Parents find a place at UD

You may hear while on campus that service is a way of life at the University of Dayton. Parents of a current student, Turqoise and Gilbert Loera, have embraced the opportunity to engage in service and volunteer to support UD and its mission.

The Loeras, of Milwaukee, are co-chairs of the Parent Leadership Council, an active network of parents who work closely with UD leadership, including President Eric F. Spina, to advocate for students and increase resources through philanthropy.

Their volunteerism stemmed from a conversation they had about how to best be involved in this new phase of their family’s life.

They became members of the PLC in 2020. She said they are passionate about increasing engagement among parents and believe there is a higher calling in place: They want to be sure everyone has a voice in an effort to develop a comprehensive strategy for diversity, equity and inclusion.

“We want to see more people of color involved in sharing their thoughts and ideas,” Turqoise Loera said. “Gilbert and I raised our kids in a multicultural, socio-economically and racially diverse environment, and we want to be a voice to ensure that happens at UD.”

Turqoise Loera is a national trainer for Amazon’s AMZL Academy, and Gilbert Loera is CEO of L&P Construction and Development Group.

The couple’s daughter, Arabella, graduated in May from the criminal justice program with a double minor in communication and pre-law. She plans to attend UD School of Law in the fall.

Their son, Julian, was enrolled at UD for several years before transferring to Sinclair College in Dayton.

“I will tell you that my son’s experience at UD, two years prior to my daughter coming, were the reasons she chose UD,” Turqoise Loera said. “I think that speaks volumes about the University because most siblings want to be as far away from each other as humanly possible.”

She said Julian made the most of his time at UD academically and was active in the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. As Arabella honed her skills with internships and various academic achievements, it fueled a passion for engagement with the University for Gilbert and Turqoise.

The Loeras said that during the next year, they plan to work on making sure every voice is heard. Their leadership style seeks to get parents from all walks of life, but particularly those of color, in a constant dialogue with University administrators to address tangible barriers to learning and future achievement.

“When you invest in a Catholic education, the investment is not all financial. You’re into your time, your treasure and your talent.”

Turqoise Loera sees the University leadership’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. She particularly remembers a statement from Spina, who noted that the University is not where it needs to be yet but that he is committed to constantly working toward toward where the University needs to be.

Turqoise Loera says said such leadership doesn’t “just talk the talk, but they walk the walk.” By volunteering and engaging with the University, the Loeras are contributing to that forward momentum.

“If I have to leave some sort of a legacy with the PLC, it will be the way that we have structured meetings, the topics that we cover, and then who we’ve attracted to come around the table,” Turqoise Loera said.

“... When you invest in a Catholic education, the investment is not all financial. You’re into your time, your treasure and your talent. I believe in the mission.”