Eric F. Spina has served as president of the University of Dayton, a top-tier national Catholic research university, since July 1, 2016. He has earned a reputation on campus and beyond for his open and collaborative leadership style. He uses his blog, From the Heart, to share his reflections on current events; highlight innovative, creative and inspiring people on campus and in the Dayton community; and share news about the university. This collection contains PDFs of the blogs, which were originally published on the University's blog platform. 

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Submissions from 2024

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United: Sun, Moon and Us, Eric F. Spina

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First We Soar Goal Met!, Deborah Flanagan Tobias

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Lamps Shining in the Night, Eric F. Spina

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Rock Star, Eric F. Spina

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The Joy of Serving, Eric F. Spina

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You Have a Home Here, Eric F. Spina

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You Can Write!, Eric F. Spina

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Bridge Builders, Eric F. Spina

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Get Together, Eric F. Spina

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Family First, Eric F. Spina

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Belonging, Eric F. Spina

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One Relationship at a Time, Eric F. Spina

Submissions from 2023

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A Christmas Message of Peace, Eric F. Spina

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Striking Up the Band, Eric F. Spina

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Grit and Heart, Eric F. Spina

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When the Walls Talk, Eric F. Spina

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A Marianist Thanksgiving, Eric F. Spina

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Fly Me to the Moon, Eric F. Spina

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Of Porches and Possibilities, Eric F. Spina

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Three Weddings and a University, Eric F. Spina

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As Long as the River Flows, Eric F. Spina

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Dare to be Great, Eric F. Spina

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Hail Mary!, Eric F. Spina

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One Tent. One Community., Eric F. Spina and Teri Rizvi

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What's with the Italics?, Eric F. Spina

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Dream No Little Dreams, Eric F. Spina

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Raising Walls, Building Community, Eric F. Spina

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A Marianist Heart, Eric F. Spina

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Show Up!, Eric F. Spina

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Welcome Home, Flyers!, Eric F. Spina

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A Lesson From My Summer Vacation, Eric F. Spina

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Helping Future Flyers Soar, Eric F. Spina

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Putting First Gen First, Eric F. Spina

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Leading the 'We Soar' Cheer, Eric F. Spina

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Rising to the Occasion, Eric F. Spina

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The Art of Soaring, Eric F. Spina

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A Life Changer, Eric F. Spina

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A Dayton Original, Eric F. Spina

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Lessons from a Philosopher-Provost, Eric F. Spina

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Always Say Yes!, Eric F. Spina

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It's About People, Eric F. Spina

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A Seat at the Same Table, Eric F. Spina

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We Soar!, Eric F. Spina

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All in for UD, Eric F. Spina

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A Source of New Life, Eric F. Spina

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Raising the Curtain, Eric F. Spina

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Losing Two Generous Spirits, Eric F. Spina

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Say Yes', Eric F. Spina

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Virtuous Circle, Eric F. Spina

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A Partner in Our City's Destiny, Eric F. Spina

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Houses of Faith, Karen Spina and Teri Rizvi

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A Man for Our Times, Eric F. Spina

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Be Uncommon, Eric F. Spina

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A Healthy Partnership, Eric F. Spina

Submissions from 2022

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The Wonder and Faith of a Child, Eric F. Spina

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Hands-On Learning, Eric F. Spina

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The Challenge of Change, Eric F. Spina

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Miracle on UD Street, Eric F. Spina

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Forever Linked, Eric F. Spina

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Gathering Around the Table, Eric F. Spina

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Wind Beneath Their Wings, Eric F. Spina

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The Flyer Connection, Eric F. Spina

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A Home for Mary, Eric F. Spina

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In the Running for the "Heisman", Eric F. Spina

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Transformative Leaders, Eric F. Spina

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A Great First Impression, Eric F. Spina

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By the Numbers, Eric F. Spina

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A Voice at the Table, Eric F. Spina

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A Debt of Gratitude, Eric F. Spina

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Welcome Home, Flyers, Eric F. Spina

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Hold the Door for Each Other, Eric F. Spina

