BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE

Research from the depths of the oceans can shed light on many critical environmental challenges. Few people know this in greater, real-time detail than Matt Oliver, Patricia and Charles Robertson Distinguished Professor of Marine Science and Policy.
 

A recent gift from Patricia and Charles Robertson, longtime UD donors with a passion for science and the coastlines, is ensuring Oliver’s breakthrough research with high-tech, deep-diving tools continues.
 

The support enables him and his students to plumb the depths of the sea with a fleet of high-tech tools, including a 146-foot research ship, robotic “gliders” that swim with sharks and probes that descend to 2,000 meters in Antarctic waters to transmit data.
 

Oliver credits the Robertson’s generosity with enabling his research that results in discoveries that could help safeguard the oceans—and the planet itself. Stable funding allows cutting-edge research to continue and to build, opening new windows of exploration.
 

“If we were chasing grants year after year,” he explains, “we’d never be able to do this long-term, ongoing research. You’re not just funding specific projects. You’re investing in careers—in the scientists of tomorrow—and in future discoveries.”

In 2021, UD’s Black Alumni Association is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Black Alumni Organization (BAO)—that’s 40 years of connecting with and lifting up members of the Black alumni community!

To commemorate the anniversary, 145 alumni and friends have contributed more than $34,000 to the BAO Scholarship endowment this past year, turning their comradery into impact for current and future Blue Hens.

The continued and increased support will ensure even more Black UD students with outstanding academic achievement, financial need and involvement in extracurricular activities can pursue a UD degree.

As a retired teacher and member of UD’s College of Education and Human Development Dean’s Advisory Council, Terri Smith, EHD83, knows the importance of recruiting and properly training the next generation of teachers. So, it was an easy decision for her and her husband, Bob, BE84, to make a gift to support CEHD’s Teachers of Tomorrow program, which helps identify promising teachers even before the college application process begins.

“This is such a wonderful program that helps our young, underrepresented students have a glimpse of a promising future,” Terri Smith said. “We are happy to support and pave the way for this opportunity.”

Teachers of Tomorrow recruits rising high school juniors and seniors from under-represented backgrounds and provides resources, coaching and other opportunities to help them complete the college application process and succeed throughout their degree program. Philanthropic support ensures the program can remain free and accessible to all interested, eligible students.

In early 2021, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ newly renovated Worrilow Hall reopened, featuring more efficient and flexible space to conduct cutting-edge research and support hundreds of students and faculty. 

The new layout includes:

• a central equipment room

• specialized application rooms

• adjoining open labs for collaboration among research groups

• core facilities dedicated to soil, water and plant analyses

The epicenter of innovative teaching and flexible lab space inspires students, faculty and staff to challenge norms, push barriers and conduct research that provides solutions to some of the most pervasive challenges in agricultural and natural resource sciences.