I remember this one time my freshman year floormate and I were chatting. I was pretty down in the dumps about my studies and thinking college was really hard. He told me to check tutors for classes, that they want you to succeed. And I think that just spoke to me about Dayton’s true character and showed me what community really means. — Teddy Stitzel ’18, Mechanical Engineering
While a young student at UD, I had a supervisor named Dave Boyer. While we were in the buffet lunch line one day, he said, “That person serving you behind the counter and the person sweeping the floors should be treated with the same dignity, respect and gratitude as the president of the University.” All these years, that simple lesson in humility has stuck with me. Thanks, Dave! — John Courtney ’85, Communication
Be unafraid to try something new. That advice was followed by knowing that even if I tried it and failed or did not like it, I still can learn from it. And regardless of the outcome, that same friend and group of friends will be there to support me along the way. — Chanelle Baylor ’12, Criminal Justice Studies and Political Science
My favorite teacher from Archbishop Carroll High School pointed me toward J.P. Nauseef ’88 — then leading the Dayton Development Coalition and now president and CEO of JobsOhio. J.P. impressed upon me the power of networking with intention — not collecting contacts. Early in my career, he backed that advice with genuine encouragement and support, and I’m still grateful for the example he set. — Pete Williams ’03, Political Science
NEXT ISSUE: Share a favorite story from your residence hall days. Tell us about it. Submit up to 150 words by June 30 to magazine@udayton.edu with “Off the Record” in the subject line.