One by one

This May, The University of Dayton conferred approximately 2,170 degrees for new Flyer alumni, including a record number of undergraduate degrees at 1,710.

As that last new Flyer graduate crossed the stage to shake the hand of President Eric F. Spina and get their diploma, the University silently achieved a historic milestone — reaching its largest alumni base ever, right around 131,700.

“We welcomed this brand-new class of alumni who just graduated, surpassing this incredible milestone — opportunities are endless for the University,” said Sharon Davis White ’78, UD’s new Alumni Association president, who began her term July 1.

She said it’s the perfect time to assume her new role: “I’m looking forward to all the possibilities as we get started on the work.”

UD alumni are represented globally, with the majority of international alumni residing in India, China, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Germany. In the U.S., most alumni are represented in Ohio, Illinois, Florida, Pennsylvania and New York. Alumni volunteers are active throughout the country in nearly 40 alumni clubs and communities or UD’s seven affinity networks, including day10, its young alumni network.

One of White’s top priorities is ensuring a seamless transition from student to alumnus for those young alumni (graduating in the last 10 years or fewer), ensuring they feel welcomed into this new role.

“It’s critically important they don’t lose the connection to the University,” she said.

“They’ve had four years of connection. And it’s our goal to make sure they don’t lose that.”

This fall, the University welcomed approximately 1,700 new undergraduates to campus. Just four years to go until they’ll be forever Flyers.