Every time a bell rings ...

It was a brisk Friday evening with snow covering the ground, but UD’s campus was filled with warmth and joy as 1,300 first and second-graders from Dayton Public Schools buddied up with UD students for the 62nd annual Christmas on Campus. 

This year’s theme, “It’s a Wonderful Christmas on Campus: Every Time a Bell Rings, a Flyer Gets Its Wings,” captured the holiday magic as the evening kicked off with the annual tree lighting ceremony, followed by UD students guiding their buddies through a winter wonderland of hot chocolate, cookies, a live nativity, Santa Claus and more.

I ran into senior Abby Dewick and her buddy, January, decked out in face paint and taking a break while coloring holiday bookmarks with the Collegiate Adolescent to Young Adult Club (CAYAC). The pair had been running around nonstop the whole night. January eagerly listed off her favorite moments from the night — spoiler alert, it was all of them.

“But my favorite part was getting to hang out with Abby,” she said, completing her long list of activities. “And I really like the gift she got me!” 

January was eager to show off her gift of a fuzzy set of “Furby” keychains.

“I just love how happy it makes the kids,” Dewick said with a smile.

“I’ve loved giving back with Christmas on Campus these past four years.”

The entire night was student-run — from coordinating the buses to shuttling the DPS kids to the event, pairing up buddies and running the activity rooms. It took a village, and the UD community came together to pull it off.

“There is no better feeling than watching our entire campus come together to create Christmas magic,” said Christmas on Campus committee member Lauren Windsor ’27. “Each year is truly an irreplaceable experience for both UD students and the little buddies.”

As the carols faded and lights dimmed, our community knows the spirit of Christmas on Campus will continue to give the entire Flyer community its wings.

Photos courtesy of Abby Dewick '26.