Being the Change

Available on-demand

Join Dr. Milo Dodson ’08 and a panel of intergenerational alumni, Dr. Dom (Dominic) Acri ’18, Savanna Morgan ’20, and Dominique DeMoe ’19, as they explore the legacy of the Balfour-Hesburgh Scholars Program. Discover how “Being the Change” transcends individual success, fostering a communal ecosystem of advocacy that spans decades. Learn why betting on yourself is the first step toward institutional transformation.

Since 1986, the Balfour-Hesburgh Scholars Program has served as a cornerstone of many students’ university experiences, guiding them through the critical transition from high school to campus life and beyond. The Program, built on three core pillars of leadership, intellectual engagement, and commitment service, has been more than just a summer program; it is a lifelong community committed to making a positive difference in the world. We invite you to hear stories of struggles and successes that have shaped Balfour Scholars’ journey over forty years.

The Balfour-Hesburgh Scholars Program as a Launchpad for Advocacy

The conversation between Dr. Milo Dodson ’08, Dr. Dom Acri ’18, Savanna Morgan ’20, and Dominique DeMoe ’19 reveals that the Balfour-Hesburgh Scholars Program serves as much more than an academic scholarship; it functions as an essential launchpad for lifelong activism. Dr. Dom Acri recalled the program’s unique “leg up,” starting with the Summer Institute where he received a personal phone call from a student leader before even arriving on campus. This early intervention established a vital sense of belonging that allowed scholars to navigate the culture shock of a predominantly white institution. For Savanna Morgan, this ecosystem provided a sisterhood that grounded her against isolation, while for Dominique DeMoe, it provided the leadership foundation necessary to co-create the Balfour Student Board. By providing financial and emotional capital, the program empowered these scholars to view their personal inquiries as worthy of institutional resources.

Beyond the Resume: The Holistic Success Model

A recurring theme throughout the dialogue was the rejection of traditional, linear metrics of success. Savanna Morgan offered a poignant reflection on being a “whole human being,” noting that individual value transcends professional titles. This perspective proved vital as she navigated a non-linear career path while managing a recent epilepsy diagnosis. The participants agreed that while the university often measures success through graduation rates and immediate job placement, the Balfour-Hesburgh Scholars Program invests in the potential of the person over a lifetime. This holistic approach allows for adaptation rather than rigid adherence to a pre-prescribed path, acknowledging that trajectories are rarely straight lines and that rest and reflection are valid components of a successful life.

Driving Institutional Transformation

The impact of the Balfour-Hesburgh Scholars Program extends into systemic change through partnerships across the University ecosystem. Dr. Dom Acri recounted his involvement in the multi-decade movement to address the Gregori murals in the Main Building, highlighting how Balfour mentors helped facilitate connections with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. Similarly, Dominique DeMott’s work was bolstered by the Center for Social Concerns and its Summer Service Learning Program (SSLP), which led her to Project HOME. This experience catalyzed her commitment to equity within the newsrooms of the Philadelphia Inquirer and ESPN. Through initiatives like Inquirer For All and the Inclusive Content Committee, she has worked to dismantle systemic biases, illustrating that “being the change” is an active, daily responsibility.

Success as a Communal Achievement

Ultimately, the participants redefined success as a communal rather than an individual endeavor, anchored in the tradition of Wabruda. Dr. Milo Dodson discussed the Swahili origin of the word—meaning brotherhood—and the mentorship of Dr. David Moss, who instilled the creed: “I am my brother’s keeper, and together we will rise.” This shift is critical for institutional growth; it moves the focus from personal “thriving” to the collective “rising” of a community. By viewing their roles through this lens, Balfour-Hesburgh scholars ensure that institutional transformation is sustained by the strength of a multi-generational network rather than the endurance of a lone advocate.

How does community facilitate institutional change?
Community serves as the essential starting point for activism because it moves the focus from the “me” to the “we.” Institutional progress is achieved when diverse groups form connections—such as those between students and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi—to address systemic issues like historical representation. For leadership, this implies that lasting impact is never a solo act but a byproduct of collective responsibility and diverse alliance-building.

Why is a non-linear career path considered a strength?
A non-linear path allows for a broader perspective, proving that a “delay” is not a denial of potential but an opportunity to rethink and adapt. Savanna Morgan’s transition through the arts and research demonstrates that professional development is enriched by the whole person and the insights gained from varied life experiences. Embracing these shifts allows leaders to remain agile in a changing global economy.

What does it mean to “be the change” in a professional setting?
Being the change involves a daily commitment to equity, such as Dominique DeMott’s work ensuring factual and inclusive reporting during times of social unrest. It is about using one’s presence to provide a different perspective that challenges the institutional status quo. This suggests that true leadership is defined by the integrity of daily actions and the intentional amplification of underrepresented voices.

How can an individual sustain advocacy without burnout?
Advocacy is sustained by the realization that one does not need to “light themselves on fire” to keep others warm. It requires a commitment to thriving as a human being first, rather than being judged solely by work outcomes or academic performance. For leaders, prioritizing the health of the advocate is a critical sustainability strategy that ensures the longevity of the movement.

What is the value of betting on yourself during major transitions?
Betting on yourself means having the courage to abandon a safe, pre-prescribed path, such as a STEM career, to pursue a true passion like storytelling or journalism. It involves giving yourself the permission to try, fail, and grow along the way. For personal development, this underscores the importance of trusting one’s internal voice and intuition over external expectations.

“I’m not just my resume. I’m not just my professional life and my academic trajectory. I’m a whole human being.” — Savanna Morgan ’20
“No one person can change the culture but every person’s responsible for trying to change it.” — Dom Acri ’18, PhD
“To your own self be true… you’ve just gotta know that you gotta listen to the voice inside your own head.” — Dom Acri ’18, PhD
“I would tell my younger self… to bet on yourself. Give yourself the opportunity to try and maybe fail or try and then succeed.” — Dominique DeMoe ’19
“If I were to talk to 18-year-old Milo… I would encourage him to be afraid and do it anyway… there’s so much courage that I gathered from connecting with everyone in Balfour.” — Dr. Milo Dodson ’08

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