Page 6 - UD Magazine Vol. 31 No. 1

FROM OUR
President Dennis Assanis and his wife, Eleni, connect with UD students studying in Greece in 2019 and at a Chorale concert in France in 2018.
PRESIDENT
CELEBRATING OUR BLUE HEN IMPACT
A century ago, the University of Delaware quite literally changed the world.
On July 7, 1923, eight UD students and their visionary professor set out for a year in France, launching the first study abroad program in the United States. That journey created the model for global education that is still used today at thousands of institutions around the world. Students who study abroad—including a third of Blue Hens—are forever changed by their experiences.
This year, we are going to celebrate the 100th anniversary of study abroad in a big way. Throughout the University, we are planning a yearlong series of stories, speakers, symposia and other events. There will be multiple ways for everyone in our community to be involved through social media, sharing photos and memories, attending events virtually or in person, supporting study abroad programs and much more.
At UD, we continue to focus on the future of global education. The University has developed outstanding initiatives like our immersive World Scholars program and our support of female Afghan students displaced from their homeland. Making study abroad experiences more affordable through the Delaware Diplomats program and more accessible through exciting winter and summer session trips are also top priorities. These efforts complement the growing
community of international students and scholars who enrich our campus with their diverse talents and perspectives.
The University’s global impact continues long after graduation. Every day around the world, our nearly 200,000 alumni combine their outstanding UD education with their bold Blue Hen spirit to strengthen their communities, serve the needs of others and effect positive change wherever they work and live. Truly, the reach and impact of the University extends far beyond our campus and endures in myriad ways.
As an international student myself—earning my undergraduate and graduate degrees outside my home country of Greece—I know the transformative power of combining education and exploration. I am extraordinarily proud to be part of the University of Delaware community at this unique milestone moment.
Dennis Assanis, President
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