky L. Chamberlin '80 & Jayne A. Chamberlin
• Mary Condit '81
• Genevieve Ditrani
• Eileen A. Duffin '79
• Margaret A. Heckman '79
• Patricia A. Fink '78
• Mary Zupp Moorman '82 & George A. Moorman '81
• Geraldine Toomey O'Boyle '79 & Patrick A. O'Boyle
• Christine Gruber Volk '79 & Richard Volk
• George P. Van Horn, Ed.D. '80 & Bridgette Maschue Van Horn '83
• Laura Peterson '79
• Susan A. Poland '79
• Judith K. Rettinger '79
• Nancy E. Roach '79
• Denise Robicheaux
• Kathryn Janosco Smith '79

Professional co-ed fraternity for students in the departments of Teacher Education and Health and Sport Science. EDU promotes knowledge and understanding of their fields of study. Focuses on professional development in the fields of education and health and sport science by promoting unity, service and professionalism.

Professional co-ed fraternity for Health and Sport Science majors. Aims to increase knowledge of the health professions and preparedness for post-graduation goals, including graduate school and careers.

Professional organization for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in occupational therapy. Provides opportunities for shadowing, leadership, service, professional development, and social activities.

Professional organization for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in physical therapy. Provides opportunities for shadowing leadership, service, professional development, and social activities.

For dietetics majors interested in sports nutrition. Club members work with a licensed dietitian to develop nutrition skills and knowledge to best fuel the body for sport. Events include working with UD athletes.

Student-led organization, open to all UD majors. Provides members the opportunity to develop skills in providing cooking demos, engaging in community service, and learning more about the dietetics profession through fellowship, service and professional engagement.

Dietetics majors are strongly encouraged to join and participate in the activities provided.

Professional organization to unite and mentor students preparing to become nurses or interested in becoming a nurse. The group promotes professionalism in nursing and helps members develop skills they'll need to become responsible members of the nursing profession.

Members learn to create an educational environment and to be advocates for one another. The group also aids in the development of the professional responsibilities and qualities of a caring nurse.