Since 1986, UD alumni have been reaching out to prospective students as members of the Volunteer Admissions Support Team (VAST). By representing UD at college fairs, hosting receptions or contacting interested students by phone, VAST participants have become important spokespeople for the University.

"All of the professional successes I have enjoyed are a result of the sound educational foundation I received at the University of Delaware," says Betsy Morris, HNS '73, of Herndon, Va., a captain in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. "Being a volunteer member of the VAST program is a small way for me to repay the University for the fine education I received. I'm pleased to have the opportunity to boast about the University's great opportunities, attractive campus and diversity of majors."

Sandy Lobel-Witlen, CHEP '72, of Coral Springs, Fla., a teacher of profoundly autistic children, joined VAST to maintain a connection to her alma mater. "Part of my heart and soul is still there," she explains. "Speaking to others about my wonderful experience at the University keeps me in touch."

Volunteers like Morris and Lobel-Witlen are given names and phone numbers of students in their communities who have been accepted by the University. They then call and speak to the student or parent, answering questions about UD and sharing personal insights into life on campus. "Students really seem to appreciate the personal contact," says Morris.

VAST coordinator Susan Knight is gearing up to expand the program this fall, with volunteers taking part in candidate interviews and prospect identification. "The University receives more than 15,000 applications every year. Over the next couple of years, we want to begin interviewing all candidates for admission, and alumni will be an important part of that," Knight explains. "We're also encouraging alumni to send us names and addresses of students they think would be interested in the University of Delaware, so we can get them on our mailing list and send out applications."

Knight is particularly interested in recruiting volunteers in metropolitan areas across the country, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Dallas and Phoenix.

For more information about participating in the VAST program or to send the name and address of a prospective student, write to Knight via e-mail at <sknight@udel.edu> or call (703) 354-UDEL or 1-800-289-VAST.