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The Joy of Undergraduate Discovery, Eric F. Spina

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"The Heart Work", Eric F. Spina

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Go Anywhere. Do Anything., Eric F. Spina

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My Top Five, Eric F. Spina

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Behind the Pomp and Circumstance, Eric F. Spina

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For Everything There is a Season, Eric F. Spina

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Of Life, Love and Puppets, Eric F. Spina

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#UDStrong, Eric F. Spina

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Principled Leadership, Eric F. Spina

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Engaged. Generous. Selfless., Eric F. Spina

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Hope's Great Promise, Eric F. Spina

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Flyer Love Is Boundless, Eric F. Spina

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Catalyst for Social Justice, Eric F. Spina

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The Experience Changed My Life', Shaq Tensley

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God's Song of Creation, Dominic Sanfilippo

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I Lead by Choosing Love, Eric F. Spina

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Guiding Lights, Eric F. Spina

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Courageous Leaders, Eric F. Spina

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Friends Helping Friends, Eric F. Spina

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A Poet and His Song, Eric F. Spina

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The Joy of Making Music, Eric F. Spina

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More Than a Trustee, Eric F. Spina

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Elevating the Arts, Eric F. Spina

Submissions from 2021

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Gifts of the Heart, Eric F. Spina

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Catapulting Dreams, Eric F. Spina

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Build a Bigger Table, Eric F. Spina

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The Art of Thinking Critically, Eric F. Spina

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Soaring on Eagle's Wings, Eric F. Spina

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A Grateful Heart, Eric F. Spina

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Generous Hearts, Eric F. Spina

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Visionary Leadership, Eric F. Spina

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In the Good Name of Jessie Hathcock, Eric F. Spina

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What it Takes to Bridge the Access and Success Gap for Lower-Income Students, Eric F. Spina

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Symbols of Solidarity, Eric F. Spina

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Not of Voice Alone, But Heart, Eric F. Spina

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#DoublePell, Eric F. Spina

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A Prayer for Peace, Eric F. Spina

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High Competence, High Character, Eric F. Spina

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A Canvas for Creativity, Eric F. Spina

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Welcome home, Flyers!, Eric F. Spina

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One Community. One Family., Eric F. Spina

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(Extraordinary) Moments in Time, Eric F. Spina

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Be the Change, Eric F. Spina

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Learn. Lead. Serve. Pray., Eric F. Spina

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At Home, Eric F. Spina

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A Nobel Soul, Eric F. Spina

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The Home Team, Eric F. Spina

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A Desire to Serve, Eric F. Spina

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Selfless Sacrifice, Eric F. Spina

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Ingenuity Meets the Human Spirit, Eric F. Spina

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Confetti and Cheers, Eric F. Spina

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Sacred Stories, Eric F. Spina

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The Mother of Invention, Eric F. Spina

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One Family, Eric F. Spina

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24 Hours of Flyer Love, Eric F. Spina

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An Easter Message of Joy and Hope, Eric F. Spina

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A Promise Fulfilled, Eric F. Spina

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Out of Many Faiths, Eric F. Spina

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Delayed — But Not Denied, Eric F. Spina

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Courageous, Resilient Women, Eric F. Spina

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Five Ways Universities Can Be Anchors in Their Communities, Eric F. Spina

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A New Beginning for the Dayton Arcade, Eric F. Spina

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A Community of Care and Support, Eric F. Spina

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Pulling Through — By Pulling Together, Eric F. Spina

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A Seat at the Table, Eric F. Spina

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Heroic Work, Eric F. Spina

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A Time Comes When Silence is Betrayal, Eric F. Spina

Submissions from 2020

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O Holy Night, Eric F. Spina

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It's Not All About Me, Eric F. Spina

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Gifts, Eric F. Spina

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Goodbye, Our Friend., Eric F. Spina

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The 'Aha' Moment, Eric F. Spina

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Thanksgiving Reflections, Eric F. Spina

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Christmas on Campus Lives On!, Eric F. Spina

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God's Work, Eric F. Spina

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Place at the Table, Eric F. Spina

