Sharon Fitzgerald, curator of the University's Mineralogical Museum, discusses "hidden gems" in the collection during the Delaware Diamonds Society event at the Delaware Museum of Natural History.

Delaware Diamonds

UD hosts annual dinner to honor leadership donors of Delaware Diamonds Society

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2:06 p.m., May 19, 2015--Members of the Delaware Diamonds Society, the University of Delaware’s leadership giving group, recently came together for an evening of celebration at the Delaware Museum of Natural History.

Designed to recognize those members at the Ambassador level and above, the evening served to recognize members’ generous philanthropic commitments and honor those Pacesetters who gave $100,000 or more this year. Hosted by the society’s co-chairs, David and Daniele Elkins, the event acknowledged the power of philanthropy from individuals who unite for a common cause, the University of Delaware.

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Monica Taylor, vice president of development and alumni relations, thanked guests for “all you do, all year round, to serve so passionately and vocally (and yes, financially), as our biggest champions and advocates.”

Before dinner, guests had the opportunity to visit a variety of exhibits currently on display at the museum, including “Mimicking Nature.” Demonstrating how animals and humans mimic nature, the exhibit was designed by April Kloxin, assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering in UD’s College of Engineering.

The annual dinner also featured a keynote presentation by Sharon Fitzgerald, curator of the University’s Mineralogical Museum, who spoke about “hidden gems” in the University’s collection, originally donated by Irenee du Pont Sr.

In introducing Fitzgerald, Taylor mentioned that the phrase “hidden gem” — once frequently used to describe the University of Delaware — no longer fits. 

“Every year, we’re stronger. Our prominence greater. Our name louder, not just in the news, but in the national landscape of higher education,” she said. “We are no longer a ‘hidden gem,’ and we are shining brightly because of everyone here in this room.” 

University Board of Trustees Chairman Gil Sparks led the recognition portion of the program where Pacesetters in attendance were presented with a unique print commissioned by University alumnus Jeff Chase. 

This year’s Delaware Diamonds Society Pacesetters are: William Charles Allen, John R. Cochran and Patricia A. Cochran, Morton Collins and Donna K. Collins, Donna M. Fontana, Robert W. Gore, Stuart M. Grant and Suzanne B. Grant, Richard C. Haines, Thom Harvey, Charles W. and Patricia Horn, Krishan L. Khanna and Krishna K. Khanna, Mark J. Mayr and Sharon R. Mayr, Robert A. Oswald and Martha A. Oswald, Marie E. Pinizzotto, Donald J. Puglisi and Marichu Valencia, Patricia K. Robertson and Charles W. Robertson Jr., and Sherry L. Wenger.

The Delaware Diamonds Society has witnessed a record year, with nearly 4,000 members who have contributed more than $9.3 million to the University to date this fiscal year. Their gifts have supported scholarships, professorships, capital projects and much more. 

About the Delaware Diamonds Society

Established in 1974, the Delaware Diamonds Society is a recognition society devoted to encouraging exemplary levels of financial support among alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends of the University of Delaware. It pays tribute to those who cumulatively contribute $1,000 or more annually.

About the Office of Development and Alumni Relations

The Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) engages donors, alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff and students in a lifelong relationship and fosters a tradition of philanthropy to strengthen the University’s legacy as one of the great public institutions of higher education in America.

Photos by Kevin Quinlan

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