Apr. 26 - May 3, 2024

Proud Moments in Black History

With only an elementary school education, Black inventor (and son of an enslaved parent), Garrett Morgan came up with several significant inventions, including an improved sewing machine and the gas mask. However, one of Morgan's most influential inventions was the improved traffic light. Morgan's was one of the first three-light systems that were invented in the 1920s, resulting in the widespread adoption of the traffic lights we take

Garrett Morgan for granted today. Thanks to the successes of his other inventions, Morgan bought and car and, as a motorist, he witnessed a severe car accident at an intersection in his city of Cleveland, Ohio. In response, he decided to expand on the current traffic light by adding a “yield” component, warning oncoming drivers of an impending stop. He took out the patent for the creation in 1923, and it was granted to him the following year.

Dr. Donald J. Leo Named Ohio University's Executive Vice President and Provost

ATHENS, Ohio - Today, Ohio University

President Lori Stewart Gonzalez announced that Donald J. Leo, Ph.D., has been named the University’s Executive Vice President and Provost effective July 1, 2024.

“We are so excited and fortunate to welcome Don to the OHIO community. As a proven academic leader, scholar and educator, he has demonstrated effectiveness in working collaboratively to support students and faculty, which will positively impact the entire University community,”

President Lori Stewart Gonzalez said. “Don will be a strong partner in advancing our academic mission to meet the needs of current and

Donald J. Leo, Ph.D. future students. I look forward to working alongside him to advance our dynamic strategies.”

Leo, who most recently served as the first dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia, is a professor of mechanical engineering whose higher education career spans over 25 years. During his tenure as dean, Continued on Page 4

The Minority Business Development Agency to Announce Historic Collaboration opportunities

Last month the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) hosted the Divine Nine Sororities, The National Council of Negro Women, The Links Incorporated, The Black Women’s Agenda, and The National Coalition of 100 Black Women at the White House. During this event, MBDA memorialized Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with each organization to collaborate on advancing the growth of women business enterprises.

“The Minority Business Development Agency is excited to collaborate with these women-led organizations to break down barriers and expand

The Miami Valley Urban League Opens for Business with Ribbon Cutting at the Innovation Hub

The Miami Valley Urban Leagues official move into the Innovation Hub caps off a months long transition from its former location from the 900 block of Fifth Street. Nikol Miller, Executive Director of the Miami Valley Urban League beamed with pride as she talked about the history of the Urban League in the Miami Valley Region. “This move will help us continue our work here in Dayton,” said Miller, who has been the Executive Director of the Miami Valley Urban League since 2021. Nikol also stated, “The Miami Valley Urban League is missioned to move the needle on generational poverty. By locating to the Dayton Arcade, it puts us in the heart of Downtown Dayton, providing the businesses we work with and the people we serve access to other resources.”

Flanked by Marya Rutherford, Miami Valley Urban League Advisory Board Chair, and Mayor Jeffrey Mims, Jr., each one talked about the history of

the Urban League in the Dayton area, and the importance of its continued resurgence as a flagship institution whose mission is to help Black people and historically underserved communities achieve their highest true social parity, economic self-reliance, power, civil rights, and justice. Supported by a $150,000 from the City of Dayton to help with the move and the interior and exterior buildout, the total project was estimated to be around $430,000.

MVRPC Honors Local Leaders in the Region at 2024 Annual Spring Dinner

The Dayton Region Manufacturers Association Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

The Dayton Region Manufacturers Association (DRMA) celebrates its 90th anniversary on April 21, 2024. DRMA was originally founded on April 21, 1934. David Reger, Chair of the DRMA board, states, “The importance of the organization to the region and its manufacturers cannot be overstated.

for Black women,” said Eric Morissette, performing the delegated duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development. “As the fastest growing demographic of entrepreneurs, women of color continue to be a driving force for the nation’s economy. The BidenHarris Administration, the Department of Commerce, and MBDA are committed to matching their drive with the resources and opportunities they need and deserve.”

The event featured a roundtable discussion with each organization’s leadership that examined the challenges women entrepreneurs face related to access to capital, starting and scaling businesses, and access to contracts

Continued on Page 5

The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) hosted the Annual Spring Dinner on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Marriott at the University of Dayton. This annual dinner is a celebration of the accomplishments of the Region. MVRPC’s Chairperson and City of Riverside Council Member, Sara Lommatzsch, Second Vice-Chairperson and City of Troy Mayor, Robin I. Oda and Third Vice-Chairperson and Darke County Commis-

sioner, Larry Holmes along with MVRPC’s Executive Director, Brian O. Martin, presided over the event, which was attended by nearly 300 guests. During the dinner, the Arthur D. Haddad Regional Steward award was presented to Greene County Commissioner Tom Koogler and the Regional Partner Award was presented to Steve Stanley from the Montgomery County TID. The Arthur D. Haddad Regional Steward Award recognizes some-

one with an innovative spirit for solving regional challenges; who builds broad support toward a shared regional vision; and someone who is a regional steward promoting economic, social and environmental progress.

