Although Winter Commencement was held Jan. 4, 2003, the new graduates are members of the Class of 2002, since they completed their degree requirements in August and December. In all 1,214* degrees were awarded (students completing degree requirements in August and December) including:
- 78 doctoral degrees
- 287 master's degrees
- 842 bachelor's degrees
- 7 associate degrees
- Attendance at this ceremony is not mandatory, and the total number of degrees does not reflect the number of graduates who were present at the ceremony.)
- The youngest graduate was Ryan Kevin Messatzzia, 20, who received a bachelor's degree in sociology.
- The most mature graduate was Virginia Drabbant, 70, who received a bachelor's degree in liberal studies.
- Winter Commencement was a doubly special day for the Jenkins, Kania and Momcilovich families, all of whom had twins who received degrees.
- The Frederick and Miller families celebrated double generations with parents and children receiving degrees.
- The flags on the stage celebrated the American states and territories and more than 100 foreign countriesrepresented among UD's student body. The presentation of flags pays tribute to University benefactor Pierre S. du Pont, who played a leadership role in establishing the University's Junior Year Abroad Programthe first program of its kind in the world.Du Pont Hall is named in his honor. UD is currently ranked sixth among all colleges and universities in the number of students participating in study abroad programs.