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The Flyer Family, Eric F. Spina

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Demonstrating Respect During Challenging Times, Eric F. Spina

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What's in a Name?, Eric F. Spina

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Silver Linings, Eric F. Spina

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The Hope of Your Generation, Eric F. Spina

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5 Flexible Teaching Tips, Julia Randel, Randy Sparks, and Shannon Driskell

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Bridging the Workforce Gap, Eric F. Spina

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First Steps on the Path Forward, Eric F. Spina

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From Coast to Coast — Together, Eric F. Spina

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Q & A with Medical Experts, Eric F. Spina

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A New Playbook, Eric F. Spina

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Morning Sun, Flicker of a Candle, Eric F. Spina

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Return to Campus, Eric F. Spina

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Godspeed, Daria, Eric F. Spina

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Inspiring Greatness, Eric F. Spina

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May Love Light Our Path, Eric F. Spina

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Resilient, Eric F. Spina

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The Path Forward, Eric F. Spina

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Even Apart, We Are One, Eric F. Spina

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Look Upward — And Inward, Eric F. Spina

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Senior Class Portrait, Eric F. Spina

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We're Bringing UD to You, Eric F. Spina

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Virtual Stander, Eric F. Spina

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It Was a Godsend', Eric F. Spina

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Breaking Bread — Virtually, Eric F. Spina

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Renewed Hope, Eric F. Spina

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When Ingenuity Meets the Human Spirit, Eric F. Spina

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We Are One, Eric F. Spina

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Voices of Courage, Eric F. Spina

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Shrinking the Inequality Gap, Eric F. Spina

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Erasing a Carbon Footprint, Eric F. Spina

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A Higher Calling, Eric F. Spina

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That's a Wrap, Eric F. Spina

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Feeding the Soul, Eric F. Spina

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Dialogue. Advocacy. Action., Eric F. Spina

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God Led Me Back to UD', Eric F. Spina

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Building a Place for All, Eric F. Spina

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Ohio Reprograms Its Future, Eric F. Spina

Submissions from 2019

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The Miracle of Christmas, Eric F. Spina

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Thank You, Dad, Eric F. Spina

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The Greatest Gift — Our Flyer Selves, Eric F. Spina

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Serve First. Lead Second., Eric F. Spina

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A Glimpse of God, Eric F. Spina

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Grateful Hearts, Eric F. Spina

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Raising the Bar — and Passing It, Eric F. Spina

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Community Means — and Requires —Everyone, Eric F. Spina

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We See You, Roger Brown, Eric F. Spina

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Return on Investment, Eric F. Spina

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Happy 200th Birthday!, Eric F. Spina

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Georgia on My Mind, Eric F. Spina

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Finding Your Path, Eric F. Spina

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Full Circle, Eric F. Spina

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UD Arena: Where We Fly Together, Eric F. Spina

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Think Before You Click, Eric F. Spina

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Expanding Opportunity, Eric F. Spina

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Collaboration — It's in Dayton's DNA, Hunter Phillips Goodman, Jeff Hoagland, Michael M. Parks, and Eric F. Spina

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Soaring High, Eric F. Spina

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What is Your Calling?, Eric F. Spina

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Paying It Forward, Eric F. Spina

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Blessed Are the Peacemakers, Eric F. Spina

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My Heartfelt Welcome, Eric F. Spina

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One Community, Together, Eric F. Spina

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Joy of Discovery, Eric F. Spina

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To Teach as Jesus Did, Eric F. Spina

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Closing the Gender Gap in UD Engineering, Eric F. Spina

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Servant-Leader, in Word and Deed, Eric F. Spina

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Tiny Loans, Big Dreams, Eric F. Spina

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#DaytonStrong, Eric F. Spina

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Opening Doors, Eric F. Spina

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A Lab With Wings, Eric F. Spina

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Get Ready to Fly, Eric F. Spina

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Make Your Life a Masterpiece, Eric F. Spina

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Great Joy, Eric F. Spina

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A $24 Check — and a $1 Million Gift, Eric F. Spina