Tom Koogler, Greene County Commissioner, received this award for his visionary approach, leadership, and determined work ethic throughout his career. Koogler is recognized for his under-

The DRMA has evolved from a small but strong band of tool shops to now roughly 200 manufacturing members and over 300 total member companies. Our strong ties to the community and partnerships with those in education and the government help to drive workforce and economic vitality in the Dayton Region. Manufacturing has long been a strength of this region and the DRMA will continue to serve and support to ensure it remains one moving forward.”

In April of 1934, 25 tool shop owners from Dayton banded together to form the Tool Manufacturer’s Association. These tooling visionaries had come together because they felt the Continued on Page 5

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Tom Koogler, Greene County Commissioner, The Arthur D. Haddad Regional Steward Award winner.

Steve Stanley from the Montgomery County TID, The Regional Partner Award winner.

Around DAYTON 5day Forecast Miami Valley Weather

Join the “Force” with DML Programs

Saturday, May 4 is Free Comic Book Day and Dayton Metro Library has an abundance of programs happening at select Branches.

The Main Library has

programs taking place from 10 am to 4 pm, including escape rooms (requiring registration), crafts, and creating space heroes. One key program to attend is Community Comic Creating in the Eichelberger Forum, which takes place all day. Adults, teens, and families may stop in any time to create their own story using the Library’s comic templates.

The Miami Township Branch has a Free Comic Book Day Celebration happening from 10 am to 1 pm, celebrating all things comics and Star Wars, including crafts and watching a Star Wars show.

The Miamisburg Branch will host a variety of programs from 2-5 pm, including crafts, star gazing, and Jedi Training. All ages can have fun at the Branch’s Jedi Training Academy by making their way through various challenges and games to become a Jedi Knight.

The Vandalia Branch’s programs will go on from

Dayton Unit NAACP Town Hall “Know Your Rights, When You’re Stopped by the Police!”

“May” We Interest You with a Unique Storytime?

the month of May, several Dayton Metro Library Branches will be hosting unique storytimes, from interacting with horses and first responders to learning about different countries and everything in between.

songs. Each child will also receive a free mini gelato. Registration is required. Families

police, fire, EMT, and other first responders.

10 am to 2 pm and include watching movies and crafts. Make Yourself a Space Hero will take comic fans on a journey through space with the Branch’s green screen. Don’t forget the free comics! While supplies last, these Branches will have free comics to give away to patrons. For a complete list of each Branch’s programs, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org. Additional questions may also be directed to the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665. DML is committed to providing access to all of our events. If you would like to request accommodations for sign language interpretation, audio amplification, and/or language translation please contact us through the method that best meets your needs. Additional accommodations may be available upon request. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Wild Outside @ Carriage Hill Riding Center, Wednesday, May 1, 4-5 pm, Carriage Hill Riding Center: Meet at 8111 E. Shull Road, Huber Heights, 45424, for a story about horses, followed by learning about their daily lives. Scavenger hunt and horse interaction is included. Families New Lebanon Preschool Prom, Thursday, May 2, 6:30-7:30 pm, New Lebanon Branch: Dress the littles up in prom attire and have their pictures taken. Plus, enjoy storytime, dancing, bubbles, crafts, and more. Families

Stories with Art, Friday, May 3, 10-11 am, Brookville Branch: Explore colors, shapes, and textures with various art processes after a storytime. Registration is required. Grades 1-4

Gelato Storytime @ Tom & Dot’s, Monday, May 6, 1-1:45 pm, Miamisburg Branch: During this sweet treat storytime, read books and sing

Storytime with a Car Expert, Wednesday, May 8, 10:30-11:30 am, Miami Township Branch: An automotive instructor from Sinclair Community College drops by for a special storytime, with songs and crafts afterwards. Ages 3-5

Nature Storytime at Mound Park, Saturday, May 11 and May 25, 10-11 am, Miamisburg Branch: Meet at the bottom of the mound for environment-themed stories. Register with Miamisburg Parks and Recreation at playmiamisburg. com/register. Families

Family Storytime: Holidays and Celebrations, Wednesday, May 15, 4-4:45 pm, Burkhardt Branch: Quality family time with books, songs, and activities for all ages. May’s theme is Mother’s Day. Families

National Bike to the Library Day & Story Time, Saturday, May 18, 11 am-1 pm, Brookville Branch: Officer Forest Wilson and the Brookville Police Department join the Library for National Bike to the Library Day.

