UDine for UDaB
Alumni host dinners for students as part of UD's alternative spring break program
4:08 p.m., April 22, 2016--From March 26 to April 2, 344 University of Delaware students traveled to 14 locations around the United States to help with community outreach efforts at local nonprofit organizations as part of the UD Alternative Break (UDaB) program.
This year, UDine, a new initiative that encourages alumni to host students for dinner and conversation, partnered with UDaB to meet with students in four of the 14 cities — Baltimore, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.
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“Students are traveling to these cities for service projects and often they don’t have a lot of extra cash so they are living off food like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the week,” said Gina Donato, associate director of student engagement. “The UDine dinners give students an opportunity to eat a real meal but more importantly they foster relationships between students and alumni.”
Baltimore
In Baltimore, UD students helped build and plant urban gardens around the city with the organization Gather Baltimore.
Students participated in three UDine dinners -- first an outdoor picnic with 1984 alumnus Ken Clark; next, a home cooked meal with alumna Amy Luchey of the Class of 2006; and finally the group joined Carol (1965 and 1969) and Jeffrey Friedhoffer (1963, 1965 and 1968) for dinner at their favorite restaurant.
“We were both members of Hillel and as such were invited to breakfasts and lunches every once in a while,” reminisced Jeff Friedhoffer. “We had a good experience at Delaware and we’re at a point in our lives where we want to give back like other people did for us.”
Atlanta
In Atlanta, students worked with a handful of nonprofits like the public health group Medici Project and the Boys and Girls Club. The group dined with 1977 alumnus Geoff Bidlack and exchanged fond memories of UD.
“Mr. Bidlack was able to offer so much wisdom through his stories and experiences as an alumnus. It was a wonderful atmosphere with a lot of nostalgia centered on Delaware and life after Delaware,” said Michael Considine, a sophomore studying engineering.
Later that week, the group met up with Jim and Emily Richards, both from the Class of 1969, for a picnic in their garden.
“To be with productive young people who are actively engaged in the world and willing to share their experience with us is very refreshing,” Jim Richards said. “It let us see the world through different eyes.”
Washington, D.C.
In the nation’s capital, students enjoyed a meal with Joe and Anne Krauss, both graduates from the Class of 1978, after spending the day working with Bright Beginnings, an organization that serves children whose families are experiencing housing difficulties.
“They were all such impressive young people. Each was smart, personable, energetic and passionate,” Joe Krauss said. “It was nice to feel connected again with a place that was so important to us.”
Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, students gathered with 1977 alumnus Roy Perry. After working with Urban Tree Connection to clear out abandoned lots to make way for community spaces, the group met with their UDine host to discuss how much UD has changed since he was a student.
“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the students and seeing how things have changed and how in many respects they have stayed the same,” said Perry. “I am grateful for my time at the University of Delaware and for the educational foundation that UD provided me. I want to help the University offer the best experience both academically and socially that it can so that other young people can experience it,” said Perry.
About UDine
UD alumni invite students to share a meal, network and celebrate the University and its traditions. Meals are typically sponsored by the alumni host and can be held anywhere from local restaurants to their homes.
UDine aims to strengthen the ties between current students and alumni and create an awareness of the UD Alumni Association while fostering alumni identity.
Alumni interested in hosting a UDine dinner are encouraged to contact Gina Donato at 302-831-7036 or rmdonato@udel.edu.