The receptions are part of an ongoing series of gatherings being held across the county to update alumni on UD's strategic plan and give them an opportunity to get together with friends and fellow UD alumni.
Phoenix
UD alumni gathered at Geordie's Restaurant and Lounge at the historic Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix on April 3 to meet UD President Patrick Harker.
“He is very impressive,” said Tish Wallace, CHEP '64, Phoenix Alumni Club volunteer. “He showed a lot of vision. His plans for UD are well thought out and everything seems doable,” she said.
Wallace said the turnout was larger than expected and the Wrigley Mansion a great place to have the alumni gathering since it is so much a part of Phoenix.
Built in 1932 by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., it sits atop a 100-foot knoll with a commanding view of the mountains and the city below. Reflecting elements of Spanish, California Monterey and Mediterranean architecture, the mansion is 16,850 square feet with 24 rooms, 12 bathrooms and 11 fireplaces.
Alissa Mazanek, AS '94, attended the event, in part, she said because she had never been to the mansion and because she's been out of touch with anything UD-related since she graduated. Mazanek said that Harker impressed her as being “very personable, very positive. I think he has a bold vision and will bring some new energy to the University.”
“I have very strong feelings about UD and have always been proud to be known as a Blue Hen grad,” Morton Shapiro said, adding that he was especially impressed with Harker and his plans for the University. “He is very dynamic, energetic and motivated,” Shapiro said. “It seems that he has a vision for UD, and I'm sure he'll get that vision completed.”
Philadelphia
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More than 225 UD alumni, parents and current and former faculty members gathered April 9 to socialize with one another and to meet President Harker at an alumni event in Philadelphia. The event was held at the Top of the Tower, which is located on one of the top floors of the Bell Atlantic Tower and boasts a panoramic view of the city.
"I was happy to see so many faculty from UD speaking and mingling with such a wide range of alumni," said Lydia Hume, CHEP '07. "They helped to make the atmosphere more relaxed and inviting, and everyone seemed comfortable with one another."
Brian Kent, AS '00, a member of the UD Alumni Association board of directors, coordinated the Philadelphia event and introduced Harker to the gathered alumni and other guests. Because of the large number of people who attended, the presentations were shown on large screens to guests in two adjoining rooms at the Top of the Tower.
"It is clear that President Harker has a vision for the University that many alumni already share,” said John Gaul, AS '78, a member of UD Alumni Association board. “He is also genuinely interested in engaging the alumni in the process upon which UD has embarked."
"I enjoyed the opportunity to meet President Harker and the members of his team," John Flynn, EG '64, said. "His plan to continue the University on its course of improvement to an elite educational institution is outstanding."
Philadelphia-area alumni attending the event also had an opportunity to talk with many top UD administrators, including: Patricia Wilson, vice president and chief of staff, Office of the President; Monica Taylor, vice president for University development and alumni relations; Edgar Johnson, director of intercollegiate athletics; Louis Hirsh, director of admissions; Thomas Apple, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Timothy Barnekov, dean of the College of Human Services, Education and Public Policy; Michael Chajes, dean of the College of Engineering; Conrado Gempesaw, dean of the Lerner College of Business and Economics; and Betty Paulanka, dean of the College of Health Sciences.
Baltimore
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“There was a lot of curiosity among the alumni before President Harker gave his speech,” said Eric Suro, BE '02. “People were wondering about his direction for UD and how it would affect our interactions with the University in the future.”
“My expectations for the event were high, because my expectation for anything involving UD is high,” said Paul Garnder, AS '97. “This meeting more than surpassed my expectations.”
Harker's talk highlighted recent accomplishments at the University and his goals, including plans to continue to build national and international ties with other universities.
“President Harker clearly has a high regard for the University and those who have already made it a world-class institution,” said Georgeanna Spagnolo, AS '92, CHEP '96M. “He conveyed the message that the University community must continue the work of its predecessors and do what it can to showcase the University's advantages and achievements.”
Norman E. Ross, AS '53, said, “President Harker has a great personality and is the right person to lead UD to the height of prominence it deserves. I look forward to opportunities to visit the campus in the near future so that I can see these plans in action.”
Jeffrey B. Miller, UD professor of economics, said he was pleased by the reactions of alumni to the event. “I was impressed to see so many alumni interested in participating in activities to help current students, such as providing summer internships and participating in Academy of Lifelong Learning experiences,” he said.
Northern New Jersey
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More than 50 northern New Jersey alumni were treated royally as they met with UD President Patrick Harker on May 1 in the Skyland Suite of the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel, a veritable castle with parapets, turrets and towers.
Brad Bofford, AS '93, northern New Jersey alumni coordinator, shared his impressions of the event. “It was a great evening on every level. It was a nice turnout and a perfect opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni as well as meet alumni from the last several decades.
“It also was an absolute privilege to meet President Harker. We were able to hear firsthand his passion for UD, as well as many of the new initiatives that are happening,” Bofford said.
“Lastly, having the dean of arts and sciences, the head football coach, the head men's basketball coach, representatives of admissions and planned giving on hand showed the high level of pride and commitment UD has for its students and alumni.”
Arestoula Drakatos, AS '80, said, “I was very impressed with our new president, Dr. Harker. He is energetic and full of great ideas. I cannot wait to visit the new Excelon Trading Center, especially since I began my career on a Wall Street trading floor.
“I left the reception energized. I am looking forward to 'getting the word out' on what a great school UD is and how much greater it will be in the future. I also informed the admissions office that I would like to help recruit future candidates.”
Article by Barbara Garrison, Nicolette Blubaugh, AS '08, Adam Thomas and Sue Moncure
Photos by Chris Hinkle, Kathy F. Atkinson, Duane Perry and Kevin Quinlan