Hands-On Learning
Careers and Passions Take Flight
Students learn best by doing and hands-on learning experiences help create Flyers who are day-one ready for the workforce. Over the years, we have seen these experiences also lead to personal discovery and growth. For these reasons, hands-on learning is a campaign priority.
Currently, at least 80 percent of students participate in opportunities like working in research labs across campus, partnering with community organizations or studying abroad. As part of our Catholic, Marianist mission to educate the whole person, we need to give all Flyers a chance to take part in these beyond-the-classroom experiences. With your support, we can increase and enhance hands-on learning opportunities, making them available to all students.
Learning in Action
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Taking Center Stage
The origin story of the Roger Glass Center for the Arts is one of community acting for the benefit — and celebration — of each other.Learn more about the Glass Center -
Making an Impact
Matt McNamara ’09 is providing resources for students to enhance their experience at UD.Explore Matt's Story -
Engineer-Created Magic
Explore Sarah's StoryAs a kid, Sarah Herr '23 learned about the engineer-created magic at Disney World. From then on, she knew she wanted to be behind the scenes creating the magic.
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Supporting Impactful Research Experiences
Explore Terrence's StoryTerrence Tilley, Ph.D., remembers what it was like to be a struggling graduate student. He recently established an endowed fund to provide impactful research experiences for students without the financial burden that he endured.
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Fulfilling a Dream
Explore Myanah's StoryMyanah Keys ’23 was named one of Dayton’s “5 Under 25 young innovators” by the Dayton Business Journal and was recently one of 10 students nationwide to receive a grant for pediatric oncology research.
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Research for the Common Good
Explore Juliano's StoryCan we develop better antiviral treatments for the flu? Juliano Aquilino ’23 conducted research to visualize a protein within influenza that could be used to develop next generation antivirals.
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Behind the Scenes
Explore the StoryHayden Parsons '25 captured behind the scenes footage showing UD students, faculty and staff creating a campaign video. Jada Gee '23 and Caroline Herling '23 talk about the process of developing the concept and filming scenes for the video.
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Raising the Curtain
Three UD civil engineering co-op students are helping to raise the curtain on the magnificent Roger Glass Center for the Arts.Read the Story -
Engineered to Help
Marty Kilbane dreams of teaching college and possibly running his own lab one day - a dream borne out of his own experiences in the Engineering Wellness Through Biomechanics lab at UD.Watch Marty's Story -
Overcoming Obstacles
An engineering capstone project was dubbed "a nearly impossible" task, but that didn't stop Joe Vicaro.Watch Joe's Story
I had always thought about grad school, and working in the lab really solidified my decision to go beyond my master’s and pursue a Ph.D.
Marty Kilbane '23
Real-World Experience
As part of our Marianist mission, educating the whole person is a priority, which is why hands-on learning is important at the University of Dayton.
Explore Experiential LearningFeatured Opportunities
$2500
just $2,500 funds a study abroad experience for an undergraduate student.
$60 million
UD's student-run investment fund, worth nearly $60 million, is the largest in the country.
80%
at least 80% of students participate in hands-on learning.
More Experiential Learning Stories
Explore the Campaign
