Ryan's Dream

Like many students, Ryan arrived on University of Dayton’s campus ready to demonstrate that he could succeed in a very demanding academic environment. Ryan did just that and successfully negotiated having a disability through determination and support from Disability Services.

At the end of his second year experience, Ryan wrote a paper in which he described a vision of a learning center on campus where students with disabilities could access state-of-the-art technology, as well as a caring and expert staff.

“I realize that this plan is an ambitious undertaking...

with dedication, perseverance, and endurance, anything can be achieved."

- Ryan C. Harris (May, 1997)

Ryan’s life was tragically ended in an armed carjacking; however, Ryan’s dream is alive and well. Through a generous donation, Ryan’s father not only equipped an assistive technology lab, but also expanded Ryan’s dream to create a space designed to instill passion in all students and faculty for learning and teaching.

The Ryan C. Harris Learning Teaching Center is proud to be the only center on campus dedicated to the memory of a UD student and to fulfilling his dream.