One day, infinite impact
On April 14, junior Drew Moyer, special events chair for Students for University Advancement and incoming president of Student Government Association, could be seen all over campus. He was on Stuart Field for the Residential Housing Association kickball tournament and near the food trucks parked behind Founders Hall, volunteering his time and energy for a daylong celebration focusing on student success and the collective power of giving.
“One Day, One Dayton means everything to me,” said Moyer of the University’s annual giving day. He pointed to scholarships, University-sponsored trips and campus programming as ways students benefits from gifts made to UD. “Gifts made are gifts given to this campus. That is why I love One Day, One Dayton.”
University of Dayton’s 2021 giving day found students actively participating in the planning and execution of the festivities. Student activities also included crafts, games and free Sweet P's ice pops. One Day, One Dayton celebrates the power of forever Flyers working together in community and encourages donations in the 24-hour fundraising period.
“When it comes to One Day, One Dayton, the goal is always about donors — not dollars,” said Emily Gamble ’14, assistant director of annual giving, student philanthropy and young alumni giving. “Whether someone makes a $5 or a $500 gift, every dollar makes a difference for our University and our students.”
Gamble also is co-director of Students for University Advancement. Students like Moyer work through SUA to create lasting relationships between students and the University through networking, service and philanthropy.
“SUA truly educates all members, and the public, on the importance of philanthropy, connecting with alumni and giving back to the community,” Moyer said.
According to Gamble, the first milestone for this year’s giving day was 1,850 donors, a number chosen for the year UD was founded by the Marianists. By 11 a.m., the advancement team checked that off their list and unlocked alumni milestone and challenge gifts to keep the momentum going.
By 5 p.m., total donors had doubled to 3,700, which unlocked more alumni gifts. Although the official numbers are still being counted, University advancement reported 5,700 donors and over $2.7 million raised April 14.
“When the call is made, Flyer Nation will show up for our University, and for that I am so, so grateful,” Gamble said.
Senior Sage Beardsley agreed, saying, “I am still trying to wrap my head around the success of 1D1D this year.”
As a member of SUA, Beardsley coordinated the One Day, One Dayton sheet sign contest. Eight campus houses created sheet signs that promoted giving day and the overall spirit of UD. One house on Lowes featured a new take on a familiar phrase — “Flyers are red, the chapel is blue, community equals me + you.” — and included the tag #1Day1Dayton. The winning houses received a variety of prizes, one being a private tour of The Arcade.
Like many other current students, Beardsley donated to one of her favorite organizations on campus: UD Miracle, the campus organization that supports Dayton Children’s Hospital.
Moyer donated to the Student Government Association, Counseling Center, Department of Communication, and Housing and Residence Life.
“When I give to each of those areas, I know that I am truly making a difference and that I am giving back to areas that directly impact students here on campus,” Moyer said.
“I know that I am truly making a difference and that I am giving back to areas that directly impact students here on campus.”
“Knowing that we will be able to not only support students now, but incoming students, and investing back into our community just makes me feel thankful,” Moyer said. “I could not say thank you enough to everyone who gave on One Day, One Dayton.”
all photos by Kat Niekamp ’21