University of Dayton Takes Flight with New Social Entrepreneurship Program

Hold onto your hats, folks, because the University of Dayton (UD) is about to unleash a wave of changemakers! Get ready for the Herr Venture for Change Program, a brand-spanking-new initiative launching in (drumroll, please) … Yep, you guessed it! It’s all going down in .

This isn’t just another line on UD’s already impressive resume. This program is a HUGE deal, showcasing the university’s dedication to churning out graduates who don’t just chase profits – they tackle real-world problems head-on. Think of it as business school, but with a heart…and maybe a cape or two hidden under those graduation gowns.

Diving Deep into the Herr Venture for Change Program

Alright, let’s break down what this game-changing program is all about. First off, it’s named after some seriously awesome UD alumni – more on them later, because their story is one for the books!

What You Need to Know:

• Name: The Herr Venture for Change Program (snappy, right?)
• Format: Think bite-sized but mighty – it’s a nine-credit certificate program, perfect for adding some serious oomph to any degree.
• The Big Idea: This program is all about showing the world that, yes, you can do good AND do well. It’s about creating businesses that rake in the big bucks while making the world a better place.

What Students Can Expect:

Okay, future world-changers, listen up! Here’s a sneak peek at what awaits you in the Herr Venture for Change Program:

• Launchpad for Change: Get ready to roll up your sleeves and launch your very own social venture. We’re talking real-world experience, folks, not just textbook theories.
• Think Global, Act Local (and Vice Versa!): This program’s got you covered, whether you’re passionate about tackling issues right here in Dayton or on the other side of the globe.
• Summer Adventures Await: Pack your bags and your ambition! Summer partnerships with international nonprofits offer the chance to make a difference on a global scale. Talk about an awesome resume builder!
• Mentorship Magic: Ever wish you had a business superhero on speed dial? Well, get ready to meet your new mentors! The program connects students with seasoned local entrepreneurs who are ready to share their wisdom, war stories, and maybe even some of their secret sauce for success.

UD’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Gets Real

Now, let’s be real for a sec. The University of Dayton isn’t exactly new to this whole entrepreneurship thing. With roughly students already majoring or minoring in entrepreneurship, UD’s got a serious track record of cultivating go-getters and innovators.

The Herr Venture for Change Program isn’t here to replace these awesome initiatives; it’s here to join forces and create an unstoppable force for good (cue the superhero theme music!).

Here’s How UD is Already Making Waves:

• The Greater West Dayton Incubator: This incredible initiative is all about supporting entrepreneurs in the West Dayton area. Talk about investing in the community!
• The Flyer Pitch Competition: Think “Shark Tank,” but with that distinct Dayton flair. This competition awards cash prizes to the most innovative business ideas in the Greater Dayton region.

The Herrs: Champions of Change and UD

Okay, remember those awesome alumni we mentioned earlier? Time to give a round of applause to Mike and Katie Herr, the powerhouse duo behind the Herr Venture for Change Program’s name (and a whole lot more!).

Mike, an accounting whiz, and Katie, an elementary education rockstar, are living proof that Flyers soar high after graduation. Mike’s a big deal on UD’s board, while Katie’s a driving force on the parent leadership council. These two are basically UD royalty!

A Legacy of Giving Back:

The Herrs aren’t just lending their name to this program; they’re putting their money where their heart is. And trust us, their generosity is off the charts!

• Scholarship Superstars: Back in , they established a scholarship fund, proving that they believe in investing in the next generation of Flyers.
• “We Soar” Supporters: Remember UD’s epic “$400 million “We Soar” fundraising effort? Yeah, the Herrs were right there in the thick of it, showing their Flyer pride in a major way.

While the exact amount they’ve donated to the social entrepreneurship program is a secret (we tried to sneak a peek!), one thing’s for sure: the Herrs are on a mission to empower UD students to change the world.

A Vision for a Better Tomorrow:

For Mike Herr, this program isn’t just about churning out successful entrepreneurs; it’s about changing the very DNA of how we do business. He’s a firm believer that every business model can (and should!) have social impact woven into its core.

And that’s where the Herr Venture for Change Program comes in. It’s about equipping students with the skills and the mindset to make a difference, no matter what field they end up in – business, engineering, education, medicine, you name it!

Empowering Students, Igniting Change:

The Herr Venture for Change Program is more than just a program; it’s a launchpad for a new generation of leaders who are ready to redefine success. It’s about proving that profit and purpose can not only coexist but thrive together.

So, get ready world, because the University of Dayton’s about to unleash a wave of changemakers. And with the Herrs’ unwavering support and vision, these Flyers are bound to reach incredible heights. Who knows? Maybe they’ll even save the world along the way!