First Year at Xavier

2019 as a student, 2023 professionally

Biography

Welcome to Xavier! I’m excited that you are here! My name is Dayton Ward and I am an admissions counselor here at Xavier. My journey at Xavier however, did not start with this role. In 2019, I started my first year here as a student. Xavier checked all the boxes for me, a tight knit community “being for and with others,” big athletic landscape, and close to the city.

As a student getting involved was easy and it allowed me to find  friends quickly. I was a part of the Men’s Club Volleyball team, the Manresa Orientation Team, and even got to lead student initiatives through our Sedler Xavier Center for Experiential Learning. All of these experiences were unique in their own way for me and helped me find my sense of belonging. After graduating in 2023, I just couldn’t see myself leaving Xavier quite yet. Continuing my professional career as an admissions counselor gives me the opportunity to help future musketeers make X their new home.

Hometown
Sycamore, IL

Favorite thing about Xavier
The quick sense of belonging and acceptance that our campus offers. Students at Xavier support one another and the Jesuit values we all share serve as our foundation. The value of magis, or being the more or the better, allows students to do more to care for one another and become the best versions of themselves. Regardless if you have been on campus for years, or are just visiting for the first time, we do more so you can be the best.

Favorite thing about Cincinnati
The opportunities to explore and venture downtown. With three major sports teams, the Reds, the Bengals, and FC Cincinnati, there are always opportunities to enjoy a game with friends. I also enjoy playing volleyball through Cincinnati sports leagues around the city. Eating out in our historic district of Over the Rhine, also makes the weekends enjoyable. With so much to do, it is part of the reason I fell in love with the city to begin with.

Best advice for seniors who are making their college decision
My advice is to find a school in which you feel you will find your sense of belonging and where you will feel comfortable finding and making friends. As much as academics is important, a school like Xavier, that has the support systems in place and the outlets for you to find your people and friends, will be the place that will allow you to thrive in your college experience. Of course, I hope you’ll find that here in the Xavier experience!