Receive free bike helmets (while supplies last), and enjoy a storytime with

All Ages Family Storytime: Countries, Wednesday, May 22 (Spain) and May 29 (Mexico), 4-4:45 pm, Burkhardt Branch: Listen to a story and learn about the different countries, along with crafts and treats. Families

For more information, additional storytime programs, and to register if required, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

DML is committed to providing access to all of our events. If you would like to request accommodations for sign language interpretation, audio amplification, and/or language translation please contact us through the method that best meets your needs. Additional accommodations may be available upon request. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

You can submit an Accommodations Request on our website or call our Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

2024 Living City Project Community Citywide Clean Up Recap

Saturday April 20th (Earth Day weekend) over 800 participants gathered in 32 different neighborhoods in Dayton for the Living City Project Citywide Clean Up. The Living City Project started in 2019 as a partnership between Declare and the City of Dayton

to provide an opportunity for churches, neighborhood associations and residents to serve their local community together.

This year participants removed a whopping 137+ tons of trash and debris from the streets of Dayton making this another record setting year! A

big thank you to all the participants, hosts, churches, and our sponsors Kettering Health, CareSource, and Hall Hunger Initiative for their collaboration, coordination, and support as we “Let Love Lead!”

After eight years in the making, Dr. Rush releases her fourth book

Dr. Sarah Washington leaders. The workbook is made up of 16 success principles grounded in her professional training in education, leadership, mental health, and her great-grandfather’s teachings on rising above adversity. “It is both an honor and a relief to have finally published this workbook after eight years in the making,” said Dr. Rush. “Since I first discovered the depth of my great-grandfather’s

work, only as a young adult, I have been on a mission to not only keep his legacy alive and his name honored, but I have made it my life’s work to lift up and encourage others with what I know now about the importance of being, growing, rising, and soaring in excellence.”

About Blueprint to Excellence: Being, Growing, Rising, Soaring BTE is a practical, easyto-read workbook. It is

a transformative guide, designed for individuals, groups, especially rising and aspiring leaders— from older, mature teens, to senior adults. Drawing from her expertise in education, leadership, mental health, and the nonprofit sector, as well as the wisdom of her greatgrandfather, Booker T. Washington, Dr. Rush meticulously crafts a comprehensive guide to personal and professional growth. With an integration of strength-based, solutionfocused, and cognitive-behavioral theories, the book is divided into four powerfully immersive quadrants

— Being, Growing, Leading, Soaring—taking you through sixteen fundamental principles interwoven with thought-provoking exercises, discussions, and assignments. All aimed at fostering a holistic approach to growing in excellence. It includes lessons in character building, critical thinking, effective writing, goal setting, and more.

About the Author Dr. Sarah Washington O’Neal Rush is a national speaker, author, and educator. Her previous books include Rising Up from the Blood: A Legacy Reclaimed, A Bridge

a featured writer of empowerment material, and she has appeared in print, on television, radio, in documentaries, and on podcasts highlighting the achievements of her esteemed greatgrandfather.

To learn more, visit BTWExcellence.com. The workbook is available now on Amazon.

Forward, and Timeless Treasures: Reflections of God’s Word in the Wisdom of Booker T. Washington, cowritten with her cousin, Gloria Jackson. She is

Education

Largest Platform For Hbcu Recruiting Celebrates 25 Years

With Dei Conference And Career Fair

HBCU Connect

Nationwide -- HBCU

Connect, the largest online platform for professional networking within the HBCU student and alumni community, is partnering with the DC Metro HBCU Alumni Alliance (DCHBCUAA), Inc. to celebrate its diversity recruitment contributions over the past 25 years. From June 28-29, the two entities will host the Annual Conference and Career Fair, which will attract thousands of attendees to the metro Washington, DC area for a weekend of entertainment and access to career-changing opportunities with some of the world’s most recognizable brands.

With Washington Nationals Park as a beautiful backdrop, runners, networkers, students and alumni are in for a treat.

In addition, job seekers, a host of guest speakers, and African American professionals from all over will take part in what is sure to be an epic weekend of activities including:

• Professional Networking Reception (Career Fair)

• 11th Annual DCH-

Dr.

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BCUAA 5K Run/Walk (Race)

• Professional Networking Mixer

• Rooftop Experience

• HBCU Connect 25th Anniversary Celebration

Jobseekers Can Register Free Here:

https://hbcuconnect. com/event

Recruiters Can Register Here:

https://hbcuconnect. com/event/sponsors

About HBCU Connect With a base of over 1.3 million members, HBCU

Connect is the largest network of students, alumni, and supporters of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) in North America. Founded in 2012, the DCHBCUAA, Inc. is a 501c (3) non-profit communitybased organization made up of over 60 HBCUs and auxiliary organizations reaching over 250 thousand alumni and supporters in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. The historic event kicks off on June 28th and runs through June 29th, 2024. The dynamic event will provide opportunities for attendees to explore per-

lio of approximately $50 million in interdisciplinary research.

sonal and professional development through various sessions, including legacy building, real estate investing for passive income generation, as well as expert tips for glowing skin (care) in virtual meetings.

