Time, talent, treasure
Senior Annie Sherman will confidently admit she loves change.
“I am obsessed with change, and it terrifies me,” she said.
Change has driven much of Sherman’s life in the last few years. Her senior year of high school was disrupted by the pandemic, and her college search was thrown for a loop. None of her family had attended UD, so when she was accepted, she saw the opportunity in a change of scenery.
“Dayton was such a blessing. When I toured here, it felt like all of the pieces fell into place,” said Sherman, who is originally from Valparaiso, Indiana. “When I go back home, it's cool that I get to share this world with my family.”
In the mood to inspire change, Sherman joined Students for University Advancement her first year on campus. She had worked for her high school’s advancement office, which gave her an early insight, she said, into “how much your school can influence and shape you.” That influence can be fueled by philanthropic gifts, but it also is born out of engagement and participation.
“[SUA] educates students on what it means to give back to UD and how you can use your time, talent and treasure to give back during your time as a student, and then continue to be involved post-grad,” she said.
Sherman began donating to UD during One Day, One Dayton her first year. She is now a member of the Front Porch Society, which recognizes donors who give consecutively for at least three years. She said even just a little bit given by students can be matched by alumni donors and transformed into a gift with a big impact.
“When I asked my friends to donate, they said, ‘I already paid tuition to go here. Why would I donate?’” Sherman said. “The cool thing about donating as a student is you can see the impact. You live out the impact.”
SUA hosts alumni networking events where Sherman has already been pitched job opportunities for after she graduates. Serving as president of the student organization has connected with dozens of Flyer alumni.
“Graduation is bittersweet, but knowing how strong the Dayton community is and that there are so many ways for me to continue being involved after graduation is really special,” Sherman said. “I’m so glad I got involved with SUA so I could start learning all that as a student.”
By giving tours to prospective business students, she donates her talent and puts her marketing and sales classes to use. As for donating her time, Sherman’s passion project is advocating against human trafficking. She joined Abolition Ohio through UD’s Human Rights Center to continue that work in the Miami Valley.
“UD is a place where there’s always going to be opportunity. Even the obstacles and the challenges that might come along the way can be turned into opportunities,” she said. “When one door closes, two doors open. There’s always so many doors to open.”