About UD Alternative Breaks
About UD Alternative Breaks
The University of Delaware Alternative Break (UDAB) organization immerses student-led teams in direct service and experiential learning with community organizations to increase knowledge of social justice issues and encourage life-long active citizenship. UDAB programs consist of a weeklong experience to work with a community over winter or spring break. Each program has a focus area that ranges from the environment to domestic violence to disabilities and much more, and involves significant education of such focus area(s) before, during and after the alternative break. Partial scholarships are made available based on financial aid.
Our History
UDAB began in 2010 and piloted its first program during the 2011 spring break. In that first year, 92 students participants and 12 student leaders traveled to five communities to pursue service projects. In 2017, 538 student participants and 56 student leaders traveled to 24 communities over winter and spring break, contributing almost 18,000 hours of service and learning an immeasurable amount from those they served.
Mission, Vision and Values
Mission and Vision
UDAB focuses on promoting social justice by providing opportunities for students to engage in mutually beneficial service with a vision to develop a community of active citizens.
Core Values
Community
Our work strives to build an abundant community, recognizing the unique gifts and talents of every member. It strives to create equitable, inclusive and intentional spaces.
Diversity and Social Justice
Our work strives to be welcoming and to value all people, not despite, but because of our differences. We value the strength in perspectives within diverse groups of people, and we do not see our work possible without learning from one another. Our work is built around equity and inclusion, ultimately contributing to the goal of a socially just world.
Mutually Beneficial Service
Our work strives to create partnerships that address community-identified needs and support local community organizers, while promoting an educational and developmental experience for student participants. We work in solidarity with the community organizations and individuals we encounter, striving to promote allyship and engagement before, during and after the alternative break experience.
Intentionality
Our work strives to align our mission and vision with all four actions. We aim to cultivate values-based decisions and leadership.
Please Consider a Donation to UDAB
UDAB has been the recipient of support from the families and friends of participants. We are grateful for all the support from the University community and contributions from donors.
Meet Our Senior Leadership Team
Student Directors
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Hi!! My name is Mia, and I am a graduate student here at Delaware getting my Master’s in Athletic Training. I’m super excited to serve as one of this year’s Student Directors of UDAB. In undergrad, I was site lead of three programs (H.O.M.E., Habitat for Humanity and CCI) and a participant on one program (Community Servings). This year, I am excited to make a difference in UDAB and serve to help each and every program run!
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Hey! I’m Mary Connolly, a junior from Canton, MA, and am thrilled to be serving as one of this year’s Student Directors for UDAB! I am a Honors Psychology major with minors in Human Development & Family Sciences and Education. I attended UDAB’s Habitat for Humanity program to New Bern, NC in spring 2025 and last spring had the pleasure of leading a program to Jonesville, VA working with Appalachia Service Project. On campus, you can find me performing with Delaware Repertory Dance Company, coaching and working at the ice arenas, leading group fitness classes at the Lil Bob, and attending events for my sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi. I cannot wait to see where this year of UDAB takes this program and the incredible people who devote their time to these life-changing service experiences!
Executive Board
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Fundraising Chair
Hey Everyone! My name is Jack Ra, I am a Junior from Howell, NJ, majoring in Sports Management with a minor in Leadership. My previous involvements with UDAB include participating in two programs to Wilmington, North Carolina and Loquillo, Puerto Rico. Some other things that I am also involved with on campus include the Blue Hen Leadership Program, QUEST, intramural sports and Professional Greek Life. Participating in UDAB was an amazing experience that changed my life in so many ways. Now as the fundraising chair, I’m extremely excited to continue serving others while also bringing a new perspective to help UDAB grow into its true potential!
Social Media and Marketing Chair
Hi everyone! My name is Logan Li, and I am a sophomore from the Poconos, Pennsylvania, majoring in Management Information Systems and minoring in Sales. I joined UDAB last spring as a participant on the Habitat for Humanity program in Cape Fear, North Carolina, where I got to experience the impact of alternative breaks firsthand. Outside of UDAB, I am a QUEST Peer Mentor, treasurer for Amplify Music Collective, involved in APIDA organizations and enjoy staying active through lifting, intramural sports and recreation. This year, I am excited to serve as Social Media & Marketing Chair by helping bring more attention to UDAB and highlighting the value of the program and the good work we do.
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Co-Recruitment Chair
Hey everyone!! My name is Keira Eckberg, and I'm from Chadds Ford, PA. My major is Kinesiology with minors in Professional Selling & Sales Management and Disability Studies. On campus, I serve on the UDance Executive Board, am the Community Service Chair for Gamma Phi Beta, and am a member of Women in Healthcare. I've also had the privilege of participating in three UDAB programs, each of which has been a truly life-changing experience that strengthened my passion for service and community. As Co-Recruitment Chair, I'm excited to combine my love for service with fresh ideas for recruitment, helping more students discover the incredible impact of UDAB!
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Co-Recruitment Chair
Hello everyone! My name is Peter Macyko, and I am a senior Kinesiology major at UD. I am excited to serve as one of the Recruitment Chairs on the 2026–2027 UDAB Executive Board. I have participated in two spring UDAB programs, first as a participant and then as a site leader. These experiences have taught me a lot about myself, social justice issues and people from backgrounds different from my own. Outside of UDAB, I am involved in the YChromes, the premier all-male acapella group and the Pre-PA club. Also, I work at a local physical therapy clinic treating and assisting patients with different therapies. I am excited to give back to UDAB by helping recruit new members and supporting the organization as a whole!
