Alumni Spotlight: Dalton Letta '16 - Shining On and Off the Screen

For Letta, this milestone moment on screen was one of many achievements since graduating from Roberts’ BELL (Bridge to Earning, Learning, and Living) program, a postsecondary certificate program designed to equip young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to work and live independently.

Diagnosed with autism at the age of three, Letta has built his life around using his gifts to help others see beyond labels. “They always look at the outside of us and don’t know what’s on the inside, like are what our special gifts that we can do for others,” Letta shared in an interview.

Since completing the BELL program, Letta has dedicated himself to autism advocacy and community engagement in the Rochester area. In 2018, the Autism Council of Rochester named him its Ambassador, recognizing his passion for raising awareness and fostering understanding. Through his advocacy, Letta speaks to educators, employers, and law enforcement about how to better support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Letta also serves his community daily as a page at the Gates Public Library, a position he’s proudly held for several years. “I love my job; I wouldn’t change it for anything,” he said. “It makes me feel good about myself when I help others.”

His advocacy continues through Campaign D, an organization he founded to raise awareness and build a community for people with autism. In 2022, Campaign D celebrated the opening of its new headquarters in the Town of Gates, made possible through a partnership with Advantage Federal Credit Union. You can read Dalton’s previous alumni spotlight from the time of the opening here.

Dalton Letta’s journey reflects the heart of Roberts Wesleyan University’s mission: helping students grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually while discovering their God-given purpose.

As Roberts expands opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Letta’s story serves as a powerful example of what’s possible. Building on the success of programs like BELL, the university is launching the ARCH Program, a new certificate initiative that provides inclusive academic, social, and career opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The eventual goal is to be able to welcome BELL graduates into the ARCH Program, when appropriate, creating a pathway for even more students to develop independence, pursue meaningful work, and live out their callings.

Through his faith, perseverance, and unshakable optimism, Dalton Letta reminds us all that, with the right support, anything truly is possible. Congratulations, Dalton!