December '98-February '99
Family FunUD Alumni Association establishes merit-based scholarship programEleven-year-old Michael Barrow clutched a corn dog and grinned.
His mother, Linda Barrow,
CHEP '79, of Newark, Del., had gathered 10 of Michael's friends and relatives to celebrate his birthday at University of Delaware Ice Hockey Night on Feb. 12.
The alumni event offered something different for her son's birthday, Linda said. "We have season tickets to football but have never tried ice hockey before."
Mouths full, the boys nodded their approval, eager to race off into the stands to watch the players. Around them were another 300 UD alumni, friends and children who helped fill the arena.
"This year's turnout exceeded our expectations," UD Ice Hockey Coach Josh Brandwene said. "We're very fortunate to have this level of support from our local alumni."
It was also a popular night for the Fightin' Blue Hen mascot, YoUDee, who marched through the stands like the Pied Piper with about two dozen youngsters following behind and tugging at his tail feathers. "It's a great event for people who have kids," said Alumni Association President-elect Charlotte Brown, CHEP '81, of West Chester, Pa., who attended with husband, Bob, and son, Bobby. "We come to as many of the sports events as we can."
Top honors for the evening went to the family of Don, AS '83, and Eva Marie Lyons, AS '84, of Wilmington, Del., who were selected for the ceremonial "puck-dropping." Along with her parents and brothers, Joseph and Peter, young Rose Lyons walked onto the ice (via red carpet) and dropped the first puck of the evening. Having recently moved back to the area from Kentucky, the Lyons are enjoying renewed access to UD sports. "It's great to be able to take advantage of events like this," Don said.
The University of Delaware Alumni Association has established a new, merit-based scholarship program that will give preference to children of UD alumni.
The Alumni Scholars program was initiated by the Alumni Association with a $300,000 gift to the University to establish a scholarship endowment fund. Additional contributions to the fund will be sought, with a goal of $1 million. Interest income from the endowment will be used for the undergraduate scholarships.
"With scholarships based on merit, our goal is to bring the best and the brightest to the University," says Thorpe Moeckel, AS '79, who chairs the Alumni Association Scholarship Committee. "Eventually, we hope to have applicants from across the country vying for this prestigious honor, as UD alumni clubs nationwide encourage their best students to apply."
Alumni can support the scholarship program by participating in the Campaign for Delaware, the UD capital campaign, which includes the Alumni Scholars endowment fund as one of its goals. The Alumni Association also hopes to establish named scholarships honoring individuals who contribute generously to the program.
"With support from UD alumni, we hope to establish one of highest-caliber scholarship programs in the nation," Moeckel says.
This spring, the program will name its first four Alumni Scholars. Both in-state and out-of-state recipients will earn half-tuition scholarships. As the endowment increases through contributions, the Alumni Association hopes to increase the number of scholarships and the amount awarded.
Alumni Association President Richard S. Mroz said he believes the Alumni Scholars program will help accomplish three important goals for the organization. "It encourages participation from alumni throughout the nation, raises visibility of the Alumni Association and allows us to increase our support for the University," he says. "We also expect it to bring some of the country's best students to Delaware."
Scholarship applications are available through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and the Office of Alumni and University Relations. For more information, call (302) 831-2341. *
Millard earned her bachelor's degree in communication and is working toward an M.B.A. degree at Villanova University. Before joining the staff at Delaware, she was for six years assistant director of admissions at Villanova University and also served as an admissions counselor at St. Joseph's University.
For information about alumni club events or to schedule an event in your community, call Millard at (302) 831-2341. She also can be reached via e-mail at <nmillard@udel.edu>.