We Soared

The Flyer faithful showed up in unprecedented numbers to support the University and its students during the We Soar comprehensive campaign, which ended June 30.

UD exceeded its $400 million goal, reaching $453 million, and surpassed its goals for volunteer leaders and Front Porch Society membership, which recognizes consistent giving. 

“This campaign wasn’t just about fundraising — it was about building stronger connections within our Flyer community. It was always about people,” said Chris Morrison ’85, vice president of advancement.

These achievements allow the University to expand the number of scholarships available to high-achieving students, guarantee hands-on learning opportunities for every student and support innovations across the University.

President Eric F. Spina said what makes him most proud are the students whose lives have been and will continue to be changed. In all, We Soar helped establish 300 scholarships, and nearly 40 new funds to support the innovative, high-impact Flyer Promise Scholars program; plus hands-on learning experiences, education abroad opportunities, and professional mentoring and development opportunities.

An example of the substantive impact of We Soar is Elena Ramos ’22, who wondered if she would be able to attend college and was ready to drop out in her first year after struggling in a course. A Flyer Promise Scholar, she not only stayed in school but announced to Spina her aspiration to earn a Fulbright scholarship — which she did. Currently, Ramos is a graduate student at Boston University.

“At UD, community is at the heart of all we do,” Spina said. “During We Soar, we accomplished more than we ever imagined because we came together as a community in service to the future in true UD fashion.”

The We Soar campaign saw gifts from students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends, ranging from $10 to $10 million, with the median gift being $100.

Exceeding all three goals by significant margins despite a pandemic and other global challenges proves Flyer Nation can achieve great things when working together, said Deb Tobias ’73, chair of UD’s board of trustees.

“It shows our alumni and friends truly and deeply believe in the value of UD,” she said. “The We Soar campaign also is a tremendous indicator of our future ability to maintain the momentum of a philanthropic culture at UD.”

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A version of this article appears in print in the Autumn 2025 University of Dayton Magazine, Page 10. EXPLORE THE ISSUE — MORE ONLINE