Companies interested in sponsoring and recruiting during the event can choose from various packages tailored to their desired exposure and budget. Sponsors will benefit from heightened brand visibility among a diverse audience of key influencers, celebrities, students, and professionals nationwide. For more information on available sponsorship packages and how to secure participation for your company, please contact Doug Menifee, SVP of Business Development, via email at annualevent@hbcuconnect.com or (614) 383-8182.

Join them as honor the legacy of 25 years of diverse recruitment contributions at the HBCU Connect Annual Conference and Career Fair (25th-anniversary Edition).

Scholarships, Internships Part of Long-Term Tax Sharing Plan Between Onmain and DPS

Dayton Public Schools, the University of Dayton and Premier Health announced the approval of a property tax sharing plan at the Dayton Public Schools board meeting April 16 for the development of onMain, Dayton’s Imagination District, on the former Montgomery County fairgrounds property.

“We appreciate the Dayton Public Schools board approving this crucial step in the long-range planning and vision for onMain, a development that aligns with the University’s and Premier Health’s institutional missions and values,” Eric F. Spina, University of Dayton president said. “It builds on the longstanding relationship the University has with Dayton Public Schools. We look forward to growing the number of talented DPS students who will learn, lead and serve as part of our UD community.”

The plan will allow infrastructure improvements to the 38-acre site to support the development of buildings and community spaces, while providing significant, long-term financial benefits and other tangible and intangible benefits to Dayton Public Schools, its students and faculty.

“Dayton Public Schools, the University of Dayton, and Premier Health have long collaborated as part of a shared commitment to the communities we serve and care for,” said Michael C. Riordan, president and CEO of Premier Health. “The school board’s support of this agreement strengthens our commitment to partner in providing career opportunities for Dayton Public Schools students while providing

key support to onMain, a transformational development that will benefit the Dayton region for decades to come.”

University of Dayton will:

Provide two additional Flyer Promise Scholarships each year to DPS graduates.

Work diligently to try to ensure DPS students are aware of the availability of the Flyer Promise program.

Work closely with DPS to identify programs and/ or pathways for DPS educators and professional staff to access training programs through the University to advance the expertise and qualifications of DPS personnel.

Premier Health will:

Create a series of programs to cultivate interest in health care careers and provide opportunities for training, volunteering and employment.

Conduct at least one hiring event/interview day at DPS high schools for graduating seniors; designate a representative to the DPS Career Tech Work Based Advisory Board.

Counsel high school students on participating in health care-related volunteer opportunities, job shadowing and employment at Miami Valley Hospital.

Work with DPS to design a summer program for high school students to gain exposure to health care professionals (nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacy techs, etc.).

Present to middle and high school students and their parents at DPS sites about health care careers and the Premier Sinclair Academy and Premier Health Wright State University RN Academy.

Provide an annual report summarizing the number of events held and participation.

Superintendent and the presidents of UD and Premier to evaluate the status of these programs and identify new and mutually beneficial opportunities among the three institutions.

The DPS superintendent also will have the option to participate as a member of onMain’s advisory committee.

"Dayton Public Schools is excited to be a part of the onMain partnership," said Dr. David Lawrence, Superintendent of Dayton Public Schools.

"Through this commitment from the University of Dayton and Premier Health, DPS students will have more opportunities to attend college, explore career paths that interest them, and ultimately create rewarding and fulfilling careers."

The property tax revenue sharing plan will begin once the first building is opened at onMain. The educational and training benefits provided by UD and Premier will begin during the 2024-25 school year.

onMain was established after the University of Dayton and Premier Health bought the former Montgomery County fairgrounds property in 2017, resulting in an ambitious development plan to transform the area into a walkable urban neighborhood focused on innovation and entrepreneurial activities creating 3,000 jobs; 1,600 housing units; and multiple community spaces.

onMain leadership continues to seek funding for future development, including a cornerstone structure dedicated to cutting edge digital transformation work. engineering enrollment at UGA grew fourfold to over 2,700 students, research activity increased significantly, and the college developed numerous partnerships and outreach activities to enhance community engagement.

Previously, he served as associate dean for research and graduate studies at the Virginia Tech College of Engineering and professor of mechanical engineering and vice president and executive director of the National Capital Region operations, also at Virginia Tech. In conjunction with his position at Virginia Tech, Leo served as a program manager for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, a unit of the Department of Defense, where he created programs in the field of biologically inspired materials and systems and managed a portfo-

Leo’s research focuses on smart materials and he has served as principal investigator on 50 research grants and contracts with approximately $12 million in extramural funding.

He holds a Ph.D. and an M.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Buffalo, and a B.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “It’s an honor and a privilege to have been selected as Ohio University’s next Executive Vice President and Provost,” Leo said. “I am passionate about helping students and faculty reach their full potential and look forward to working across campus and with our partners to support student success, advance scholarship and enhance

the excellence of OHIO’s educational experience.” President Gonzalez extended her gratitude to Dr. Elizabeth Sayrs, who has served Executive Vice President and Provost since 2020.

