The University of Dayton is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Flyer Promise Scholars program, which has helped hundreds of students who might not otherwise have seen UD — or college at all — as an option go on to earn degrees at rates well above the national average.
“Flyer Promise opened a door I didn’t even know existed,” said Dezanee’ Bluthenthal, a 2021 graduate.
“It truly changed the trajectory of my life. It wasn’t just a scholarship; it was a lifeline,” she said. “It meant I could stay close to my family, remain connected to the community that raised me and have a circle of support that believed in me even when I doubted myself.”
With its 10th class arriving this fall, Flyer Promise has reached more than 370 students. The program provides full-tuition scholarships, financial assistance for other educational expenses, mentoring, leadership development and professional experiences.
Scholars have an 84% graduation rate, compared with a national average of 64%. Graduates have gone on to medical and law school, earned Fulbright awards and built careers in education, social services, public service and more.
“Working with these outstanding young people and watching them grow, graduate and make their way in the world has been an incredible gift,” said Kathleen Henderson, an executive director and mentor to Flyer Promise Scholars. “They’ve given me the chance to touch the future. After 44 years at UD, having this opportunity in the sunset of my career has meant more to me than I can say.”
Senior Kelechi Nwanoro spent a summer in Kenya with support from the program. Nwanoro, a tour guide and president of student organization Black Action Through Unity, said Flyer Promise gave scholars a sense of belonging and the confidence to pursue opportunities and stretch beyond their comfort zones.
“Flyer Promise gave us the safety net that allowed us to take those brave leaps, reminding us that failure is never the end of the road,” Nwanoro said. “We were empowered to lead, to serve, to innovate and to make this campus undeniably our own.”