The University of Dayton lost a member of the student body this week as A.J. Cohen died tragically in a house fire in the student neighborhood known as the Ghetto. While the loss is felt most by his family and closest friends, he was a member of the UD family — a group we are all a part of. To show our support, UDPride is auctioning off a brand new genuine leather overnight bag featuring the Dayton Flyers athletics logo and will match the winning bid and donate the proceeds to the University of Dayton Scholarship Fund in the name of Austin “A.J.” Cohen.

UDPride is asking you show your Pride in this endeavor and do your part as we know you will. In light of the holiday season, all of us have much to be thankful for and have an obligation to do our part to help those who need help within the UD family. UD Pride is an action — not a feeling — and we’re certain that fans and alums will demonstrate this once again in Cohen’s memory.

Austin “A.J.” Cohen was a UD senior and played football for Head Coach Mike Kelly this season — scoring on a touchdown pass in a game for the PFL Co-Champs. He returned home and enrolled at Dayton after entering college at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. He was a native of Loveland, OH.
The fire broke out on 414 Stonemill Drive on Sunday while Cohen was asleep in an upstairs bedroom. All other house members escaped the fire and authorities in charge of the investigation detained housemate Paul Vincent Morgan, 20, in the Montgomery County Jail on the heels of the incident. The Dayton Daily News reported on Wednesday that he will be charged with involuntary manslaughter and arson. Morgan’s attorney hinted at an electrical fire caused from an overload of Christmas lights.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 5-9pm at the Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home, 5527 Cheviot Rd., in Cincinnati. A 10am Funeral Mass is slated for Saturday at the Community of the Good Shepherd Church, 8815 East Kemper Rd., in Cincinnati.

AUCTION SPECIFICS:

Minimum Bid: $95
Where to bid: Register yourself on the UDPride Message Board and post your bid under the corresponding forum topic. UDPride will email the winning bidder and arrange payment/delivery.
Auction ends: Saturday, Dec 16, 2000 10pm

Please write “A.J. Cohen Fund” in memo of check

Shipping: Bag will ship as soon as check has been received. UDPride will pay for UPS Ground in the continental US. Winning bidder pays for expedited or non-continental shipping. Depending on circumstances, bag may or may not arrive before Christmas.

About the bag:
Dimensions: Approximately W18”xD10”xH10”
Material: Genuine leather, top-shelf soft hide
Color: Black
Pockets: (1) exterior front
Accessories: Shoulder strap included
Logo: Dayton Flyers logo hand-stitched on top of bag
Condition: New

Description:

This is a top of the line genuine leather overnight bag issued by the University of Dayton for various members of the athletics department. The black leather is extremely soft and has cross-stitching throughout the panels to add durability and a touch of sophistication. The interior is nylon-lined and has an insert in the bottom of the bag to keep the floor properly sized. There is one front pocket on the outside, big enough to hold a PDA or other odds and ends. An adjustable shoulder strap with leather shoulder pad is included. Considering the quality of the bag and stitched logo, you won’t find a nicer overnight bag anywhere — in fact, the leather is so nice you can actually smell it. Small enough to be used as a carry-on, but large enough to show your school colors. Not only is it a great piece, you are helping a family during the most unfortunate circumstances. It’s a win-win, and we’ll match your bid too, making it a win-win-win.