Women's impact at UD

Yesterday in Roesch Library, 15 women stood shoulder to shoulder, a visible representation of the strength, resiliency, innovation and leadership always present on the University of Dayton campus — but whose contributions are not always seen.

Among the honorees are a junior student studying graphic design, a senior administrative assistant in engineering technology, the school director of the Dayton Early College Academy and an associate professor of physical therapy. They were chosen from more than 200 nominations.

This year marks the fifth annual Women of UD event. In honor of Women’s History Month, and coordinated by UD’s Women’s Center, the ceremony highlights female faculty, staff and students.

The theme for the 2022 event is “Adapting to Uncertainty.”

“Living among uncertainty has become a collective experience of our community,” said Lisa Borello, center director.

Kathleen Henderson ’86, director of college access, transition and success, was among the inaugural class of honorees and spoke at yesterday’s ceremony. Henderson said the 15 women are being honored for work that has been happening by them and others for years — in kitchens, hallways and offices, as mothers, recruiters, administrators, teachers and friends.

“This recognition says we see you and you matter. And that’s something we all need,” she said.

Paul Benson, University provost, addressed the honorees and said they are among those who “protect, sustain and advance the institutional mission day after day, week after week, year after year.”

“You are all an amazing cross-section of leadership and women’s impact at UD,” Benson said.

Among the 2022 honorees are three students — the most ever honored in a year. Marie Dock, a senior civil engineering major, promotes tolerance and understanding and helped organize the Hate is Not a Virus open dialog event. Yamilet Perez Aragon, a junior graphic design and sustainability major who models determination, advocates for resources for those who need them most. Sama Ahmed, a junior mechanical engineering major, advocates for justice for women and members of underrepresented groups through campus organizations.

Biographies of all honorees are available on the Women’s Center website.