AM
Alexander Mingus
  • Human Rights Studies and Political Science
  • Class of 2018
  • Athens, AL

Alexander Mingus of Athens, AL, traded fall break for a weekend of experiencing the "REAL" Dayton

2014 Oct 14

Instead of heading home for fall break, Alexander stayed in the city the University of Dayton calls home to learn and serve during the REAL Dayton experience.

The REAL Dayton is a fall BreakOut experience that allows students to Reach out, Enrich themselves, Act for others and Learn about Dayton. Past participants have said the REAL Dayton helped them experience life beyond the campus "bubble," rethink stereotypes and become advocates for Dayton through engagement in the community.

Participants explored the city on the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community's bus tour, served at local nonprofits, met their neighbors and learned from community leaders while discovering Dayton's many assets.

This year's theme was "Your Connecting Flight," referencing Dayton's rich aviation history. Student leaders chose this theme because of their desire to connect other UD students to the many "hidden gems" of our city.

Brother Brandon Paluch, S.M., coordinator of community outreach in the Center for Social Concern says, "Love is an exchange of gifts. Through the REAL Dayton, we hope students will see and receive the gifts of the Dayton community and decide to share their own gifts with the community. We want people to fall in love with this city that we and the University call home."

Participating organizations include Adventure Central, Homefull, K12 Gallery for Young People, Mission of Mary Farm, St. Vincent de Paul shelter, The Victory Project and many more nonprofits as well as educational and recreational agencies.