$400M and counting

Turns out, Flyers and friends of UD are overachievers.

But Bill Stankey ’80 could have told you that.

“There’s such a generosity of spirit among the alumni. We underestimated what we could do as a group,” said Stankey, who is a vice chair of the We Soar campaign.

More than a year before the close of the campaign, the University of Dayton surpassed its philanthropic goal of $400 million. Campaign fundraising focuses on removing financial barriers for prospective students, creating hands-on learning opportunities, and providing support to attract and retain top-quality faculty and staff.

Since the campaign is set to officially end June 30, 2025, there is time to accomplish even more, Stankey said. He is leading an effort to target fundraising to the Flyer Promise Scholars Program, in addition to the campaign’s foundational goals. 

Since 2017, Flyer Promise has been removing financial barriers for high-achieving, underserved students from lower incomes by creating an affordable pathway to a top-tier Catholic, Marianist education. Financial support, combined with mentorship and leadership opportunities, ensures students succeed while getting the full UD experience.

The program’s greatest need is funds for student programming, including the Flyer Promise Summer Experience, cohort-based workshops, leadership opportunities and necessities for fully participating in campus life, including school supplies, technology, access to professional dress for interviews or internships, expenses related to travel for internships or study abroad experiences, and emergency funds, among others.

“As a Catholic, Marianist University, taking care of others is part of our mission, and the support the students get as a result of being part of Flyer Promise is unparalleled,” he said.

Earlier this year, the University surpassed its campaign participation goal of 19,250 new members to the Front Porch Society. Consistent giving provides the bedrock for the University to set high, innovative and attainable goals, said Jen Foster, associate vice president of advancement.

The third campaign goal, engagement, aims to secure 2,800 new volunteers in defined leadership roles. The University is closing in on this goal. All three goals increase a culture of connection to UD and of giving back.

Stankey, who is president and founder of Westport Entertainment Associates, said he sees his success as a direct result of his time at the University of Dayton, and so he gives back through Flyer Promise. Every autumn, he shares a meal and a chat with the scholars, and he stays connected with alumni, following their journeys. He even gets invited to their weddings.

“I feel I have an extended family with Flyer Promise,” he said.

There’s good reason he feels a special connection to the scholars; Stankey did not have funds to attend UD and relied on financial aid. He aims to make their educational path a little easier and invites all the other overachievers and Flyer faithful to join him in pursuing goals to advance UD’s mission.

As he said, “Giving never ends.”