Staying true

As the University of Dayton navigates the role of higher education in an oft-divided world, it is staying true to its core values and the characteristics of a Marianist education.

That was the message shared by University leadership and strongly affirmed by the board of trustees at meetings held throughout the spring. UD will continue the programs, courses and centers on campus that uphold the innate dignity of every person and recognize a sense of belonging as necessary in building authentic community.

Father James Fitz, S.M. ’68, vice president for mission and rector, in a May presentation to the board said popular debate over language will not impede UD’s mission. When we talk about multidimensional diversity, he said, we talk about excellence and about removing the roadblocks for all. He said, 

“Leaning on a Marianist mission and vision will be very important going forward. … We are one human family.”

The life and teachings of Jesus and the critical themes of Catholic Social Teaching propel the University’s work toward the common good and uphold UD’s pursuit of radical belonging. Key Marianist documents, such as “Common Themes in Mission and Identity,” support concepts of solidarity; excellence in learning through diversity; and family spirit, among others.

The presentations also underscored that, as a Catholic, Marianist institution, the University’s exercise of religion enjoys First Amendment protections.

During the end-of-year faculty and staff meeting, President Eric F. Spina evoked Pope Francis’ frequent refrain of todos — “all of us” — to emphasize the Church’s universal welcome, including to those at the margins. “We all make this place better,” he said.

Spina received one of several moments of spontaneous applause when he shared that he was an early signatory on a call for constructive engagement, now endorsed by more than 600 presidents of the American Association of Colleges and Universities and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. In the public statement, the signees affirm the value of higher learning both for the students they serve and for preparing an educated citizenry to sustain the nation’s democracy.

“Thank you for your support. It matters.”

To the applause, he responded, “Thank you for your support. It matters.”

Deb Flanagan Tobias, incoming chair of the University’s board of trustees and member of the Class of 1973, also spoke. She affirmed the power of a UD education to produce critical thinkers who contribute to a rich life and pledged the support of the board toward the good work UD continues to do.

“The key characteristics of a Catholic, Marianist education are more relevant now than ever,” she said.

Photography by Sylvia Stahl

A version of this article appears in print in the Summer 2025 University of Dayton Magazine, Page 11. EXPLORE THE ISSUE — MORE ONLINE