The University of Delaware Parent Board has a new set of co-presidents this year, and they're on a mission. Anne and George Gagen of St. Louis, Mo.-who travel by plane several times a year to participate in parent activities at UD-say they hope to inspire other parents to get more involved, too.

"Parents should take an active role in supporting the institution they send their children to," says George Gagen. "That active role could be providing support at Parents and Family Weekend, volunteering to help out when new students are visiting, lending financial support or even hiring UD graduates."

How did a Missouri family get so hyped-up about the University of Delaware? Anne Gagen explains that their Delaware connection goes back more than 20 years-long before their daughter, Kelly, became an education major at UD (she is now a senior). Anne grew up in Bethesda, Md., and spent every summer vacation at Rehoboth Beach, Del. ?

"The University always had a good reputation," she recalls. "So, when Kelly was a junior in high school, we took her to look at UD. She decided this was the place for her."

Pleased by their daughter's decision and eager to take an active role in her education, the Gagens joined the UD Parent Board during Kelly's freshman year. The board is composed of 32 sets of parents-eight representing each class-and assists with New Student Orientation and Parents and Family Weekend activities, as well as University fund-raising and admissions initiatives. The Gagens say they hope to expand the role of Parent Board members and other interested parents.

"Parents can be wonderful ambassadors for the University," says Anne. "We represent many different geographic areas and are in the perfect position to spread the word about the University and its programs. People like to talk about their kids, so we might as well take advantage of it!"

Anne and George also do their part to keep the lines of communication open between the University administration and the student population. After attending Parent Board meetings and hearing about recent plans and activities, the Gagens spend time with their daughter and other students. "We enjoy hearing input from students and disseminating positive information to them," says Anne. "We sometimes forget that students are so wrapped up in their individual lives, they don't necessarily read the papers like we do. Being involved on the Parent Board has given us an opportunity, on a small scale, to tell students about the many things that the University is doing for their benefit."