“I’m a proud English major, which among many things means that literature and storytelling are my preferred modes of communication,” said Lauren Boyd, a junior majoring in English and political science.

In introducing Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream, Boyd reflected on her grandfather’s journey as a first-generation college student and the transformative power of educational access. “Dr. Stout has dedicated her career to tackling the barriers that make education feel out of reach for so many. Her work ensures that the possibilities I’ve been privileged to have are made available to others.”

Stout, a double Blue Hen and former UD field hockey and softball player who graduated in 1995, spoke of how her time at the University shaped her life and leadership. “My undergraduate experience was foundational to every piece of my career,” she said. “Being prepared was a way to be spontaneous, to enter rooms and gain credibility.” She credited her English degree for teaching her versatility, creativity and conviction, values she has carried through her work leading hundreds of community colleges across the nation. “I believe community colleges are the future of the humanities; they can save the humanities.”

Cole Bilbrough, a junior English major who is interested in medicine, from Delaware, described how the department allowed him to bridge the humanities and sciences. “I love both the sciences and the arts, and it was only the English department that seemed interested in fostering that connection,” he said. “Every study I work on has been dependent on my skill set as an English major, from manuscript drafting to science communication.”

Introducing Christopher Brett, vice president of Global Trial Management at Bristol Myers Squibb, Bilbrough highlighted Brett’s career at the intersection of science and language. Brett, who graduated in 1994, began his studies as a biology major before discovering his passion for English, and he credited the department for shaping how he thinks and leads.

“The curriculum opened my eyes to the power of language,” he said. “Your degree is not a limitation, it’s a passport. Whether you pursue literature or law or medicine or teaching, your English education equips you to lead, to connect and to make a difference in an increasingly complex world.”

Francesca Califano, a junior English major with a minor in legal studies, introduced Jessica Intihar, executive vice president of digital marketing for The Walt Disney Studios. “Studying English isn’t just about analyzing literature,” Califano said. “It’s about learning how to think critically, communicate effectively and engage with the world in meaningful ways.”

Intihar, who graduated in 2000 and oversees digital campaigns for Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Lucasfilm, traced her career back to her decision to step outside her comfort zone and attend UD.

“I knew it would be scary, but I trusted my gut and went for it,” she said. “That desire to try new things and communicate clearly became the building blocks of my career. The world looks different now than when I graduated, but the key to success remains the same - trust in yourself, stay open to new experiences, and communicate with others.”

Michael McShane, a doctoral candidate writing his dissertation on blues music and Black film, spoke about the breadth of experience his graduate studies have provided, from archival work in the Mark Samuels Lasner Collection to humanities fellowships. He then introduced Joel Worden, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Goldey-Beacom College, the first graduate of UD’s English M.A. and Ph.D. programs to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Worden, who graduated in 2005 and also originally studied biology before pursuing literature at UD, credited the department’s mentorship and sense of community for shaping his academic and professional journey. “Studying literature seriously could also be a lot of fun,” he recalled. “We are given intellect, creativity and opportunity not to accumulate wealth or power, but to help others. I use whatever intelligence and creativity I have to help faculty, staff and students discover their passion and live into those things.”

The evening concluded with Ernest inviting the audience to celebrate the 2025 inductees, honoring both the alumni whose work exemplifies the reach of an English degree and the students who continue to carry that legacy forward.

“Look around and here you are, an English major,” he said. “With a rich life and a bright future ahead of you.”