Dear alumni and friends,

The University of Dayton is gaining national recognition for what we do best.

Anyone who's ever set foot on campus knows we're all about community — from the front-porch friendliness of the neighborhoods to our outreach efforts in the Dayton community and around the globe. Our research stands among the best in the nation. Our programs are transformative and entrepreneurial. We're extremely proud of three new rankings that show UD's leadership in these areas on the national level.


A Leader in Community Revitalization — First in the Nation

For us, community outreach is more than an institutional commitment. It's a Marianist hallmark.

A new survey places the University of Dayton first among Catholic universities and third overall behind the University of Southern California and the University of Pennsylvania for our efforts to revitalize the surrounding community. Compiled by Evan Dobelle, president and CEO of the New England Board of Higher Education, the "Saviors of Our Cities" list recognizes the top 25 universities and colleges that are "exemplary examples of community revitalization and cultural renewal, economic drivers of the local economy, advocates of community service and urban developers, both commercially as well as in housing."

The examples are plentiful, ranging from the redevelopment of the nearby Fairgrounds neighborhood to the transition of four Dayton public K-12 schools into neighborhood school centers.


Researchers Excel in Materials Research — Second in the Nation

Researchers have materials down to a science in the Research Institute. Many alumni and friends are astonished when I tell them only Penn State performs more sponsored research annually in this field. That's according to recent statistics by the National Science Foundation. If you examine the total sponsored research volume at all Catholic universities and colleges in the nation, the University of Dayton ranks third.

Our researchers are investigating ways to replace heavy copper wiring in aircraft with lightweight polymer — a move that would increase fuel efficiency. In an effort to reduce dependence on foreign oil, we're developing extended-life batteries and superior insulating materials capable of heat storage and energy conversion.

We recently announced plans to position the University of Dayton for leadership in the fields of bioengineering and bioscience. We established a research alliance with Kettering Medical Center Network and launched a Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering (TREND) to conduct research in such areas as limb and eye lens regeneration.


Entrepreneurship Means Business — Fifth in the Nation

Our entrepreneurship program is exceptional. It's barely six years old and has already been recognized as one of the top five programs in the country. This fall, Entrepreneur magazine and The Princeton Review ranked our program fifth at the undergraduate level and 16th among graduate programs.

Our students don't just study theory. They become entrepreneurs. The seven student-run companies that comprise Flyer Enterprises bring in more than $1.2 million in annual sales and offer hands-on experience. Imagine being a college student and serving as the CEO of a million-dollar enterprise. You can do that here. Nationally, only Harvard, Georgetown and Stanford boast larger student-run organizations.

When I think of the numerous ways the University of Dayton reaches out to the larger world and prepares students for service and leadership roles, I feel honored and humbled to serve as president. The board of trustees this summer offered me a contract extension through 2012, after asking faculty, students and administrators for their feedback on the direction we're taking. I'm grateful for their endorsement of our work together over the past four years.

The University of Dayton's future is one of extraordinary potential. I'd like your ideas for a new master plan that will shape development on a campus that now stretches beyond the Great Miami River after the purchase of property from NCR last year. You can share thoughts with me at president@udayton.edu or by visiting UDCampusMasterPlan.udayton.edu. Together, we will build a learning-living environment that supports academic excellence — and offers a transformative education to a new generation of servant-leaders.

During this season of giving thanks, may God bless you and your families. Thank you for your support of UD's timeless, enduring mission.

Sincerely,



Daniel J. Curran, Ph.D.
President