Each quarter, Best Buddies in Southwest Ohio will feature one of its dedicated volunteer leaders who exemplifies the power of inclusion and community.

Celebrating Our Changemakers: University of Dayton’s Chapter President Reflects on Friendship, Leadership, and Lasting Impact

As the academic year comes to a close, we’re proud to spotlight an inspiring student leader in Southwest Ohio: Molly Morris, Chapter President of Best Buddies at the University of Dayton (UD). A graduating senior, she leaves behind a legacy of inclusion, innovation, and heart. Her journey with Best Buddies is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when one person leads with creativity and purpose.

A Sweet Beginning

Like many first-year students, she was eager to find her place on campus. She joined Best Buddies to get involved, but didn’t yet know how profoundly it would shape her college experience. That changed at one particular meeting.

“I initially joined Best Buddies during my freshman year as a way to get involved on campus,” she recalls. “But it wasn’t until our ice cream social meeting, when I met my buddy Courtney, that I realized how special this organization truly was. That moment sparked a deeper connection and inspired me to dedicate a lot of my time and energy to this club in a meaningful way.”

The Power of Inclusion

Courtney, her buddy of two and a half years, is almost completely nonverbal. Yet their friendship blossomed beyond words.

“After being buddies for 2.5 years, [Courtney] remembered my name on her own and said she loved me,” Molly shares. “It was a moment I’ll never forget.”

This memory is a cornerstone of her time with Best Buddies—and a reflection of the organization’s deeper mission.

“That experience showed me that deep, life-changing connections don’t require many words, just consistency, compassion, and genuine care. Inclusion matters!”

Leading with Vision

Once Chapter President, she brought that same care to her leadership. When she saw that the UD chapter traditionally struggled to attend the area’s Friendship Walk, she didn’t let logistics stand in the way—instead, she led the charge to bring the Friendship Walk to their campus.

“The 2024 Walk was the first time I or the club had planned anything like this,” she says. “There were many challenges because it was the first, but now I’m so glad we tackled those head-on because it made the 2025 walk even bigger, better, and more impactful.”

Under her leadership and with the help of the chapter’s executive team, their membership saw extraordinary growth—by more than 300%, with more students than ever getting involved. Molly and her executive team also elevated their online presence by growing their Instagram followers by 400% and using the platform to highlight buddy pairs, promote events, and raise awareness around inclusion.

Her leadership didn’t just expand the program’s reach—it deepened its impact, creating a more visible and connected community across campus.

A Stage for Everyone

One of her favorite memories is the annual Best Buddies Talent Show. “For many years, our club hosted a Best Buddies Talent Show each spring,” she explains. “But over the past three years, we’ve elevated the event to a whole new level. We now hold it in the Boll Theatre, a big stage and a professional atmosphere, which makes the experience feel truly special.”

She especially loves introducing each act and watching the joy and pride radiate from the performers. “The confidence they have in that moment is inspiring.”

A Legacy of Connection

To students wondering whether to get involved, Molly’s message is clear: “DO IT!”

“This organization has the power to change your perspective on life and create friendships that are truly life-changing,” she says. “It is not just a club; it is a community. You might join thinking you’re there to make a difference in someone else’s life, but you’ll quickly realize how much they’ll change yours, too.”

As she prepares to graduate, we extend our heartfelt thanks for her commitment to the Best Buddies mission. Through her leadership, she has embodied what it means to build a volunteer movement centered on friendship, inclusion, and opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Best Buddies in Ohio is proud of what she and her fellow students have accomplished, and we can’t wait to see the incredible things both Molly and the new UD leadership will do next.