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3:16 p.m., June 27, 2008--More than 50 UD alums and friends in Central New Jersey got together in the Nassau Room of the Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village on May 28 to to meet UD President Patrick Harker and learn about the University of Delaware's future on its Path to Prominence.ª

Tom Apple, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Monica Taylor, vice president for development and alumni relations; and Lou Hirsh, director of admissions, were among those present.

This was the first major alumni event where guests could register with UDconnection.com, the new online UD community and Alumni Relations Website. Officially launched at the University of Delaware Forum on May 10, UDconnection.com offers the opportunity for alums to be connected to UD classmates and friends, get UD news and stay involved with the University. All guests were given UDconnection.com travel mugs to mark the occasion.

Eric Sigman, AS '99, Central New Jersey Club coordinator, introduced Harker, who spoke to the group and then fielded questions. He and Sigman raffled books with a UD connection, including The University of Delaware: A History by John Munroe; Reunion by Fleda Brown, University of Delaware: A Celebration photographed by Richard Dunoff, and an autographed copy of Women of the Vine by Deborah Brenner, AS '88, who was present at the event.

“Everyone had an opportunity to speak with Dr. Harker, and he gave a wonderful speech,” Sigman said. "We all lead very busy lives, but it is nice to stop for one night and relive so any memories from our past,” he said, adding that the alums seemed to love the UDconnection.com concept.

Ken Rieth, AS' 53, who attended with his wife, Teddy, said he was very impressed by the new president and his plans for the University and also enjoyed meeting Scarlett Schmidt, director of University Development for athletics.

Cynthia Jones-Hundley, EG '84, attended the get together with husband Frank Hundley. She said she particularly enjoyed meeting Harker and hearing about the near-term and long-range plans for UD, and said that she is confident he will do great things for the University.

She said that were many alumni present covering a wide range of graduating classes and “just having the University in common makes it easier for folks to relax and network.” This is the first event she has attended since graduating 25 years ago, and she said she recommends that all alumni attend one.

Article by Sue Moncure
Photos by Kevin Quinlan