On Saturday, Feb. 18, the Alfred Lerner Hall atrium was buzzing with University of Delaware alumni parents telling stories of campus fun from years past, current students sharing about life at UD and prospective students asking questions. UD Alumni Association (UDAA) board members and UD Student Alumni Ambassadors (SAA) were also on hand to offer advice and share their personal experiences with guests.

Hosted by the UDAA, the reception is a chance for prospective students who are the children of alumni, known as “legacy students,” to get an inside look at life at UD and share special moments with their parents.

“I’m an alumna and my father went here, so I’m a legacy, too,” said UD alumna Gabriella O’Brien, HS81, as she beamed at her daughter, Lia. “Lia is a great student and she’s being courted by many schools, but I’m hoping she ends up here.”  

Lia was all smiles and excited as she talked about the communication department presentation she attended and how, as a legacy, she looks forward to the possibility of following in her mom’s footsteps and experiencing UD’s “Blue Hen spirit and pride” firsthand.

“What a great memory we are making here today,” Gabriella added as she held up a photo they had just taken and already placed in a blue and gold UD frame that was included in a bag of gifts for the students.

More alumni like Gabriella had the opportunity to make memories and share insight into their alma mater with their children at the two remaining UDAA legacy receptions on Saturday, April 8, and Saturday, April 22, during UD’s Decision Days.

Alumnus Tom Gillis, EG01, said he was glad he and his family were able to attend the first reception so he could share college memories with his daughter, Nicole, who was accepted into UD’s nursing program.

“Some of my most memorable times on campus were being in the lab with Wayne Westerman,” Gillis said, referring to Wayne Westerman, EG99PhD, senior engineer at Apple and former UD professor. “I was one of two students working with him on the multi-touch keyboard, and ultimately the iPhone touch screen technology. Most people don’t know that was developed here at UD.”

While Gillis said he fondly remembers his engineering successes, his daughter is attracted to UD’s campus life.

“As I traveled to other schools, I realized I was looking for the UD campus everywhere else,” Nicole said. “Since we’re in the area, I visit it frequently, and I really love it here.”

“I really enjoy this event,” said UDAA board member Linda Myrick, EG77. “Legacy Receptions are great because prospective students can talk to SAA members for the current student viewpoint, and they can talk to me or other alumni for a different perspective than mom and dad.”

The UDAA uses legacy receptions as one opportunity to inform alumni and legacy students about their Academic Enrichment Awards (AEA). AEAs were created in 2001 to provide opportunities for legacy students to enrich their education at the University through financial assistance. Up to $2,000 per individual may be awarded to allow students to take part in opportunities outside of the traditional classroom in which the student may not otherwise be able to participate. These opportunities to enrich the UD experience may include, but are not limited to, academic competitions, research or program-related presentations, leadership conferences, research, service-learning or other academic endeavors.

For more information about the legacy receptions and other UDAA programs and events including AEAs, please contact alumni-association@udel.edu or visit UDconnection.com.