Flyers for Life
Paving paths for student success
By Gary Kaufman ’72
Author bio
City: Bonita Springs, Fl
Profession: Retired Chief Financial Officer
Favorite UD home: The old Delta Upsilon Fraternity home that was located on the grounds of the Dayton Art Institute – it was just an unbelievable year.
Everyone should give to something. I started giving to UD many years ago with no intention of receiving anything more than what I already did in return. That is why I was surprised when I received an invitation to attend the John Stuart Society induction, which took place last month.
It was the first time I learned that the John Stuart Society existed. The Society was formed in 1983 to honor alumni and friends who are dedicated to the mission and future of the University of Dayton through a lifetime of giving. Members of the JSS have cumulatively given $100,000 or more to UD. I—with my wife Margie ’72 in absentee—was among the 13 new members present for the induction ceremony.
I was interested to learn more about how other alumni and friends make the UD experience I had possible for Flyers, so I made the trek from Florida to spend the evening with fellow donors, current students and President Spina.
During the event, recent political science graduate Rachel Carr ’19 spoke about how donor gifts opened many doors for her in the field of human rights.
She is a success story which reminded each of us why we give. Some give to human rights to impact the lives of students like Rachel, whereas I give to the School of Business to impact those who are in the same shoes I once was in. Wherever your passion lies, when you give to UD you choose what path you pave for student success.
The University of Dayton is the reason I have been somewhat successful in my life. Success, however, does not occur in a vacuum — it takes help from others.
If you can answer ‘yes’ when asked if an organization has helped you, then I would ask why aren’t you helping them? I prompt you to consider what paths the University of Dayton paved for you that allowed you to be successful.
Learn more about the John Stuart Society and watch Rachel’s speech from the event.
