3:25 p.m., May 1, 2008--Students, parents, UD faculty and administrators gathered on Friday, April 18, in Clayton Hall to participate in "Destination Delaware: A Multicultural Experience.” Hosted by the Office of Admissions, the event was an opportunity for admitted students to explore UD's multicultural community prior to selecting their undergraduate college.
The event helps demonstrate UD's commitment to embracing diversity and multiculturalism as an integral and vital part of campus life. The objective of Destination Delaware was to encourage admitted students to carefully consider UD's offer of admission.
Destination Delaware gave prospective students and their families a feel for UD campus life by interacting with representatives of multicultural student organizations, attending class, participating in a student forum, engaging in on-campus social events and spending the night in a UD residence hall.
In his opening remarks, Terry Whittaker, assistant provost for student diversity and success, congratulated prospective students on being offered admission to UD.
“Many of you have multiple admissions choices. I conversed with two parents whose son has been admitted to seven schools,” Whittaker said. “We want to give you as much information as you need to make an informed decision.”
Whittaker said that students who choose UD will be in for a very exciting undergraduate experience as the University moves forward on the “Path to National and International Prominence” under UD President Patrick Harker.
“What that means is that the University will be transforming itself into a world-class educational leader,” Whittaker said. “The enactment of strategic initiatives that encompass research and graduate studies, student engagement and learning, the environment, globalization, arts, culture, community partnerships and professional education will enhance student/faculty interactions. For parents, this means your sons and daughters will obtain a world-class education at UD.”
Keynote speaker David Wilson, assistant professor of political science and international relations and Black American Studies, told prospective students to be sure to use all the available resources that are part of a UD educational experience.
“You worked hard to get here, and you are going to learn a lot along the way,” Wilson said. “You are also going to need support along the way. It is our job to make sure that we give you that support. It is your job to ask.”
Faculty members also work to provide support for students when they begin their careers after leaving UD, Wilson said.
“You should think about what you would do if you could wake up everyday and do something you like for free,” he said. “That is where you should direct your energy.”
In return for support from faculty, staff and administrators, Wilson said that students who graduate from UD will be encouraged to give something back after completing their studies.
“You go out there in the public and say 'I went to the University of Delaware, and I'm proud,'” Wilson said. “We want you to shine. What we want is that your experience here is something that you want to keep giving back.”
David Usher, associate professor of biological sciences and keynote speaker at the earlier Destination Delaware held April 11, said that his mentoring efforts were rewarded by the gift of a ceremonial staff from a Nigerian family whose son he had helped during his undergraduate career at UD.
“I talked to this young man and urged him to enter the NUCLEUS Program,” Usher said. “He got involved in it and in undergraduate research. He worked very hard in my lab and went on to do other research both locally and nationally. By doing this, he was able to make the connection between his research efforts and the materials they were teaching in his classes.”
Parents who attended the event welcomed the opportunity to visit the UD campus and meet faculty and staff and learn about the many educational and social experiences that comprise a UD education.
“As a chemist with a chemical engineering company located in Newtown Square [Pa.], I am familiar with the chemical engineering program and faculty here at UD,” Edrick Morales, of West Chester, Pa.,, said.
Frank and Patricia Rameniz O'Neil, of Long Island, N.Y., said they were excited to be at a place where they had visited several times before.
“It was interesting hearing from students who wanted our daughter to come here,” Patricial Rameniz O'Neil said. “The whole presentation and program was very well-organized. The student panelists really showed their school spirit.”
Bert and Ofana Jones, whose daughter Kandice graduated from UD in 2003, said their son Kevin has been accepted by seven schools, including UD's Alfred J. Lerner College of Business and Economics.
“Our daughter was in the NUCLEUS Program here at UD, and she just loved the experience,” Bert Jones said. “This school is just awesome. We welcome the experience to come here again.”
Article by Jerry Rhodes
Photos by Duane Perry
