Dave Yakley '95 served as chair of the 2015 University and College Designers Association (UCDA) Conference held in Orlando in October. He was responsible for arranging speakers for six general sessions and 24 breakout sessions as well as pre-conference activities and workshops. Nearly 300 people were in attendance. UCDA inspires designers working in academia in North America and around the world by delivering relevant programming and benefits in a personal and thoughtful way. The organization provides for the professional and personal growth of its members, and advocates for designer and educators roles within their institution. Dave has served on the UCDA Board of Directors since 2012 and has also organized workshops in Akron, Elyria, and Cincinnati. He is currently director of design at Malone.
Dave also serves on the board of Canton Harbor High School, a non-profit charter school dedicated to serving students in Stark County who struggle in a traditional school setting. The school's mission is to advance under-served youth through education, job training, personal and leadership development, and community service. The school has been successful in helping many students earn a high school diploma.