Tradition and Culture at UD
(Photo courtesy of UD Campus Ministry Instagram)
Maggie Schillinger | Contributing Writer
When prospective UD students step on campus for the first time, it is evident there is something special here. Most students don’t understand what that special feeling is until they move in freshman year. The feeling of community is felt all throughout campus, upperclassmen are welcoming to the freshman and teachers are always offering their services to students. The community values remain within students after they graduate.
UD has a strong community, with many traditions that are beloved by current students and alumni. Those traditions and campus life are the reason UD has a strong alumni network and close community of students. That strong community can be felt during campus tours and visits from prospective students and parents. When they leave campus, they are leaving a community and close relationships that will last a lifetime.
The Marianist life and culture is something UD prides itself on. It is embedded into students from the second they step on campus. UD was founded by the Society of Mary in 1850, which are a group of Catholic Marisanist brothers and priests. UD has a marianist, educational philosophy that teaches educating the whole person. They use this philosophy with every student that steps on campus.
During the interview and writing process, questions were raised, such as, “Have you felt the Marianist culture on campus?”and “What does Marianist Culture mean to you?”
Junior Bobby Tworzydlo was quoted as saying, “The Marianist Culture means so much to me, I love having a community of people who I know care about me and my future.”
Junior Allison Feeney said, “I felt a sense of community from the moment I started freshman year.” Students are passionate about UD and the Marinist culture, but the culture doesn’t just apply to the students.
The faculty and staff at UD are involved in the community life as well. They take an active role in students’ success here and make a point to help students succeed. Professors will hold office hours to help students prepare, as there also are many students willing to help in places such as the Write Place located in Roesch Library.
Alumni also are passionate about the community lifestyle here at UD.There are events for alumni to visit and partake in on some weekends and events throughout the academic year. They remain loyal to their alma mater because of the connections and relationships formed during their time here.
Class of 1991 alum Mary Coughlin said, “My time at Dayton was wonderful and so special, there is nothing like the community here. The friends I made became like family and I still keep in contact with them to this day.”
UD gives a foundation of community and a support system to come back to. The Marianist culture will stay with students as they move on to the real world and beyond. Faith based learning creates a foundation for students that will help them in other aspects of their life. Some characteristics of Marianist culture are service, peace and integrity. Students are taught these through various classes, service projects and clubs/organizations.
The Forever Marinist initiative is vital to keeping Marianist culture alive at UD for future students. The initiative helps keep the campus culture alive and forefront in every student’s daily life at UD. There are three components to Forever Marianist: learn, lead and serve. These components help students remember to incorporate Marianist culture into their daily schedules.
To learn more about UD and the Marianist life and culture, schedule a campus tour or go to UD’s website to learn more by clicking on the link here: https://udayton.edu/