“I would like to thank Elizabeth for her service as Executive Vice President and Provost over the past four years,” Gonzalez said. “During her tenure, she oversaw the successful transition of our general education program from tiers to BRICKS, reimagined our student success services model through the development of the ACE, and created efficiencies through the implementation of a system-wide approach to regional higher education. I wish her the very best in her next chapter.”

About Ohio University Ohio University strives to be the best studentcentered, transformative learning community in America, where students

realize their promise, faculty advance knowledge, staff achieve excellence, and alumni become global leaders. OHIO is committed to fostering, embracing, and celebrating diversity in all its forms. Our Athens Campus offers students a residential learning experience in one of the nation’s most picturesque academic settings. Additional campuses and centers serve students across the state, and online programs further advance the University’s commitment to providing educational access and opportunity. Ohio University is a Carnegie R1-classified research-intensive institution with a record of advancing knowledge through discovery and innovation in the natural and biomedical sciences, humanities and arts, and engineering. Visit www. ohio.edu for more information.

Additionally, the CEO of onMain will convene an annual meeting with Dayton Public Schools

Dayton Regional STEM School to Purchase Kettering Property for Elementary Expansion

The Kettering Council has approved the Dayton Regional STEM School's property purchase for 9.58 acres of city-owned land in Miami Valley Research Park to build an elementary school. "We are thrilled with the opportunity to expand our current education model and serve elementary grades. We look forward to working with the City of Kettering on this building project and continue to serve our local and regional community," said Superintendent, Dr. Robin Fisher.

The Dayton Regional

STEM School has contracted with architect and design partner, SHP, as well as Shook Construction for the elementary building project. The design phase is currently underway and the team plans to break ground this fall.

Starting in the fall of 2025, the school will begin a phased-in admissions approach by adding grades K, 1, 2, and 4. By the following school year, STEM will expand to grades K-5. New student applications will be available in January 2025.

Donald J. Leo Named Ohio University's Executive Vice President and Provost...

Editorial & Comments

Something to Consider: The Virtue of Truthfulness

By: Brenda Cochran Contributing Writer

The title of this commentary refers to the practice of, and habit of making right use of speech by using language that will express the beliefs of the mind.

The question is how does one get the virtue of truthfulness?

• The first is to say things as they are, not how you want them to be or how you want other people to view you and lean towards understanding.

• Practice doing this with people close to you and also do so with people not so close to you.

• Truthfulness is being honest in your words and actions. You don’t tell lies even when you are trying to defend yourself.

• Don’t listen to gossip or prejudice.

• See the truth for yourself, don’t try to be more than you are to impress others,

• Be yourself – you true self.

• You are practicing truthfulness when you

Brenda Cochran

speak only the truth, don’t let others tell you what to think.

• Investigate the truth for yourself

• Admit – when you have made a mistake Don’t exaggerate or deceive The virtue of honesty is more than just telling the truth. It requires much more. So, what exactly is honesty? It is a character trait that leads us to think, feel and act in honest ways. Acting- Honesty stands in contrast to lying, but it is much broader in scope than that. It also is opposed to cheating, steal-

ing, promise breaking, misleading, hypocrisy, self- deception, and still other forms of wrongdoing.

It works against all of them, and so is extremely broad and impactful in scope.

The question is – what do all of these behaviors have in common?

The core of honesty that enables it to cover so much moral ground? The answer is that honest behavior is a matter of not distorting the fact, as the honest person sees them.

Basically, Truthfulness is honesty -a facet of moral character that speaks of positive and virtuous attributes such as integrity, straightforwardness along with the absence of lying, cheating, theft, etc.

The Dayton Region Manufacturers Association Celebrates its 90th Anniversary...

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need to provide a united front to oppose some of the provisions of the recently enacted National Industrial Recovery Act.

In 1960, those visionaries became the Dayton Tool & Die Manufacturers Association, in 1982, the Dayton Tooling & Machining Association; in 2003, the Dayton Tooling & Manufacturing Association, and in 2011, it became what it is today, the Dayton Region Manufacturers Association. The current name, DRMA, reflects the Association’s broad base of diverse manufacturers that strengthens all manufacturing organizations throughout the region and beyond.

The Dayton Region

Manufacturers Association (DRMA) is the voice for our region’s manufacturing industry. DRMA is a catalyst of innovation, a builder of partnerships, and a champion for education to keep manufacturing in the Dayton region moving forward. Throughout its history, DRMA has helped preserve the vitality of the region’s manufacturing base by fostering cooperation and competition and by adapting to a continually evolving marketplace. DRMA builds on its proud tradition and embraces today’s challenges as opportunities for growth that will drive manufacturing for years to come. About DRMA

The Dayton Region Manufacturers Association (DRMA) is the voice and advocate for the manufacturing industry in the Dayton Region, providing programming, education, and peer-to-peer connectivity opportunities for members serving the aerospace, agricultural, medical, construction, defense, and other markets. It represents over 200 manufacturers and has 330 member companies. Manufacturing in the Dayton Region employs over 130,000 workers earning $10.9 billion in annual payroll. For more information about DRMA, visit www.DaytonRMA.org

Student Loan Debt Plagues

HBCU Students, Prevents Wealth Building

MVRPC Honors Local Leaders in the Region at 2024 Annual Spring Dinner...

