EUGENE, Ore. – Two University of Dayton student-athletes and a staff member attend the 2026 Black Student-Athlete Summit at the University of Oregon.

Zachary McDowell, a senior management major from Atlanta, and Alex Walton, a redshirt sophomore finance major from West Bloomfield, Mich., both members of the Flyer football team, and academic coordinator Vera Gomes, represented Dayton at the Summit. 

Asked to describe the summit, Gomes said, "It is an empowering, impactful, thought-provoking summit that has inspired progress and institutional improvement for black student-athletes.  It powerfully reinforced my passion for working directly with student-athletes."

"It allowed us to be mentored, make connections, and explore conversations that had deep meaning," added McDowell. "We were able to talk about many topics that many black student athletes/ black professionals face, as well as advice to navigate the world around us."

Held this year from May 20-23 in Eugene, Oregon, the Black Student Athlete Summit united student-athletes, athletic professionals, and industry innovators for four days of dynamic programming. Participants engaged in career development sessions, financial literacy workshops, and wellness activities designed to prepare them for life beyond sports.

McDowell noted that of all the sessions he attended, his favorite was the Law Lab. 

"The accomplished attorneys on the panel were very forthcoming with needed information about law school, the LSAT, and the challenges they face and continue to face in their careers," he said. "By the end of the session I felt empowered to be in their presence, because our culture is very underrepresented in this field."

Walton noted he got the most from the MBA Lab and the Executive Leadership Lab. 

"In the MBA lab, I got a well of information on different master's degrees, specializations, career paths, and work experiences, giving me a lot of insight into my near future," Walton said. "With the Executive Leadership lab, I truly got a chance to hear the raw, unfiltered experiences of minority leaders as they navigate the corporate world."

The Summit equips student-athletes with tangible skills, strategic connections, and pathways to leadership in business, culture, and community. 

"It was full of black individuals, both student athletes and professionals, who were eager and willing to share their experiences in order to grow together," said Walton.

The University of Dayton Division of Athletics, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and Office of Experiential Learning helped make attending the BSA Summit a reality.

"This Summit was truly an answered prayer, and I am very honored to be a part of it and represent my beloved school!" said McDowell. 

"The Summit was genuinely a rewarding and uplifting experience, and I am very grateful to have been able to participate in, learn from, and bring back all of the amazing events that were held during it," added Walton.

"I echo the words of gratitude in being able to attend and share the experiences of the BSA summit with two of my student-athletes, with whom I was able to get to know on a deeper level," said Gomes.