Alumni Spotlight

Charles Lewis

"I grew up in Newark, and when I walked or rode my bicycle on UD's campus, I passed large, attractive buildings, physical structures filled with history and mystery. But, they also seemed a bit remote and distant to this "townie." No one in my family had ever graduated with a college degree or even attended the University of Delaware."

Lt. Mark Swinger

"My UD experience helped me out because of all the great people I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with. The cross section of people that you meet in the Navy can be different if you haven't spent much time out of your hometown, so getting that experience at school really helped. Playing for the Golf team helped as well since the team aspect is very important in the military, and especially here at the Blue Angels."

Dana Herbert

"Our HRIM program was so strong in that they paired you up with industry professionals your first year through events on and off campus. We interacted regularly with powerhouse hospitality companies such as Marriott, Hyatt, Aramark, Sodexho, Compass and more. This truly helped give our students a leg up on the competition"

Sujata Bhatia

"I had a lot of different academic interests as an undergraduate, and the University of Delaware gave me the freedom and encouragement to pursue them. In my career, I've seen that engineering and science are increasingly interdisciplinary, so having that ability to explore different fields—including doing undergraduate research—was very valuable. I had some excellent professors at UD, I worked hard, and I had a great time."

Robert Gore

"The University of Delaware was the springboard for my career. In the mid 1950s, the chemical engineering department already was nationally recognized, and I chose that field for my undergraduate studies. It was a tough major and I carried 21 credit hours a semester plus the mandatory ROTC service. I also was a member of the Fightin' Blue Hens band. Even then, the University was a center of excellence."

William B. Chandler

"The University of Delaware has influenced me more deeply and profoundly than any other institution in my life. Inspiring teachers and scholars such as James R. Soles, Don Harward and James Oliver shaped and influenced who I am today and helped set me on a course of service to the people of this great state."

Kristi Kiick

"I have very vivid memories of attending the University of Delaware. I benefited enormously from the Honors Program, as well as from the dedication, support and confidence of my professors in my major, Chemistry, as well as in other disciplines of interest to me, particularly science education."

Leonard Stark

"Growing up in New York, I knew nothing about the University of Delaware when I started looking into colleges. But, as I actively researched schools, UD admissions officers and faculty showed me the care and commitment to my success that I came to learn is a hallmark of the University. I came to the University of Delaware because it uniquely combines the resources of a major, full-service university with a dedication to providing undergraduate students with the best possible educational experience. I loved my time at Delaware, have chosen to make my life and my career here and am proud to be an alum."

Carolann Wicks

"The University of Delaware has played a critical role in preparing me for all the major milestones in my career. My undergraduate degree in civil engineering, complemented by my master's degree in public administration, has clearly provided me the educational foundation necessary for a successful career in public service. The support and ongoing professional relationships that the faculty has provided me also make being a UD alumna truly priceless."

Richard S. Mroz

"It was at the University of Delaware that my life and experiences unfolded exponentially. The University has brought me great friends and acquaintances, the exposure to cultural and social diversity and a tremendous academic foundation that provided me the tools and confidence to excel in my careers of law and public service. I continue to support UD and encourage all my fellow alumni to do so as well."

Lauren Stein

"I'm so glad that it's not a typical job," she says. "Every day, there's something funny that happens. Every day, it's something new. Even on my hardest days, I sit here and I look around and I think, ‘I get paid to make television.' That's just amazing."

Megan Dixon

"In this job, there's a lot of creativity and problem-solving involved and I love that," she says. "Plus, there's great teamwork. I feel very lucky to be doing what I'm doing."

David & Stephanie Schanes

"The focus of both of us has to do with helping people—sometimes in life-and-death situations."—David Schanes

Phil Castellano

"The University of Delaware offers a real cross section of the East Coast," the graduate of UD's Sports Management Program says. "There was a high value placed on relationships. That was very important to me while I was there, and it has continued to be important to me ever since."

Suzanne Smith

"I have always loved animals and have an interest in older adults and wanted to combine the two in a volunteer project. I was aware of research involving stress relief and animal-assisted therapy and decided to investigate the possibility of leading a group of employees with their pets to local nursing homes. I chose three nursing homes from the 20 that were interested," Smith says. "When I asked Chase employees to join me, the response was overwhelming!"

Christopher J. Christie

"I have nothing but fantastic memories from my years at the University of Delaware."

Suzanne Thomassen-Krauss

"The UD-Winterthur Program in Art Conservation gave me the best of both worlds. There was the intensity of study on campus and the actual experience of working at the museum, where I could reflect on what I was striving for. One of my most memorable professors at the University was the late Don Heller. When he interviewed me for the art conservation program, he expressed such a realistic view. ‘You need to know, you can't save everything,' he said, ‘so spend your efforts wisely.' When I see how enthusiastically the visitors react to our work on the Star-Spangled Banner, I know we have spent our efforts well."

Charles C. Allen

"What else can I say except that I have been a very fortunate man to have received a sound education at the University of Delaware, which has given me the basis to be successful in life."