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standing of Return on Investment and entrepreneurial background which has provided unique expertise to his time serving on the MVRPC Board of Directors. He was instrumental in developing our policy subcommittee, which is a sounding board for needed policy change. Commissioner Koogler was also heavily involved with securing unanimous board adoption of the agency’s resolution on Ensuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all MVRPC Board and staff actions.

Brian O. Martin, MVRPC’s Executive Director, noted, “Commissioner Koogler was elected in 2013, the same year that I came to MVRPC. He has been a valued voice for his county as well as the Region for some time and I look forward to his positive contin-

ued input to our Region”.

The Regional Partner Award recognizes MVRPC’s partners who work together to achieve a common goal across the Region.

Steve Stanley from the Montgomery County TID received this award for his over 40-year career in government affairs and economic development. He was instrumental in forming the Montgomery County Transportation Improvement District to support the betterment of the area for all residents. His positive attitude and willingness to work with others resulted in several successful infrastructure and development projects.

Mr. Stanley has been a valued voice on infrastructure finance for some time. He is the Region’s expert in infrastructure finance and he has been very helpful to counties and municipalities in securing fund-

The Minority Business Development Agency to Announce Historic Collaboration...

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for all American business enterprises.

ing for their projects such as the Austin Interchange at I-75 and US 40 City of Union and City of Dayton projects that have brought thousands of warehouse and distribution jobs to the Region,” stated Mr. Martin.

The MVRPC Annual Spring Dinner was made possible by support from generous sponsors including Burgess & Niple, Montgomery County, American Structurepoint, CenterPoint Energy, Central State University, CT Consultants, Dayton Dragons, Dayton Development Coalition, Fishbeck, Greater Dayton RTA, Heidelberg Distributing, Key Ads, LJB, Local Gov Consultants, LLC, TEC Engineering, The Dayton Foundation, and the University of Dayton.

Established in 1964, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission promotes collaboration among communities, stakeholders, and residents to advance regional priorities. MVRPC is a forum and resource where the Board of Directors identifies priorities and develops public policy and collaborative strategies to improve the quality of life throughout the Miami Valley Region.

Truthfulness further involves trustworthy, moral, fair and sincerity. There are many different questions about truth which is still the subject of contemporary debates. These include the question of defining truth which consists of many descriptions. and networks. MBDA’s alliance with these organizations aims to provide solutions, resources, and opportunities for economic empowerment.

The Department of Commerce’s mission is “to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity for all communities.”

Through this historic collaboration with the Divine Nine sororities and other national women’s leadership organizations, the MBDA continues to ensure economic prosperity

About the U.S. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): The Minority Business Development Agency is the only Federal agency dedicated to the growth and competitiveness of U.S. minority business enterprises. For more than 50 years, MBDA’s programs and services have better equipped MBEs to create jobs, build scale and capacity, increase revenues, and expand regionally, nationally, and internationally.

MVRPC performs planning and research functions for our Region that ensure livable and equitable communities; clean air and water; robust roadway, transit, and active transportation options; and strategic community plans that chart the course for member communities and partners. MVRPC’s geographic area includes Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby, and northern Warren counties in Southwest Ohio. Learn more at mvrpc.org/our-region.

The high burden of student loan debt limits the future financial options of graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and breaks the promise of a college education as a great equalizer, according to a new research report published today by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL).

The report, “Paying from the Grave,” highlights the impacts of systemic racism on wealth accumulation for families and unequal resource distribution among institutions. The research finds that student debt prevents many HBCU graduates from engaging in wealthbuilding activities like purchasing a home or investing in retirement, which contributes to the black-white wealth gap. Graduates of HBCUs have an average debt load of $32,373 after graduation – 19% higher than peers at non-HBCUs.

“HBCU students receive less institutional aid and are more likely to take out loans than their peers at non-HBCU institutions,” said Christelle Bamona, researcher at CRL and co-author of the report. “While President Biden’s recent historic student loan relief plan will benefit millions of federal student loan borrowers, including HBCU borrowers, policymakers must now work to reverse the systemic underfunding of

HBCUs and increase the purchasing power of the Pell Grant, among other reformative measures.”

While this new research – conducted before the Biden administration’s loan forgiveness announcement – shows that the payment pause on federal student loans provided much-needed relief for HBCU alumni’s financial circumstances, it also raises concerns about the impact of resumption of payments next year.

