University of Dayton gets $1.5 million gift for scholarships

A University of Dayton alumnus has donated $1.5 million to the school for a scholarship program.

UD alumnus William Tweed and his wife Jan Tweed, gave the gift to the school to endow a scholarship that helps high-achieving underrepresented students attend the college.

Called the “Flyer Promise” scholarship, the program was launched this year and helps eliminated financial barriers for students at some of UD’s partner high schools, according to the college.

Tweed, a 1970 UD grad, said he made the donation because he wants to help students like himself. Tweed was a first-generation college student from a low-income family in Cleveland, according to UD.

Tweed retired in January and sold his business, General Pump Company, which he acquired in 1981. General Pump, based in San Dimas, California, is a contractor that installs and repairs water pumps for cities and businesses, according to the company’s website.

“I had the chance to come to campus and meet the Flyer Promise scholars. Before this program, these students were continually told they couldn’t and they wouldn’t — they faced long odds and difficult circumstances. I went through that same thing when I was young. I was told I couldn’t,” Tweed said in a prepared statement from UD.

There are currently 42 UD students using the scholarship program and they come from the Dayton Early College Academy, Chaminade Julienne High School and Colegio San Jose High School in Puerto Rico.

The students receive university donor-funded scholarship and grant assistance, a $4,000 textbook scholarship and access to study abroad opportunities at no extra cost, according to UD. The program also offers some academic enrichment, mentoring and leadership opportunities.

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