Along with freshman Matt Mele (left), Connor Jones signs the Class of 2016 banner as his father Ken Jones, vice president of the UD Alumni Association, looks on.

Freshmen sign on

New students sign Class of 2016 banner during 1743 Welcome Days

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11:45 a.m., Sept. 5, 2012--Members of the University of Delaware’s Class of 2016 were encouraged to sign their class banner at several 1743 Welcome Days events during their first few days on campus.

The banner, sponsored by the UD Alumni Association (UDAA) featured the phrase “Students today. Blue Hens Forever” and was on display at the Campus Connections Carnival on Sunday and after the Twilight Induction Ceremony on Monday evening.

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Ken Jones, a 1980 alumnus and UDAA vice president, spoke at the Twilight Induction Ceremony. He encouraged the class to sign the banner, saying, “It represents the bond you share with the community of Blue Hens around you today.” 

Jones’ wife, Lisa Zwilgmeyer Jones, a 1980 alumna, also attended the ceremony. Their son, Connor, is a member of the Class of 2016.

Lauren Simione, a 1995 alumna and associate director of alumni relations, estimated that well over 2,000 freshmen signed the banner.

“It’s wonderful to see our newest Blue Hens jump at the chance to literally make their mark on behalf of their class,” Simione said. “Like the classes of 2014 and 2015, this class showed an incredible enthusiasm for being a part of the Blue Hen family and for this tradition.”

The banner will be displayed in the Trabant University Center and the Perkins Student Center throughout this school year, at class events over the course of the next four years -- including the first-year welcome tailgate on Sept. 15 and the sophomore year T-shirt swap event -- at Commencement 2016 and at future class reunions.

Members of the Class of 2016 who have yet to sign the banner may do so on Thursday, Sept. 20, from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Trabant University Center food court.

About the UD Alumni Association

UDAA was founded in 1846 and all alumni are automatically made members upon graduation. Its mission states: “The University of Delaware Alumni Association is proudly dedicated to engaging our entire alumni community by fostering a tradition of lifelong loyalty and commitment to University of Delaware.  We provide exceptional value and ongoing support to our alumni worldwide.”

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For more information on the Twilight Induction Ceremony and move-in weekend, see the UDaily articles.

Photos by Evan Krape and courtesy of the Office of Alumni Relations

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