What a difference a year makes. Last year the University of Dayton encountered one black eye after another, as the school found itself dealing with NCAA violations, a surge in campus crime, and off-court incidents with some of its athletes. On top of that, the UD community lost two revered professors, and shared in the tragic loss of student Ryan Cook’s parents following a tornado in suburban Cincinnati. The 1999-00 school year, however, exhibits a different landscape. Morale is at an all-time high as the University rides a wave of school pride fueled in large part by the unexpected success of the men’s basketball team. The smiles on students, faculty and alumni cannot be solely attributed to the recent success of the Flyers. Early in the semester Dayton received its highest ranking in US News and World Report’s annual list of America’s best universities.

In August, UD learned that it had achieved the top graduation rate of student-athletes among 300+ NCAA Division I schools. Dayton’s athletes have excelled on the field as well, with the women’s soccer team reaching the NCAA tournament for the first time led by All-American Missy Gregg. But most significantly, the University of Dayton kicked off its 150th anniversary celebration in September, which is to be followed by numerous concerts, symposiums, and parties. A commemorative book and documentary are also being issued.

While these events would make any year special, the community is swept up in basketball madness as the Flyers jet out to their best start in nearly 35 years, including upsets of Kentucky and New Mexico. Justin Bayer, Student Government President, sums up the atmosphere on campus this year.

“There is a special feeling walking around the halls and on campus and listening to the buzz as everyone is talking about Flyer Basketball. People are fired up and it’s creating school pride and unity that hasn’t been showcased in years,” he says. SGA is currently selling “6th Man” t-shirts to the students and sales have been very strong so far. The national attention brought on by the team’s performance has also given alumni a renewed sense of pride in their alma mater. A Dayton sweatshirt is now getting double takes instead of passing glances all over the country. Celebrity alumni, like ESPN’s Dan Patrick, have had good reason to insert a UD plug here or there. Alumni chapters are buzzing, as graduates and supporters look to reunite and share in the excitement. Basketball-related events have been organized in Milwaukee, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Chicago among others.

The Flyers’ success may have an ancillary effect on enrollment as well. Kelly Dougherty, admissions counselor, noted that many high school visitors, even out-of-state students, are asking about the team and availability of student tickets. Applications to attend UD are already on pace to set a record for the third straight year, thanks in part to campus initiatives like the “Learning Village.” The University of Dayton is indeed having a banner year after suffering through some low-points on and off the court. Even Hollywood is taking note. Warner Brothers recently requested UD paraphernalia for its TV show “West Wing,” starring Daytonians Martin Sheen and Rob Lowe.

For those who know what Dayton is capable of, the success should come as no surprise. Nevertheless, it feels good to be a Flyer again.