“Let me assure you this: as a UD graduate, during this time when divisions in society run deep, differences are feared, and truth is contested — you are ready to respond. Not with fear or contempt but with courage, thoughtfulness, an openness to new ideas, and a willingness to reach across differences. As a Flyer, you are prepared to use your hard-won degree to create a life of great purpose — a life that makes a difference. You’re exactly what this world needs right now.”
“I proudly represent UD in a group called College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, a coalition of more than 120 campus leaders who are working to empower our graduates to engage thoughtfully with the world by asking the hard questions and engaging in civil discourse with others even — and especially — when there are differences. The path to healing our divided world begins where you live, in the communities you call home. Your block, your church or synagogue or mosque, your workplace, your town. This is where you can make the most meaningful change, whether you’re working to address food insecurity, environmental issues, educational reform, or strengthening our democracy.”
See more from the 2025 University of Dayton Commencement.
University of Dayton Commencement was one of seventy campuses participating in From Campus to Community a new national campaign to champion civil discourse and democratic engagement in this year’s commencement season. More from President Eric Spina.
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