During the month of February, the University of Dayton community is invited to share its Flyer love loud and proud for the “I Love UD” campaign.
Planning for the month-long campaign began last April when Chad Warren was hired at the university. As the executive director of university outreach and engagement, Warren collaborated with more than 50 staff, faculty and students to engage the community in the event and strengthen relationships between alumni and current students.
“This is something we’ve never done before and I’m excited to let people know about the great university we all love,” Warren said. “We want people to share what UD means to them.”
Working as part of the social media committee, Michelle Tedford, the director of communications, said the Twitter and Facebook sites served as a platform and a vehicle for the campaign.
Tedford explained that social media was a perfect outlet to reach a wide community and help people express their passion for UD.
“We hear every day how much people love the university,” Tedford said. “But it was a question of what do we do with this love?”
Warren also encourages students show their love on Twitter using #ILoveUD.
The campaign began with a kickoff Wednesday, Jan. 31, in the Kennedy Union lobby and Torch Lounge. Those in attendance enjoyed a performance by the Pride of Dayton Marching Band, free food, T-shirts and even a dance with Rudy Flyer.
“There are so many ways you can participate throughout the month,” Tedford said. “Students can post on our social media sites, donate or simply spread the word about UD.”
Warren and Tedford said they hope to reach the goal of 2,800 donations in 28 days. Warren explained they are accepting gifts of any size, being mindful of the finances of college students.
“We are really just looking for participation, any amount will be gratefully accepted,” he said. “Students can use text-to-give which automatically donates $10 to a scholarship fund for future students.”
Students and alumni can show their Flyer pride by hanging traditional bed sheets outside their homes and then post pictures to the Facebook page during the first week of February. The winning picture will receive a place on the university homepage.
The second week will focus on UD athletics, highlighting the athletic talent in the community. Athletes will be sporting the “I Love UD” T-shirt on campus throughout the week.
The Flyer Faithful can show their support for the men’s basketball team on Feb. 16 when Dayton takes on rival Xavier at UD Arena.
Emily Bellert, a junior biology major, said she is excited to show her Flyer pride during the basketball game on Saturday.
“I think the campaign is a good way to show how much we all celebrate going to UD on a daily basis,” Bellert said.
To promote a campus-wide spirit of giving, students and staff are invited to “be UD kind” and perform random acts of kindness toward others in the community in the third week, Warren said.
“I’m hoping students are excited to kind of ‘pay it forward,’” he said. “Even though it is hard to quantify how many random acts of kindness are performed, I trust our students will participate.
It can be as easy as just holding the door for someone behind you or maybe shoveling snow for your neighbor.”
At the close of February, anyone affected by UD is invited to share their story by sending an email or posting a video to the website.
“Sometimes I think going to the University of Dayton is the best kept secret,” Warren said. “And every day I share it with countless alumni, faculty and current students.”
For more information on the campaign, visit udayton.edu/iloveud or access the “I Love UD” tab on the university Facebook page.
