University of Delaware defeats Drexel in the Giving Challenge

8:03 a.m., March 18, 2013--After two weeks of competition, the University of Delaware has won the Drexel/UD Giving Challenge.

Drexel and UD alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends were encouraged to participate in this friendly off-the-court competition leading up to the Drexel vs. UD women’s basketball game on March 3.

Campus Stories

From graduates, faculty

As it neared time for the processional to open the University of Delaware Commencement ceremonies, graduating students and faculty members shared their feelings about what the event means to them.

Doctoral hooding

It was a day of triumph, cheers and collective relief as more than 160 students from 21 nations participated in the University of Delaware's Doctoral Hooding Convocation held Friday morning on The Green.

• Doctoral hooding
• Old Swedes
• Summer SAT, ACT prep
• 'Opus 13' pre-sale

The challenge pitted the two universities in a race to see which could score the most “points.” Participants could earn up to three points for their school – receiving one point for “liking” their school’s Alumni Relations Facebook page and two points for making a gift of any size to any part of the university. 

After the fierce competition during which the two university communities showed their dedication and enthusiasm, the final score stood at 4,243 points to 1,846, in favor of the University of Delaware. The UD community made 3,224 gifts and liked the Alumni Relations Facebook page 1,019 times, while Drexel’s efforts fell short with 1,306 gifts and 540 Facebook likes.

Winning the Giving Challenge required a team effort at UD involving the Office of Communications and Marketing, the Office of Development and Alumni Relations and the Department of Athletics rallying the UD community to participate. Ultimately, it was Blue Hen fans, friends and alumni who stepped up, showed their support and made the win possible. 

UD’s victory was announced and celebrated at the UD-Drexel women’s basketball game on March 3 at UD’s Bob Carpenter Center Acierno Arena. The announcement underscored the crowd’s excitement and enthusiasm as the Blue Hens seized the win against Drexel in a 62-57 triumph.

Monica Taylor, vice president for development and alumni relations at UD, said she is pleased with UD’s success and highlights the importance of this competition. 

“The Giving Challenge was a success in that it encouraged alumni and friends to support UD while at the same time sparking the Blue Hen spirit that keeps our community strong and helps us to achieve academic and athletic excellence,” said Taylor.

To continue to support UD and its mission, make a gift and like the UD Alumni Relations Facebook page. 

Article by Emily R. Meussner