“Our research also showed that the payment pause played an important role in borrowers’ finances and mental health,” said Lucia Constantine, researcher at CRL and coauthor of the report. “The payment pause enabled 85 percent of HBCU students to make at least one positive, wealth-promoting financial choice, such as starting or building emergency savings and paying other debts. Borrowers also reported being better positioned to achieve long-term goals like homeownership, pursuing further education or starting a business.”

“The last 26 months or so that we've been on this pause, I did not realize how much I would be able to save, pay off other debts because I don't have to put that money towards student loans,” said a focus group participant. “So, I have zero credit card debt as a result of not having to pay the stu-

dent loans. I owe no man nothing. And it's just the federal government piece that I still owe.”

Key findings of the report reveal:

Skyrocketing college costs and historic underfunding of HBCUs force a disproportionate share of low-income and firstgeneration students to take on a huge student debt burden; Student debt limits career choice and complicates homeownership for HBCU alums, which contributes to the racial wealth gap; Student loan repayment program rules and unresponsive servicers are unnecessarily confusing and challenging to navigate; and

The pause on federal student loan payments has provided muchneeded relief to borrowers; resuming payments will create additional challenges.

Policy recommendations include waiving state tax on student loan cancellation; restoring limitations on collections for federal and private student loans; holding predatory student loan servicers accountable; doubling the Pell Grant program and addressing institutional funding disparities by investing in HBCUs to increase grants and scholarships that would help lower students’ debt burdens.

Sinclair Community College Celebrates and Recognizes ASA DataFest Competition Champions

Sinclair’s 2nd Annual ASA DataFest Competition was held at the Centerville campus. also received guidance from faculty and industry partners. The winners of Sinclair’s ASA DataFest 2024

Centerville, Ohio – Sinclair Community College is celebrating the winners of its second annual American Statistical Association (ASA) DataFest Student Competition held at the Centerville campus. Four student teams took top honors in this year's competition.

During the competition, Sinclair students divided into teams to analyze and find meaning in large and complex datasets. Sinclair Computer Information Systems (CIS), Information Technology (IT), Math, Marketing, Design, and Communication-related majors and certificate programs are welcome to participate. The students

Competition are:

Best In Show:

Team EXCEL-lent

Charles Ritter

April Littleton

Best Data Visualization

Best Storytelling and Presentation

Team DataDivers

Louis Jahnigen

Matthias Hamm

Spencer McNally

Ayodele Ogunsakin

(Not pictured)

Judges Award

Team Byte-Me

Lesly Niviayo Quintero

Corrinne Torpey Rafael Ceotto Organizers Award Team Spreadsheet

Spartans

Tomoya Suzuki

Joshua Nelson

DataFest is an international data analytics event for college students sponsored by the American Statistics Association (ASA) and hosted locally by Sinclair.

This year, Sinclair’s event was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) grant ‘Expanding the Data Analyt-

Continued on Page 7

“Then Moses called all the elders of Israel together and said to them, “Go, pick out a lamb or young goat for each of your families, and slaughter the Passover animal. 22 Drain the blood into a basin. Then take a bundle of hyssop branches and dip it into the blood. Brush the hyssop across the top and sides of the doorframes of your houses. And no one may go out through the door until morning. 23 For the Lord will pass through the land to strike down the Egyptians. But when he sees the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe, the Lord will pass over your home. He will not permit his death angel to enter your house and strike you down.” Exodus 12:21-23

Dear God in Heaven, when we celebrate Passover in the Christian Church, it is a perfect opportunity to note what it represents to our fellow Jewish sisters and brother’s deliverance from 430 years of slavery. This week Jewish Communities celebrate the Seder Meal, a symbolic meal that marks the passage of the Jewish people from a time of bondage to a time of freedom. This traditional meal typifies different parts of the Passover story using various foods. During the Seder, they tell the story of the exodus from Egypt.

Many Christians commemorate Jesus's launching of the Foot Washing Ordinance on Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday. We also eat a type of Seder meal, have communion, and recognize confirmands who are baptized soon after Easter Sunday. Some churches DON'T WATCH TELEVISION from sundown on Holy Thursday until Easter morning. I know of no Christian churches that practice this discipline. Three days and three nights without watching television could do wonders to deliver us from bondage.

In my sanctified mind, I am doing my best to understand how/if the Hebrew deliverance from Egypt is related to the Black African American deliverance from oppression in America.

I asked a young lady in the grocery store and another young lady in a restaurant if she was voting in the fall, and their answer was “No.” I responded to both of them, “Voting is not about politics. It is always about freedom. Pray about it and the value of free will.”

Learn How to Balance Mental Health at DML

With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Dayton Metro Library is offering a few programs to give patrons the opportunity to check in with themselves.

Eight Ways to Wellness, Wednesday, May 1, 3-5 pm, Main Library, Opportunity Center: UD students, professors, and practicing counselors will be on hand to shed light on the emotional, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, occupational, physical, financial, and social pillars of wellness. Patrons can visit each area to participate in activities and receive resources, as well as be entered in a raffle. This program is for all ages.

