The University of Dayton’s Board of Trustees has a new chair. Deb Tobias '73 assumed the role on July 1, succeeding Rick Omlor '79, who concluded 14 years of dedicated board service, including a three-year term as chair.
Rick Omlor's tenure on the board began in 2011 and included significant contributions to the University. He served as second vice chair from 2018-21, chair-elect from 2021-22, and chair from 2022-25. His leadership was instrumental in several initiatives, notably the $76 million transformation of the UD Arena, the largest construction project in the school's history. Omlor also chaired the finance/facilities committees for six years. A proud alumnus with a degree in mechanical engineering technology, Omlor possesses extensive industrial leadership experience, having served as president/CEO and board chair of YSI Inc.
To honor Omlor's service and the long-standing Omlor family legacy at UD, including that of his great uncle Brother Paul Omlor, S.M., the University will install a memorial bench and plaque near the former site of Chaminade Hall, where Brother Paul's Café once operated.
"It means a great deal to me to be recognized in this manner, it was most unexpected," Omlor said. "But I think it means the most to the family to recognize Brother Paul's service to UD as he spent his entire ministry here, and he was totally devoted to the mission and success of UD."
Deb Tobias, who got her degree in secondary education, will lead the board of trustees after serving as chair of the University's successful "We Soar" campaign, which surpassed its $400 million goal a year ahead of schedule. Her prior board service includes a four-year term from 2010-14, rejoining in 2019. Tobias had a distinguished career in technology, having worked at firms such as Juniper Networks, Infotron, StrataCom and Cisco Systems.
Over the lifetime of the "We Soar" campaign, she and her husband, former U.S. Ambassador Randall Tobias, committed $10 million to offer "life-changing international experiences and learning for future generations of UD students" through the Tobias Global Leaders program (formerly the Deborah Flanagan Tobias Leaders) and the Tobias Global Challenge program.
As board chair, Tobias is looking forward to addressing issues and topics pertinent to the future of the University and society, as well as leading a community committed to UD's future, and continuing the culture of philanthropy cultivated during "We Soar" and One Day, One Dayton.
"My outlook for UD is bright," she said. "We're well prepared for the times ahead and have done the hard work that positions us not only to survive, but thrive in our 175th year and beyond."
Tobias' three-year term as board chair will run through June 30, 2028.