One Day, One Dayton: How SGA, Flyer Media Reach their Goals

Photo via University of Dayton Instagram

Aubrey Brickner | Contributing Writer

The Student Government Association (SGA) and Flyer Media are two of the many University of Dayton organizations that participated in One Day, One Dayton 2026, the all-day fundraiser held April 8.

Pat Enright, director of Flyer Media, shared his experience with the campaign over the years. He explained how the campaign used to feature activities such as bouncy houses and food trucks and was created to be more of a spectacle, whereas now, it has been more subdued as a campus tradition and the need for publicity has diminished.

Stuart Schramm, SGA president, said the wave of artificial intelligence likely influences the opportunities that students are looking for and may affect where the money is being funneled to. The campaign’s need to adapt and be flexible has changed. However, the original goal of giving back to the place that gave to students still remains.

To put on such a big event, people must work behind the scenes to bring attention to the campaign and its mission.

SGA President-Elect Gabrielle Davis spoke about what outreach strategies work best from a student perspective. She said her favorite strategy is the emails and communication throughout the day that challenge students and faculty to donate. Davis noted that videos, such as the one in which she was featured this year, are a great way to incentivize people to donate because it makes it feel more personal, and students can see the impact donations will have on real people.

With a fundraiser campaign for young people comes a common narrative that there is a challenge getting college students to donate because everyone is part of a group made up of just “broke college kids.” However, the fundraiser encourages any donation in any amount. When asked about this issue, Enright said a potential reason for that line of thinking is that students don’t always see where their donations go, especially if $5 is all that can be given. The positive aspect of donating is that each donor can choose where their donations go. While it will remain a challenge, showing the impact can encourage students to get more involved.

While UD has its own goal, each student organization has one as well. Schramm mentioned that one of the gradual changes to the campaign was the goal for each year. In the past, there were clearer goals for donations, but the goal has shifted to being more open to donations and where the money goes. The goals for individual organizations, including SGA and Flyer Media, reflect that. Schramm explained SGA’s role for One Day, One Dayton and said the organization doesn’t normally hold any events within the fundraiser unless asked to. SGA has helped fund popsicle giveaways to students in the past. As the student government, SGA’s role is to work with Student Development and help direct money into programs that will benefit students outside the classroom. The overall goal focuses on the number of donors and engagement rather than the amount of money raised alone.

Similarly, Flyer Media has no set goal, but rather focuses on experiential learning and opportunities outside the classroom. Some of the department’s programs, including excursions called Flyers in Hollywood and Flyers in Chicago, rely on the One Day, One Dayton campaign and donations from other sources to continue every year.

“If I’m talking to alumni, I’m really more looking for them to donate time to us,” said Enright. He added that while money donations are appreciated, campus visits, Zoom calls, and hosting events are just as valuable. However, equipment such as cameras, microphones, and students’ salaries also rely on some of the donations. The more money, the more experiences students can get, he said.

Each interviewee was also asked what metrics define success beyond money.

Enright: “Having alumni and I come and help the current students grow up and learn more about their desired fields.”

Schramm: “I think more than money raised, it’s keeping people in touch with their school.”

Davis: “I feel like the level of awareness of the actual day… then the chances are there are more
donations.”