Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

When Jeslyn Singson attended UD’s Asian American Association’s first retreat in 2024, she knew she was experiencing something special — fellowship, connection and a sense of belonging.

Singson, a junior health science major, is president of the Asian American Association and knows firsthand how necessary it is to feel like there is a place for everyone. She was one of few Asian students throughout grade school and didn’t find much space to experience her cultural identity in public.

“As an Asian in the U.S. it can be hard to find your community, especially in smaller cities like Dayton,” Singson said. “I want to be a resource for other students to find that comfort, that sense and feeling of being welcomed, that feeling of having a place in the community when you’re not home. I want it to be a home away from home for people, because that’s what AAA was to me.”

“I want to be a resource for other students to find that comfort, that sense and feeling of being welcomed.” — Jeslyn Singson

With Singson’s leadership, AAA held their first retreat and a number of new events including the curry scurry — where students learned about the different curries available across Asia — and a panel discussion with adoptees about their physical and emotional journeys and experiences.

Thanks to Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center donors during One Day, One Dayton, droves of students attended these social gatherings through AAA, as well as events put on by Black Action Through Unity and El Orgullo Latino.

The funding directly helped BATU hold their annual BATU ball, host the Black Joy Retreat, and volunteer with children through St. Vincent de Paul. Funding supported EOL with their Family Weekend carne asada potluck; El Retiro (The Retreat), where Andrés López from Campus Ministry talked about immigration and its effects on their communities; and dance lessons ahead of EOL’s spring formal.

The three organizations, which reflect some of the underrepresented populations at UD, also join together every semester for a collaborative event to build greater unity.

Nancy Garcia, a junior majoring in psychology and criminal justice and security studies, is EOL president and social chair. She said she’s gained leadership experience being on the executive board and a sense of pride from their work. 

“It’s so much more than just the food and the music. It’s bringing in the community and giving students the space to feel seen and be heard,” said Garcia. “After our Family Weekend potluck, even the parents thanked our [EOL leaders], saying they thought their kids were in good hands and still connected to home in some way. I didn’t take it lightly that the parents see what we’re doing and are at ease knowing their kids are in a supportive environment.”

Daunte Brown, a senior majoring in health and wellness and president of BATU, sees their work as critical to support the health and wellness of current students on campus. He also sees this as a lifelong practice.

“This is not only something we do as an organization on UD’s campus and what college is like for us,” said Brown. “It’s something we can take out into the broader world to create community wherever we go after graduation.”