Impact Stories
Investing in UD
Your gift today determines what the world looks like tomorrow. When you invest in current and future Flyers, you elevate us to become the best UD we can be. With the generous support of donors and volunteers, we turn big dreams into reality. Throughout the campaign, our priorities of greater access to scholarships, academic excellence, and hands-on learning opportunities enable our students to dream even bigger — and make the world better.
Explore the stories on this page to learn how UD supporters help solve the challenges of today and create a brighter tomorrow.
Helping Flyers Soar
At work, Brent Ahrens '85, '86 helps startup companies pursue their dreams. At UD, Brent has established a scholarship to help students pursue their dream of a college education.
Explore Brent's StoryImpact in Action
-
Opportunities
Explore Their StoryChris and Mandee Jones met on their first day at the University of Dayton. They found UD to be an excellent fit because of the strong community, faith and academics. Now, inspired by the impact of their time at UD, they are giving back to help future Flyers.
-
Engineer-Created Magic
Explore Sarah's StoryAs a kid, Sarah Herr '23 learned about the engineer-created magic at Disney World. From then on, she knew she wanted to be behind the scenes creating the magic.
-
A Family Tradition
Brothers John, Matt and Dan Craighead were all students at the University of Dayton together. Attending UD has become a family tradition, with nearly 20 Craighead family members counting themselves as Flyers.Explore the Craigheads' Story -
Fulfilling a Dream
Explore Myanah's StoryMyanah Keys ’23 was named one of Dayton’s “5 Under 25 young innovators” by the Dayton Business Journal and was recently one of 10 students nationwide to receive a grant for pediatric oncology research.
-
You Take It With You
Explore Morgan's StoryWhen Morgan Kurtz '18 graduated, she was sad about leaving UD behind. But a text from her mom helped her see that part of UD goes with you when you graduate. Morgan has continued to be active with the University and currently serves on the Day10 Executive Committee.
-
The Flyer Cup
What started as a golf outing among friends has become a way for these UD alumni to support current students. They called their annual outing the “Flyer Cup,” and they established a scholarship to show their appreciation to UD for bringing them together.Explore the Flyer Cup Story -
Coming Home
Explore Lisa's StoryOnce a skeptic of the University of Dayton, Lisa Rich-Milan ’85 has become a loyal supporter. Her recent interactions with UD have inspired her to give back and help current students succeed.
-
Research for the Common Good
Explore Juliano's StoryCan we develop better antiviral treatments for the flu? Juliano Aquilino ’23 conducted research to visualize a protein within influenza that could be used to develop next generation antivirals.
-
Supporting Impactful Research Experiences
Explore Terrence's StoryTerrence Tilley, Ph.D., remembers what it was like to be a struggling graduate student. He recently established an endowed fund to provide impactful research experiences for students without the financial burden that he endured.
-
Transformed by Community
Explore Anastasia's StoryWhen Anastasia Stowers thinks about UD, she smiles and says, "UD is such a community... I just can't help but succeed." As vice-president of the Student Government Association, Anastasia is helping build and sustain the welcoming and supportive community that UD is known for.
-
Forever a Flyer
Explore Khristian's StoryKhristian Santiago '16 is making an impact at UD in multiple ways. He currently serves on UD's Board of Trustees as one of the inaugural recent alumni trustees. -
Saying Yes
Explore Anne's StoryBeing a mentor to students was one of the things Anne Crecelius enjoyed most about being a faculty member at the University of Dayton. Whenever possible, she said "yes" to students to help them learn, grow and succeed. -
Making an Impact
Explore Matt's StoryMatt McNamara ’09 wants to help today's students by providing funding for resources that were missing during his time at UD.
-
Helping Students Find Their Path
Explore Verb's StoryVerb Washington took an unusual path to becoming a professor at the University of Dayton. Once here, he found a home.
-
"Wow, an Accounting Class!"
View Marsha's StoryMarsha Keune teaches accounting to all UD business students. Some aren't too excited about the class, but then they see lessons extending beyond the classroom. Keune's willingness to help extends beyond their time at UD, too.
-
Ashley Waker '23
Explore Ashley's StoryAshley is the fourth generation in her family to walk UD's campus. She thinks about her great-grandfather's legacy as she prepares to make a difference as a teacher.
-
Engineered to Help
Marty Kilbane's hands-on experience working in the biomechanics lab helped him realize his passion for research and a Russell Primrose scholarship made it possible for him to continue his education nearly debt-free.Explore Marty's Story -
A Dream Come True
Explore Morgan's StoryAs a kid in rural Kentucky, Morgan dreamed of being just like the UD students who came every year to UD’s Summer Appalachian Program. Having those students believe in her and support her gave Morgan the determination to get there.
-
Igniting Innovation
View Joe's StoryAn engineering capstone project was dubbed "a nearly impossible task." But that didn't stop Joe Vicario from developing an innovative design solution – and overcoming obstacles along the way.
-
Sharing the Blessings
When talking about giving back, Debra Plousha-Moore ’89 points to the Gospel of Luke. Specifically, Luke 12:48: “Where much has been given, much is expected.”Read Debra's Story -
The Art of Impact
When Michael Sia ’20 transferred to UD after his sophomore year, he had one goal: make every day count.Read Michael's Story
We make supporting UD a priority in our lives because we feel we’ve gotten a big benefit from our time there, and we want to continue the tradition of helping students at UD now.
Nick Beck '04
Choose Your Impact
