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Flyers for Life

Alumni welcome new students to campus

By Jerry Hoke ‘70

Author bio
City: Centerville, Ohio
Profession: Retired from Air Force Reserve (27 years) and teaching (36 years)
Favorite UD home: Kennedy Union — I was with my friends in KU all the time. We would play cards around the fireplace and come downstairs to eat.

During Move-in Day, someone asked me why I went to UD. I told them it was because of the sense of belonging. The student was just joining the UD community, but I’ve been a Flyer since 1966.

Alumni volunteered during Move-in by handing out water bottles and sharing our advice with new students and families. Of course, we provided directions around campus and Dayton, too.

I have volunteered at this event for the past five or six years. I enjoy this day because I get to see my old friends again. It’s like going back to when we were younger. It brings back memories, and we’re all excited to help out and meet new students.

We try to make sure the people coming to UD feel wanted. The first contact is important; we want to help students and families get off to a good start. UD is very warm and the sense of community makes you feel like you can always get the help you need.

Families stop by and ask us about the area, such as locations or recommendations for good restaurants. I can relay this information because I grew up in the area. I hope more students learn the history of Dayton and visit important sites like the Air Force Museum. It’s important students understand the history of the community they’re in and how it ties back to UD.

Every year there is always something new on campus, even new buildings. The University stays ahead of the game; they anticipate what campus will need to attract students years from now and start working on it today.

There are also more and more honors students each year. When I was a student, the big focus was on engineering, education or business. But now, there are so many different majors and classes. Alumni would be shocked if they saw a list of all the courses the University offers now.

I taught for 36 years, and part of my success is due to my education from UD. I had 13 family members go to this school, including both of my children. I volunteer to help pay it back and thank the University for how it impacted my life.

Learn more about the class of 2022 and alumni volunteer opportunities.
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