The Project: Liz (Mund) Ryan ‘81 and Jamie Ryan ‘82, an alumni couple in Columbus, Ohio, want new generations of University of Dayton students to hear the three magical, life-changing words that legendary writer and humorist Erma Bombeck ‘49 once heard from her English professor: “You can write!”
In 2023, the Ryans established a creative writing retreat for UD students, no matter their major or experience level. The only requirement: a desire to tap into their imagination and tell stories on the page. To help sustain this opportunity for years to come, the Ryans are partnering with their alma mater to lay the groundwork for the establishment of an endowment for the retreat. They’ve generously pledged to match every gift dollar for dollar, up to $7,500.
Who We Are: The English Department houses the nationally renowned Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, sponsors Orpheus (a student-run art and literary magazine) and offers a minor in creative writing. Erma Bombeck is the department’s most celebrated graduate.
The Impact: Students who have participated in the retreat found it valuable, encouraging — and fun.
• “An imagination-expanding experience,” said Peter Bonasso, English major.
• “Intentional time to write with a community who loves writing as much as I do,” shared Caitlin Spicer, who’s now pursuing a master’s in higher education at Indiana University Bloomington.
• “A space open to endless creativity,” said Elizabeth Bialon, education intervention specialist major, who found the retreat helped her step outside her comfort zone.
What Your Gift Will Do: Your support will help fund a transformative creative writing experience for 12 students: a three-day, two-night off-campus retreat guided by two novel-writing professors. Your gift will help cover all major costs, including instruction, lodging and meals, ensuring that all students, regardless of financial means, can participate. With the Ryans’ generous dollar-for-dollar match, your impact will go twice as far.
Share Our Story: We encourage you share this page with others — and support the dreams and creativity of University of Dayton students. Use hashtags: #YouCanWrite #EBWW #UDEnglish #UniversityofDayton
Thank you for your support! And our heartfelt gratitude to Liz and Jamie Ryan for their $7,500 matching gift that launched the fundraising.
To the University of Dayton students participating in this winter's retreat: "You can write!"
During this season of Thanksgiving, we thank you for your generosity.
183 days ago by Teri Rizvi
Tomorrow (GivingTuesday) is our final opportunity to help University of Dayton students discover their voice, their confidence and their stories.
We are at 88 percent of our $15,000 goal. Please encourage others who believe in the transformative power of the You Can Write! Creative Writing Retreat to step forward and help us cross the finish line. Gifts of any size can make a difference.
Thank you for helping us close the gap and for believing in the life-changing power of three simple words, “You can write!”
185 days ago by Teri RizviAs Thanksgiving draws near, we’re so grateful for your generosity and belief in the You Can Write! Creative Writing Retreat. Thanks to your support, we’ve raised 85% of our goal — and we’re stretching even higher in these final weeks.
Your gifts are helping the University of Dayton create a space for students of all majors to be creative, find their voice and build community. Please help us reach the finish line by sharing this opportunity with others.
We want generations of students to hear the same words that changed Erma Bombeck’s life: “You can write!”
Happy Thanksgiving!
195 days ago by Teri Rizvi
We’re thrilled to share that we’re nearly a third of the way to our goal for the You Can Write! Creative Writing Retreat (thanks to 10 generous donors thus far)!
With 22 days to go before the campaign wraps up on "Giving Tuesday" on Dec. 2, we’re calling on our amazing community to help us cross the finish line.
Why it matters:
• This retreat gives University of Dayton students — no matter their major or experience level — the chance to tap into their creativity and tell their stories.
• Every dollar you give will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $7,500, thanks to the generosity of Liz (Mund) Ryan ’81 and Jamie Ryan ’82.
• Your gift will help to cover instruction, lodging and meals for 12 students annually, ensuring no one is left behind because of financial need.
Please share this story with your friends, family, alumni network — anyone who believes in the power of the written word. Together, let’s give students a space to create — and hear the same words Erma Bombeck '49 once heard from her English professor: "You can write!" give.udayton.edu/you-can-write-creative-writing-retreat
206 days ago by Teri RizviDonors
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