Guided Meditation, Monday, May 6, 13, and 20, 5:30-6 pm, Northmont Branch: A certified yoga instruc-

tor with Reiki practitioner credentials will lead this 30-minute meditation practice. Registration is required. (Adults)

Mental Health and Well-being

Monday, May 6, 6:307:30 pm, Burkhardt Branch

Wednesday, May 8, 4:30-5:30 pm, Main Library, Community Room A

Wednesday, May 15, 1-2 pm, Southeast Branch

Monday, May 20, 6-7 pm, Northwest Branch Kettering Health Network drops by to help patrons take a closer look into the subject of mental health and coping skills that can be utilized to help improve whole-life balance. (Adults)

Journaling, Tuesday, May 14, 5-6 pm, Main Library, Community Room

A: Patrons will learn techniques to incorporate

journaling into their lives in a stress-free way with Kettering Health Network professionals. (Adults) For more information and additional health and wellness programs, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665. DML is committed to providing access to all of our events. If you would like to request accommodations for sign language interpretation, audio amplification, and/or language translation please contact us through the method that best meets your needs. Additional accommodations may be available upon request. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

You can submit an Accommodations Request on our website or call our Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

Camp Pathways Applications Now Being Accepted: Ohio’s Hospice Offering Su pport to Grieving Children

adolescents and adults. Pre-registration for camp is now open. To ensure your space, you must pre-register by Monday, June 1, 2024. To register online, visit: https://www. ohioshospice.org/event/ ohod-2024-camp-pathways/

For more information, call 937.258.4991.

Ohio’s Hospice is a mission-driven, not-for-profit hospice and palliative care provider serving throughout Ohio committed to a shared vision of strengthening and preserving community-based hospices.

through

grief while

In addition to learning how to deal with their grief, the children and teen campers will swim, fish, and canoe. They also will participate in a highropes course, field games, climbing wall, and challenge hike. Transportation to and from camp will be provided on June 21 at the Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton campus (324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420). Camp Pathways is part of the programming available at Ohio’s Hospice through the Pathways of Hope Grief Counseling Center. Bereavement counseling professionals provide support and education with expertise in serving grieving children,

MCPC Supports DEA Take Back Day in Montgomery County

The Montgomery County Prevention Coalition is teaming up with the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to keep Montgomery County residents safe from unwanted prescription drugs.

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, there will be several locations where individuals can safely drop off unused prescriptions from 10 am – 2 pm. For the first time, MCPC will partner with the Dayton Police Department and Greater Dayton Premier Management to host a location at Park Manor

Apartments to make it convenient for the seniors who live there to participate.

“We are really excited for this new partnership with Dayton Police Department and Greater Dayton Premier Management to hold a DEA Takeback Day event on-site at one of their senior facilities. For our older adults, keeping track of medications can be more difficult if they keep expired or discontinued medications in the home. They put themselves in danger of theft and risk that those medications could be misused or abused. Appropriate

medication disposal is an instrumental step to ensure our mature loved ones remain healthy for the long term,” said Brittini Long, Chair of the MCPC Opioid Prevention Committee.

The MCPC will have volunteers at three locations across Montgomery County –

• Kroger Marketplace –2921 W. Alex Bell Road in Moraine

• Centerville Police Department – 55 W. Spring Valley Pike in Centerville

• Park Manor Apartments – 220 Park Manor Drive in Dayton Too often, unused pre-

scription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. It is dangerous and often has tragic outcomes.

DEA’s National Take Back Day gives community members an opportunity to clean out their medicine cabinets and turn them in safely and anonymously.

To find a location near you please visit Take Back Day (dea.gov).

For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact Tina Rezash Rogal at trezash@ mcadamhs.org or call 937416-1458.

Members of Ohio’s Hospice share the values of serving each patient in an atmosphere of hospitality, respect and caring; attending to the social, physical and spiritual needs of each person we are privileged to serve; preserving and enhancing patient dignity; celebrating the life of each individual we serve; and reducing unnecessary suffering in the communities we serve.

Affiliates of Ohio’s Hospice now serve more than 60 Ohio counties with hospice, palliative and supportive care services.

Camp Pathways Applications Now Being Accepted: Ohio’s Hospice Offering Support to Grieving Children and Teens June 21

Ohio’s Hospice is a mission-driven, notfor-profit hospice and palliative care provider serving throughout Ohio committed to a shared vision of strengthening and preserving community-based hospices.

Members of Ohio’s Hospice share the values of:

✓ Serving each patient in an atmosphere of hospitality, respect and caring

✓ Attending to the social, physical and spiritual needs of each person we are privileged to serve

• Preserving and enhancing patient dignity

• Celebrating the life of each individual we serve

• Reducing unnecessary suffering in the communities we serve

Affiliates of Ohio’s Hospice now serve more than 60 Ohio counties with hospice, palliative and supportive care services.