Today, 175 years ago, the first students attended class at Saint Mary's School for Boys, which later became the University of Dayton. The University celebrated at its employee picnic today and will continue throughout the year with library exhibits.
"For 175 years, this Catholic and Marianist university has been committed to something larger than itself: forming students for lives of purpose, faith and service. We’ve been about community — where every person matters, where learning is not just for knowledge’s sake but for the transformation of the world, where we strive to advance the common good," University of Dayton President Eric F. Spina said during the annual employee picnic where two of the University's longest-standing employees — Gloria Hardy, lead for the air vehicle optimization group for the University of Dayton Research Institute Structures and Materials Division, at 51 years; and Carl Chen, William J. Hoben Chair in Finance, at 48 years; cut a birthday cake.
Sept. 3 also marks the 25th anniversary of the beatification of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade — founder of the Society of Mary, the university’s founding order — by Pope John Paul II.
In addition to the employee picnic, "Forever Marianist: 175 Years of Marianist Presence at UD" and "Honoring Our History: UD at 175" will showcase stories of UD's history with artifacts, archives, art and more.
"Forever Marianist: 175 Years of Marianist Presence at UD," focusing on the foundational and ongoing impact of Marianists on the UD campus, is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays now through Oct. 31, plus 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, during UD Family Weekend, in the Marian Library Gallery on the seventh floor of Roesch Library.
"Honoring Our History: UD at 175" explores how UD has flourished and adapted to foster its welcoming community guided by Marianist values from its humble beginnings as a school for boys to the top-tier national research university. It is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Stuart and Mimi Rose Gallery, first floor of Roesch Library.
Highlights of the exhibits include:
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The early Marianists' journey from Europe to Cincinnati to Dayton
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History and impact of Marianists, including Marianist sisters, as they build campus
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Reflections on personal experiences regarding the impact of the Marianist presence at UD
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Basketball memorabilia and milestones, such as the opening and dedication of UD Arena
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University life depicted through photographs, keepsakes, brochures and other publications
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Maps, planning documents and photographs of the evolution of the campus footprint each decade.
E-mail library@udayton.edu for more information on the exhibits.
For more information, contact Shawn Robinson, associate director of news and communications, at 937-229-3391 or srobinson1@udayton.edu.