The Brook Center

"I am like a brook that makes no effort to overcome obstacles in its way. All the obstacles can do is hold me up for a while, as a brook is held up; but during that time it grows broader and deeper and after a while it overflows the obstruction and flows along again. This is how I am going to work." ~ Fr. William Joseph Chaminade

Growing Broader and Deeper

The Brook: A Center for Student Empowerment and Wellbeing draws its name from this quote attributed to Blessed William Joseph Chaminade (1761-1850), a priest in the diocese of Bordeaux, France in 1817, and founder of the Society of Mary.

Chaminade faced many obstacles in his life where this metaphor is reflective of his patience and quiet perseverance. First, when the French Revolution began, he had to choose to make a vow of allegiance to the state or quit his ministry (and life as he knew it) and go into hiding. He chose the latter, moving to Bordeaux, France, and continuing his underground ministry at a great risk to his life. During this time, he essentially had to wait for the government to change so he would be safe again, and at the same time, he didn't let it stop him from continuing to minister to those in the most need.

"But no one knew the power of time and patience better than Father Chaminade." ~ Jean Baptiste Lalanne, S.M.

Like Fr. Chaminade, the Brook Center encourages and empowers UD community members to grow and deepen their relationships as part of their holistic wellbeing, and the wellbeing of the communities to which they belong. Obstacles and challenges are inevitable in life, but by broadening and deepening connections to ourselves and one another, we can grow to overcome those obstacles, creating a new path forward and finding beauty in our lives.

Mental Health Education

Mental health in college is important and multi-faceted. Discover mental health education resources that help you succeed.

Wellbeing Education

Developing the whole person through engagement with the community is central to the Catholic, Marianist philosophy. We seek to cultivate a community where all members of the community feel a deep sense of belonging and are able to thrive. Join the Brook Center to learn more about how to meal prep, build healthy habits, get adequate sleep and learn more about how taking care of your body can improve other parts of your life.

LGBTQ+ Education

Guided by its Catholic and Marianist values, the University of Dayton calls everyone to commit to honoring the intrinsic value and dignity of all people. The Brook Center honors this commitment by providing LGBTQ+ education and resources.

Sexual Violence Prevention Education

The University of Dayton is committed to sexual violence prevention, supporting survivors, and helping students experience healthy relationships while having a safe college experience.

• Peers Advocating for Violence Education (PAVE) are trained students who provide educational programming for first-year students, facilitate workshops and organize activities promoting violence prevention.

Certificates and Minicourses

Incorporate health and wellbeing into your academic studies by adding an undergraduate certificate to your degree plan.

• Human Sexuality Studies Undergraduate Certificate
• Wellbeing Education Undergraduate Certificate 

Peer Education Groups

Peer education is a cornerstone of the Brook Center's work. As a peer educator, you can share information about wellbeing topics, promote positive behaviors, build community and help others thrive.

Workshops

Ally+ Training: The Ally+ workshop is a great way to learn more about and stand with the LGBTQ+ community. The workshop includes terminology, knowledge, skills and action steps to help you move forward in your ally journey.

REACH: Suicide Prevention Training: Anyone can help prevent suicide by learning risks, warning signs and interventions. This nationally recognized two-hour evidence-based suicide prevention training is designed to provide skills to support one another's mental health.

Student Organizations

Tap into a continuum of education and experience by joining one of the student organizations — including Iris, Active Minds and Sprouts — advised by Brook Center staff!

Presentations

The Brook Center offers presentations on a variety of topics, including mental health, sexual violence prevention, LGBTQ+ education, wellbeing and more. Our facilitators are available to present during UD classes, club/organization meetings, staff training, etc.

Food4Flyers Student Basic Needs Pantry

To reduce food insecurity and support nutritional needs, UD students may take up to 10 items per week from the Food4Flyers Student Basic Needs Pantry.

Offerings include fresh produce, prepared meals, cooking ingredients, snacks, personal hygiene products and menstrual products. Current students can find more information about using the pantry in Porches.

If you'd like to make a physical donation, items may be dropped off at the Brook Center office. Monetary donations also are welcome.

Flyer Farmers Market

The Flyer Farmers’ Market is a weekly event in the fall that provides the entire UD community with convenient access to fresh, local food. Vendors sell everything from produce, bread and sweets to fair-trade, handmade items and gifts. Contact flyerfarmersmarket@udayton.edu with questions.

About ArtStreet

Located on the 300 block of Kiefaber Street in the South Student Neighborhood, ArtStreet is a vibrant facility with studio spaces, study spaces, classrooms, student-run cafe and an outdoor amphitheater. In addition to housing the Brook Center, ArtStreet is a residential complex for upperclass students, offering loft apartments and townhouses.

Mindfulness Room

Our mindfulness room, located at ArtStreet Studio A, is a space for students to sit back and check out. Study, stream your fave show for a brain break, or host a game night, all in the heart of the student neighborhood.

Student Lounge

The Kennedy/Baird LGBTQ+ & Allied Student Lounge is an emergent space that fosters a sense of belonging. The uniqueness of this space represents the growing diversity among our student body. Come build community with those who validate and reflect who you are!

Reservations

UD departments and student organizations may reserve ArtStreet spaces, including the ampitheater. Reservation forms are available in Porches.