Seniors are invited to join fellow classmates at the Trabant University Center on Wednesday, May 18, to decorate their graduation cap just in time for Commencement.

May 18: Senior cap decorating

Senior cap decorating party to be held at Trabant in advance of Commencement

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9:52 a.m., May 3, 2016--Messages to mom, pleas for a job and shout outs to a degree well-deserved – are all memos synonymous with the mortarboard decorating trend that has recently exploded at universities across the country. And for the past few years, the University of Delaware Alumni Association (UDAA) has welcomed the movement by providing graduating seniors with a platform to decorate their cap and turn a rather traditional academic dress into one representative of their personal style and flair.

So, whether they elect to use felt, foam letters, fabric or feathers, the Senior Cap Decorating Party held from 5-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 18, in the Multipurpose Rooms of the Trabant University Center offers a fun and relaxing way for seniors to take a break from finals and the stress of preparing for life’s next step to celebrate their milestone in a creative and crafty way just in time for UD’s 167th Commencement.

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The Internet itself – through popular social media sites like Pinterest and Instagram – has caught the attention of millennials dying to design the hottest hat that will effectively encapsulate their time at UD. Here are a few techniques gathered with the help of senior Rachel Zolotarsky for Blue Hen seniors to consider when capturing their entire Delaware experience atop the crown of their head. 

Go big with bling

Seniors can go big with bling and design a glitzy cap that is sure to grab the attention of commencement guests by affixing gems, rhinestones, glitter and shiny decals to their hat. Zolotarsky believes that many graduates may even incorporate Flash Tattoos, little jewelry-inspired metallic temporary tattoos, as part of this motif. “They are gold or silver – really stylish, and I can see people putting that on their cap.”

Quotes

Spend just a few minutes scrolling the timeline of Facebook or Pinterest and students are sure to encounter a myriad of quotes shared by their social media friends.  Zolotarsky thinks some of her classmates may take heed and incorporate a quote from their favorite movie, celebrity, song or author that poignantly captures the essence of their experience as a Blue Hen or shares “something inspirational about how times have passed or the next steps ahead.”

Monograms

While often found on decorative holiday stationery or recently made popular with blushing brides as a design element to incorporate into wedding themes, some seniors may keep it simple and add their very own initials on either the top of their hat. This design element allows traditional graduates a quick and easy way to get in on the fun, without jeopardizing the integrity of the academic dress. To mix up this simple style, seniors may consider sowing their initials horizontally, along the backside of their cap underneath the mortarboard.

Comic relief

For those witty Blue Hens, who are not really into lavish decorations, there are quite a few clever ways to infuse a bit of humor into your cap, by offering a tasteful, yet comedic message of satire. Some notable favorites online read: “99 problems but a degree ain’t one,” referring to the popular chorus in one of hip hop icon Sean (Jay-Z) Carter’s singles released in 2003; a “Game of Loans” logo as a nod to the popular HBO medieval fantasy series and hefty price tag that is often associated with college tuition; or even “Now Hotter by One Degree.”

At the event, attendees will also enjoy music by alumnus DJ Amaze, refreshments, a photo booth and leave with additional swag like specially-made 2016 sunglasses and T-shirts – perfect to accompany their newly-designed cap. A variety of supplies will be provided for use, but seniors are also welcome to bring their own art supplies.  

And for those wondering how Zolotarsky plans to garnish her cap: “I like to keep it simple.  I plan on putting a little Earth on my cap because I am traveling abroad after college,” she shares. “I took a six-month program director job in Nicaragua for a nonprofit organization called Manna Project International.”

Seniors are encouraged to invite their friends to attend via this Facebook event and share ideas before attending the event on May 18.

For more information, please contact Lauren Simione, director in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 302-831-1408 or email alumni-association@udel.edu.

About the University of Delaware Alumni Association

All University of Delaware graduates are automatically granted membership in the UD Alumni Association (UDAA) upon graduation and are inducted with a pinning ceremony at Commencement. The UDAA is proudly dedicated to engaging the entire alumni community by fostering a tradition of lifelong loyalty and commitment to University of Delaware. The UDAA provides exceptional value and ongoing support to alumni worldwide by expanding benefits available to alumni, supporting regional and affinity club events, recognizing alumni and their accomplishments and more. For more information, visit www.UDconnection.com.

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