First Week of Erma Bombeck Exhibit at UD’s Library

Beyond the Byline, an exhibit at the Roesch Library’s Stuart and Mimi Rose Gallery Feb. 1 – June 14 will celebrate the life and legacy of Erma Bombeck (1927–1996), trailblazing humor writer, bestselling author and syndicated columnist who found and developed her writing voice as a UD student.

It is free and open to the public.

Bombeck, a 1949 UD alumna, is among the University’s most famous graduates. Her syndicated column, “At Wit’s End,” appeared in more than 900 newspapers. She wrote more than 4,500 columns and 12 books, nine of which made The New York Times’ Bestseller List. Bombeck also appeared regularly on ABC’s Good Morning America for 11 years. She was still writing her column for Universal Press Syndicate and developing a new book for HarperCollins Publishers when she died from complications of a kidney transplant on April 22, 1996.

The exhibit features Bombeck’s original manuscripts, columns, handwritten notes, speeches, articles, photographs and memorabilia from her personal collection, which was donated by the Bombeck family to the University of Dayton Archives in December of 2020.

Opening reception Feb. 8.

Please check Roesch Library’s building hours before visiting.

Visitors need a University of Dayton ID to enter the Roesch Library building after 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and after 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Beyond the Byline will be closed:

• Feb. 24
• March 16-17
• March 23
• March 29-31
• May 4-5