Catholic theologian, assistant professor in religious studies

'The hidden gem of the Marian Library should be a central Dayton tourist attraction'

When Catholic theologian Neomi DeAnda was conducting postdoctoral research on images of Mary with Jesus at the breast, she planned to spend her summers at the Marian Library. The next year, when she was offered a faculty position in the University of Dayton’s religious studies department, the Marian Library’s art collections, books and scholarly expertise were at her disposal all year long.

“The resources at the Marian Library have been extremely helpful to my research,” says DeAnda, who specializes in Hispanic and Latino theology. “The staff have taken interest in my projects and contact me when they receive new information relating to my topics, and the rare books have been a special benefit.”

DeAnda says family and friends who visit her in Dayton have been impressed with the gallery exhibits and the annual display of crèches from around the world.