In 1995, the University started a new Homecoming tradition when it named its first Spirit Ambassadors. Replacing the ceremonial Homecoming king and queen, Spirit Ambassadors are selected following a rigorous application process that is designed to identify the most spirited UD students.

Finalists are chosen by a committee of faculty, alumni and students. Each year, 8 to 10 new Spirit Ambassadors are announced during the Homecoming halftime celebration. Once selected, they serve as representatives of the student body until their graduation. Official duties include participating in alumni events, building dedications, awards ceremonies, admissions activities and other events throughout the year. The Spirit Ambassadors also meet with University President David M. Roselle each semester to discuss issues on campus and share ideas. Marianne Connolly, BE 2000, a senior Spirit Ambassador from New Haven, Conn., remembers hearing about the program during her freshman year and setting her sights on achieving the honor. "It sounded exciting to me to act as a representative for the whole University community," says Connolly, who also serves as a resident assistant and coordinator for Blue Hen Ambassadors, the campus tour guides. "Showing school spirit has become a part of my daily life."

The 1998-99 Spirit Ambassadors and their class years are, clockwise from lower left, Ellen Fryer, 2000; Holly Graham, 2001; Kris Schroeder, 2000; Anne Blanton, '99; Lalena Luna, 2000; Marianne Connolly, 2000; Greg Kaufman, 2000; and, center, Betsy Lowther, '99. Not pictured are Sandy Bresnick, Jennaydra Clunis, Nadine Cormier, Lisa Feminello and Jamie Maddox, all Class of '99.