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Homecoming, Eric F. Spina

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Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity, Eric F. Spina and Paul Benson

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A Dream Takes Flight, Eric F. Spina

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51!, Eric F. Spina

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One Imaginative Idea at a Time, Eric F. Spina

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Easter Joy, Eric F. Spina

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The Power of Sharing Our Stories, Eric F. Spina

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Unsung Heroes, Eric F. Spina

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One Day, One Dayton, Eric F. Spina

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Acing It, Eric F. Spina

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In the Game, Eric F. Spina

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Reaching Out, Eric F. Spina

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Hate Has No Home Here, Eric F. Spina

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Closing the Gap, Eric F. Spina

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Imagine, Eric F. Spina

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Dancing for the Kids, Eric F. Spina

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Models of Servant-Leadership, Eric F. Spina

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The Bader Burger, Eric F. Spina

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Every Life a Masterpiece, Eric F. Spina

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Chaos or Community?, Eric F. Spina

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Amazing and Brave, Eric F. Spina

Submissions from 2018

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A Christmas Reflection, Eric F. Spina

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In Real Life, Eric F. Spina

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Radical Love, Eric F. Spina

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Taste Test, Eric F. Spina

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One Student at a Time, Eric F. Spina

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A Thanksgiving Reflection, Eric F. Spina

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Elevating Our Sights, Eric F. Spina

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Our Voices — And Our Votes — Matter, Eric F. Spina

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Is Civility a Lost Art?, Eric F. Spina

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Standing in Solidarity, Eric F. Spina

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All About Mary, Eric F. Spina

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When 2+2 Equals More Than 4, Eric F. Spina

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A Sign of Hope, Eric F. Spina

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Here Comes the Sun..., Eric F. Spina

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Roesch Refresh, Eric F. Spina

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The Verdict: A Legal Education Pioneer, Eric F. Spina

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Great Joy. Great Purpose. Great Struggle., Eric F. Spina

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A Summer to Remember, Eric F. Spina

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That's Passion, Eric F. Spina

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Renewed Journey of Faith, Eric F. Spina

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Great Joy, Great Blessing, Eric F. Spina

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Welcome to the Neighborhood, Adèle!, Eric F. Spina

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Our Home is an R&D Powerhouse, Eric F. Spina

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Fresh Look, Same Soul, Eric F. Spina

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A Difference Maker, Eric F. Spina

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Hello, Mary, My Very Best Friend, Eric F. Spina

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Welcome to the Family!, Eric F. Spina

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Hats Off, Eric F. Spina

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In the Footsteps of a Spiritual Giant, Eric F. Spina

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Courageously Fearless, Eric F. Spina and Brian LaDuca

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Art and Dayton's Collective Humanity, Eric F. Spina

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And the Emmy Goes to..., Eric F. Spina

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Make a Difference, Eric F. Spina

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The Iron Man, Eric F. Spina

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Walking the Walk, Eric F. Spina

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A Day of Discovery, Eric F. Spina

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Unfinished Business, Eric F. Spina

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This is our UD, Eric F. Spina

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Sparking Creative Thinking, Eric F. Spina

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A Smart Investment, Eric F. Spina

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Trailblazers, Eric F. Spina

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Closing the Gap, Eric F. Spina

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Talking Leadership, Eric F. Spina

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A Mission Written in Their Hearts, Eric F. Spina

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Let Us Become Known..., Eric F. Spina

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A Place of Possibilities, Eric F. Spina

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In the Spirit of Mary, Eric F. Spina

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The Time is Always Right, Eric F. Spina

Submissions from 2017

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One Community, One Family, Eric F. Spina

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Leaders Who Serve (With Care), Eric F. Spina

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Work For The Common Good, Eric F. Spina

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Gratitude, Eric F. Spina

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Community Means Everyone, Eric F. Spina

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Going Global, Eric F. Spina

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A Special Place, Eric F. Spina

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Let's Dream Big, Eric F. Spina

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Coaching Character, Eric F. Spina

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Reimagining the MBA, Eric F. Spina

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Beyond the Classroom, Eric F. Spina

