DAYTON - If you frequently visit University of Dayton Arena you may have noticed Roberta Weaver and Fran Landers a time or two. The women make it a point to attend as many men's and women's basketball games as they can, and not just because they love basketball. It's because they believe in Flyer student-athletes and their potential.

"All you have to do is look at the character of the athletes and the coaches. They are who you really want to promote and support," said Weaver. "Winning, yes, winning is important, but not at all costs. It's a character thing."

Neither Weaver nor Landers attended the University of Dayton, but their mutual love for Flyer basketball took flight in the 1990s when both worked together at UD. Landers was part of the School of Education and Health Sciences as an adjunct faculty member and Weaver was already a tenure-track professor, building the special education program.

"When you came to UD you got tickets for UD men's basketball, that's what you did. Men's basketball in Dayton was a big deal even then," said Landers.

Eventually, the women also purchased season tickets for the women's basketball team. At the time it wasn't expensive to attend women's games, but Weaver and Landers felt it was important to financially support the women's programs too. Both had grown up with mothers who encouraged their love for athletics, a sentiment that wasn't common in the mid-20th century.

"Sports are who you are. You play tennis, you swim, it's a part of who you are all the time," said Weaver.

Their financial support for student-athletes goes beyond purchasing tickets. Both have contributed to various scholarship funds, like Champions and Scholars, and have helped drive many improvements at UD Arena.

"They put our names on the women's basketball offices. When they did it we put 'Ed.D.' after our names because we're in education and typically you don't get education professionals who do that," said Landers.

Weaver and Landers say they want to financially support what they believe in so progress can continue.

"There is a culture at UD that's pretty positive," said Landers.

"There has always been an upbeat atmosphere," said Weaver. "I was glad when my kids decided they were going to study at UD. It's a good place."

Both women say they've seen a lot of steps forward over the years, especially when it comes to elevating women's sports, but believe more steps still need to be taken. And they know that will only happen if other donors continue to support Flyer student-athletes on days like One Day, One Dayton this April 6, 2022, and beyond.

"Look over time and see where things have come. Nothing is perfect, but by God, support where your values are," said Landers.

Contributed by Stefani Burgess, Digital Marketing Strategist/Copywriter - University of Dayton Advancement: Campaign Operations, Principal and Major Gifts