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Community-Engaged Learning at the University of Dayton

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Berry Summer Thesis Institute Profile: Joseph Beckett

Ryan Werner

This article profiles Joseph Beckett, a participant in the University of Dayton's Berry Summer Thesis Institute. A video of the interview also appears in this collection.
Berry Summer Thesis Institute Profile: Michaela Miller

Ryan Werner

This article profiles Michaela Miller, a participant in the University of Dayton's Berry Summer Thesis Institute. A video of the interview also appears in this collection.
Berry Summer Thesis Institute Profile: Sean Kapp

Ryan Werner

This article profiles Sean Kapp, a participant in the University of Dayton's Berry Summer Thesis Institute. A video of the interview also appears in this collection.
Dayton Civic Scholars Profile: Jakob Burdick

Ryan Werner

Jakob, a sophomore political science major, leverages the program to engage with Dayton's community and local leaders. Through initiatives like visiting Omega CDC, he learns to address housing and economic challenges while building a network for his future career in governance.
Dayton Civic Scholars Profile: Kateri Dillon

Ryan Werner

Graduate Assistant Kateri Dillon supports the program by coordinating mini-courses and partnerships. She guides students through Capstone projects, aiming to develop civic leaders committed to social justice and fostering community connections.
Dayton Civic Scholars Profile: Kathryn Montgomery

Ryan Werner

Kathryn, an English major and Dayton native, joined Dayton Civic Scholars to deepen her connection to her hometown. She values the program’s focus on stepping beyond the university and creating equitable relationships with local organizations, fostering personal and civic growth.
Dayton Civic Scholars Profile: Samantha Kennedy

Ryan Werner

As Director of the Dayton Civic Scholars Program, Samantha designs the curriculum, fosters student engagement, and builds partnerships with community organizations. Her leadership emphasizes experiential learning and civic responsibility, preparing students to address local challenges and lead with purpose.
Dinner in the Desert Kitchen Profile: Annie Denton

Ryan Werner

2019 UD graduate in Photography, Annie found a passion for community art through Dinner in the Desert Kitchen. The experience taught her collaboration and adaptability, skills she now uses as a production coordinator in commercial photography.
Dinner in the Desert Kitchen Profile: Christina Green

Ryan Werner

A senior in dietetics with a sustainability minor, Christina uses her culinary background to support Dinner in the Desert Kitchen. The program has strengthened her skills in community engagement, empathy, and using food to address social justice.
Dinner in the Desert Kitchen Profile: Director Glenna Jennings

Ryan Werner

Associate Professor of Photography and Social Practice, Glenna co-founded Dinner in the Desert Kitchen to address Dayton's food deserts through community-centered art. Her course emphasizes collaboration, empathy, and art as activism.
Dinner in the Desert Kitchen Profile: Geno Luketic

Ryan Werner

Ceramics Professor and studio director, Geno crafts dinnerware for Dinner in the Desert Kitchen events, helping students connect art with social responsibility. He also leads the Empty Bowls project, merging artistry with community impact.
Dinner in the Desert Kitchen Profile: Julie Jones Ruse

Ryan Werner

Senior lecturer in photography, Julie involves her students in Dinner in the Desert Kitchen to develop professionalism and purpose-driven art. Her students contribute auction pieces, learning to connect their work to real-world social issues.
Dinner in the Desert Kitchen Profile: Mary Kate Fleisher

Ryan Werner

Senior photography major, Mary Kate values the program’s social focus, learning collaboration and empathy. The experience has expanded her understanding of how art can raise awareness on issues like food insecurity.
Experiential Learning Profile: Julia Lindenschmidt

Ryan Werner

Julia Lindenschmidt, a senior sociology major with minors in social work and sustainability, has engaged in experiential learning through programs like SEE 402, Dayton Civic Scholars, and the Ethics and Leadership Internship. Her work with nonprofits, including the Little Miami Watershed Network, fostered her passion for social justice and sustainability. Julia values the relationships and insights gained from connecting with diverse community members, which have prepared her for a career in community-focused work.
Fitz Center Profile: Amanda Film

Ryan Werner

Amanda, a senior communications major, interned with Saint Mary’s Development Corporation, where she honed her marketing and storytelling skills. Her work included promoting a resident-authored book, producing media, and gaining insights into nonprofit operations, fostering both professional and personal growth.
Fitz Center Profile: Darius Beckham

Ryan Werner

Darius, an alum and senior aide to Dayton’s mayor, mentors interns by helping them understand local governance and enhancing City Hall’s capacity. His guidance demonstrates the transformative power of experiential learning, connecting academic theory with real-world applications.
Fitz Center Profile: Dr. Christa Johnson

Ryan Werner

Dr. Christa Johnson, associate professor of practice and director of the Ethics and Leadership Internship Program, emphasizes ethics, leadership, and community in her work. Since founding the program in 2022, she has fostered inclusive, hands-on learning experiences that connect students with the Dayton community while ensuring equitable access for all participants.
Fitz Center Profile: Jakob Burdick

Ryan Werner

Jakob, a sophomore studying Political Science, interned in the Mayor’s Office, where he contributed to tasks such as constituent outreach and policy development. These hands-on experiences solidified his passion for public service and ethical leadership.
Fitz Center Profile: Meredith Robinson

Ryan Werner

Meredith’s internship at The Collaboratory introduced her to community organizing, with a focus on inclusivity and collaboration. The experience shaped her aspirations to pursue a career in local government and public administration.
Fitz Center Profile: Wendy Zanabria

Ryan Werner

Wendy’s internship at Expressions of Life involved working with children and developing educational programs. This opportunity enhanced her leadership skills and deepened her commitment to community-based initiatives, while fostering her appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Kenya Immersion Program Profile: Dr. Satang Nabaneh

Ryan Werner

Dr. Satang Nabaneh, Director of Programs at the Human Rights Center, oversees the Kenya Program, connecting academic study with real-world engagement. She emphasizes human rights, social justice, and collaboration with local communities. Dr. Nabaneh sees the program as a tool for empowering students to develop critical thinking and cultural skills, fostering advocates for positive change and deeper community connections.
Kenya Immersion Program Profile: Mercy John

Ryan Werner

Mercy John, a senior in International Studies and Human Rights Studies, used the Kenya Program to reconnect with her roots. Working with Dandelion Africa, she contributed to projects on female genital mutilation and community empowerment. Mercy's experience reinforced her belief in grassroots social justice and inspired her to pursue community development and refugee resettlement in the future.
Kenya Immersion Program Profile: Noah Aschemeier

Ryan Werner

Noah Aschemeier, a UD alumni, highlights the Kenya Program as a transformative experience. Working on sustainable projects like water filtration systems, he gained skills in problem-solving, cultural adaptation, and teamwork. The program’s blend of fieldwork and academics helped shape his commitment to public service and influenced his pursuit of a master’s degree in international development.
Kenya Immersion Program Profile: Rebekah Revadelo

Ryan Werner

Rebekah Revadelo, a senior in mechanical engineering, shares how the Kenya Program expanded her perspective. Through STEM workshops and working with Dandelion Africa on medical and gender equality projects, she grew both professionally and personally. The experience deepened her commitment to social justice and engineering, equipping her with skills to make a difference in global communities.
REAL Dayton Profile: Austin Hoying

Ryan Werner

As a student/co-director of the REAL Dayton program, Austin Hoying works alongside other leaders to guide students through an enriching experience of service, reflection, and community engagement in Dayton.