University of Dayton runner Owen Pukys' toughest competition has come in hospitals and physical therapy. A comeback story for the ages, after a near-death experience, he returned to racing, set personal bests, and now will earn his UD degree.
Just before his junior year, Pukys' roommate found him unresponsive with a fever that would eventually climb to 108 degrees, battling the effects of mononucleosis, another bacterial infection and a liver abscess.
After a coma and facing the possibility of being finished with his running career, Pukys returned for his senior season to break school records, including being the only man in school history to run under 24 minutes in the 8,000 meters — twice — and finish third at the Atlantic 10 Conference championships.
Pukys will graduate with a degree in computer science during the University's undergraduate commencement ceremony at 9:45 a.m. Sunday, May 10, at University of Dayton.
His next stop is graduate school at Duke University where he will earn his master's degree and use his final year of eligibility as a student-athlete on the Blue Devils' men's cross country team.
"I didn't do any of this alone. I've seen rock bottom, but my teammates, my coach and people in UD athletics are my rock," Pukys said. "What makes this story special in the end is I'm just a better version of myself."
Fifth-generation Flyer Melanie Robertson, who will earn her degree in education and a minor in disability studies, also will graduate May 10.
Robertson's college experience is the current chapter in a family history that has called UD home for 126 years of the University's 176-year history. Her great-great-grandfather, Jerry Joseph Connors, graduated in 1900; her great-grandfather, Herbert S. Wagner, graduated in 1925; her grandparents, Jim and Sue Payne, graduated in 1959; and her parents, Tom and Kathy Robertson, graduated in 1994 and 1993, respectively.
The Paynes and Robertsons have established endowed scholarships at the University, and Tom Robertson serves on the UD School of Business Administration's advisory board.
"It's unique we all have a story to carry through UD. It brings me a deep sense of comfort because I know we all share a positive experience. I lived in the same dorm as my grandfather during my freshman year, which was crazy for me to think about. It made me feel even more connected to my family's history and the legacy we share at UD," Melanie Robertson said. "Being a multi-generation Flyer means being part of a legacy rooted in love, connection and shared values passed down through my family. I appreciate how special it is to carry that tradition forward while creating my own path and leading with love in everything I do."
During the undergraduate ceremony, the University also will bestow honorary degrees on former University of Dayton vice president for mission and rector the Rev. James Fitz, S.M., and Deborah Feldman, president and CEO of Dayton Children's Hospital.
Saturday, May 9, the University will hold commencement exercises for law students and graduate students at 9 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., respectively, in UD Arena. Later that day, at 4 p.m., the University's baccalaureate Mass will take place in the Frericks Center.
For more information or interviews, contact Shawn Robinson, associate director of news and communications, at 937-229-3391, 937-545-5421 or srobinson1@udayton.edu. At graduation and the baccalaureate Mass, media are not permitted on the floor but are welcome to get video or photos from the seating areas or concourse provided they do not interfere with spectators. If you plan to capture B-roll of the baccalaureate Mass, please RSVP by emailing mediarelations@udayton.edu.