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Sharing a Common Purpose, Eric F. Spina

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At Home, Eric F. Spina

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Learn. Lead. Serve. Repeat., Eric F. Spina

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Imaginative Minds, Eric F. Spina

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Community Builders, Eric F. Spina

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This is Your Community, Eric F. Spina

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Insider Advice, Eric F. Spina

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Our Promise, Eric F. Spina

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Radical Spread of Love, Eric F. Spina

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Why Diversity Matters, Eric F. Spina

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A Window to the World, Eric F. Spina

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One University. One Home., Eric F. Spina

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Research for the Common Good, Eric F. Spina

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Our Students Lead, Eric F. Spina

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Joyful Send-Off, Eric F. Spina

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Essential Conversations, Eric F. Spina

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Simple and Poignant, Eric F. Spina

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What is Faith?, Eric F. Spina

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Code for Success, Eric F. Spina

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This is Our Home, Eric F. Spina

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A Class Act, Eric F. Spina

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Dare to be Great, Eric F. Spina

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Be a Hero, Eric F. Spina

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Campus in Bloom, Eric F. Spina

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The Road Starts Here Again, Eric F. Spina

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An Easter Message of Hope, Eric F. Spina

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Go With Joy, Eric F. Spina

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A Century of Selfless Service, Eric F. Spina

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How High Will We Fly?, Eric F. Spina

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Our Calling, Eric F. Spina

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For the Common Good, Eric F. Spina

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The Least Among Us, Eric F. Spina

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In a Word, Extraordinary, Eric F. Spina

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Expressing Our Core Values, Eric F. Spina

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This is Our UD, Eric F. Spina

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Making a Difference, Eric F. Spina

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Marching into Madness, Eric F. Spina

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A Community of Welcome, Eric F. Spina

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Living the Mission, Eric F. Spina

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Bold. Imaginative. Distinctive., Eric F. Spina

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Champion for UD and the Church, Eric F. Spina

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A Grand Adventure, Karen Spina

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And. Or. Not., Eric F. Spina

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Our Values Guide Us, Eric F. Spina

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3.8 Million Hours and Counting, Eric F. Spina

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Why We Honor Dr. King, Eric F. Spina

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Pursuing the Dream, Eric F. Spina

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Our Moment in History, Eric F. Spina

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To Know, Love and Serve, Eric F. Spina

Submissions from 2016

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On the Road to 2037, Eric F. Spina

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Christmas Eve 1968, Eric F. Spina

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A Heartfelt Charge, Eric F. Spina

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Hearing the Call, Eric F. Spina

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The Greatest Gift, Eric F. Spina

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Class Act, Eric F. Spina

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Giving Thanks, Eric F. Spina

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Telling Our Story, Eric F. Spina

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Putting People First, Eric F. Spina

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A Post-Election Message, Eric F. Spina

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From Barista to CEO, Eric F. Spina

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Rolling out the Welcome Mat, Eric F. Spina

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Our Faith. Our Identity., Eric F. Spina

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A Peek at Visioning Day, Eric F. Spina

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First 100 Days, Eric F. Spina

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Listening and Learning, Eric F. Spina

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Incognito: Nighttime in the Student Neighborhood, Eric F. Spina

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A Time to Come Together, Eric F. Spina

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Winners, Eric F. Spina

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Our Common Home, Eric F. Spina

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A Time for Boldness, Eric F. Spina

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Path of Selfless Service, Eric F. Spina

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Building Community, Eric F. Spina

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Journey of the Mind and Heart, Eric F. Spina

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An Extraordinary Day, Eric F. Spina

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New Times, New Methods, Eric F. Spina

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A Place at the Table, Eric F. Spina

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A Shared Vision, Eric F. Spina

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Good Stewards, Eric F. Spina

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Soaring, Eric F. Spina

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Heart and Soul, Eric F. Spina

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Innovation — It's in Our DNA, Eric F. Spina

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Gratitude, Eric F. Spina

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Happy First Day!, Eric F. Spina

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Through the President's Eyes, Eric F. Spina