2026 Winter Site Leaders
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Hello! My name is Lydia Burgess, and I am a second-year Kinesiology major from Rockville, MD. I was blessed with the opportunity to go on the Puerto Rico program, where I met the most amazing people. Besides UDAB, I am involved in club soccer, I am a QUEST Peer Mentor, and I often play intramurals at UD! I am super excited to be a Site Lead for the 2026 Winter Program, and I cannot wait to help bring people together to serve communities and build lifelong bonds.
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Hey yall!! My name is Shannon and I’m a senior nursing major from Sparta, New Jersey. I have been on three life changing alternative breaks throughout my time at UD, making meaningful impacts and creating lifelong friendships in Maine, Washington DC and most recently Puerto Rico. Outside of UDAB, I’m an EMT with UDECU, a member of The Golden Blues A Capella, Alpha Xi Delta, Yoga Club instructor, Outing Club officer, and The Student Nurses Organization. I am stoked to continue volunteering in our local community as well as become more educated and give back in new locations, while creating new connections and friends!!
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What's up UDAB! I am so excited to return for another fantastic winter program! I am a senior History Major from New York who loves talking sports and being outside. This will be my fifth UDAB program and second as site lead! Its going to be a great year and I can't wait to meet you all!
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Hi! My name is Sasha Sehgal, I am a junior Environmental Engineering major, and also in the first year of my Master's program. This will be my third UDAB program so far with my first as a participant to Puerto Rico and my second as a site leader to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Outside of UDAB, I am a brother of Alpha Phi Omega and an Resident Assistant on campus. In my free time I love thrifting, lifting and going to concerts. I am beyond excited to lead my second program and can't wait to meet everyone!
2026 Spring Site Leaders
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Hey everyone! My name is Camilo and I'm a third-year Economics major. UDAB has been an important part of my experience at UD, and I've had the opportunity to participate in two programs so far, most recently working with Habitat for Humanity over Spring Break. On campus, I'm involved with Data Analytics Club and Investment Club, and in my free time I enjoy cooking, listening to music and playing basketball. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and being a part of UDAB in a new role this year!
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Hi everyone! My name is Meghna Raj, and I am a senior biomedical engineering major from Hockessin, Delaware. I have had the opportunity to participate in a UDAB program before through the Appalachian Service Project and have been involved with the Leadership office via the spring certificate program. On campus, I am involved in research at the Orthopedics and Tissue Mechanics Lab, Orthotics & Prosthetics Club, Lori's Hands and Engineers Without Borders. I am also an EMT at West Chester and a hospice volunteer. I'm looking forward to be a site leader this spring and seeing your transformative experiences through service!
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Hi everyone! My name is Jordyn Blachar and I am so excited to site lead another UDAB program! I am a junior from Westchester, NY majoring in Human Services with a concentration in Family & Community Services, and a minor in Public Policy! My first UDAB program was in New Bern, NC as a participant, and then in Cape Fear, NC as a site lead! I have loved working with Habitat for Humanity on both of these programs and cannot wait for what's next. Here on campus, I am also a QUEST Peer Mentor, UD Tour Guide, First-Year Seminar Peer Mentor, Community Engagement Scholar, JUMP Student Assistant and I'm on the UDance Executive Board! I cannot wait to learn about more social justice issues and be a part of your UDAB experience!
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Hi everyone! My name is Katie Friedman (she/her) and I am SO excited to be a UDAB Spring Site Lead this year! I'm a junior majoring in Nutrition and Medical Sciences and I'm from Seattle, WA. On campus, I am a QUEST Peer Mentor, a Blue Hen Ambassador and a member of University Singers. Outside of school, you can find me staying active in the gym, listening to music nonstop and getting coffee with friends, and I love spending time outside. I truly cannot imagine college without UDAB. It has helped me develop leadership skills, make tons of amazing friends on campus and engage in meaningful service that greatly impacts me as well as the communities I’ve served in. UDAB has truly made UD feel like home and has been an unforgettable and invaluable part of my time here. I can’t wait for another year of service, friends and fun!
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Hi friends! My name is Natalia Green and I am a sophomore Criminal Justice & Political Science major. On campus I am involved in Amplify Music Collective, Women In Law And Politics and UDAB!! I had the privilege to participate in the Puerto Rico 2026 Winter Program where we focused on environmental justice and disaster relief which was such a fulfilling experience. I also had an amazing time participating in the Bread For The City program in D.C. where we volunteered in a food pantry to address food insecurity. The bonds you create with the people on your program are like no other. I’m so excited to help foster those connections in the spring, and I absolutely can not wait to meet you all!
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Hi everyone! My name is Akiko Matrisciano. I'm a junior psychology major from Northport, New York, and I have a minor in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship. During the winter of my sophomore year, I had the best time during the UDAB program to Puerto Rico, learning about environmental justice and connecting with community partners. Besides UDAB, I am a Sean's House Peer Volunteer, an Orientation Leader, a Munson Fellow for the Honors College and a member of the Outing Club! This year, I'm super excited to expand my perspective of service and strengthen my relationships in the UDAB community!
Hi everyone! I am a sophomore Human Services major from Middletown, DE. In my freshman year I went on both a winter and spring UDAB program, and I am looking forward to leading a spring program this year!
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Hi everyone! My name is Melanie Murphy, and I am a third-year Psychology major with minors in Women and Gender Studies and Human Development and Family Sciences. At UD, I am involved in campus through being a Tour Guide, a Peer Mentor for FYS classes and am a part of the ASL club. This past spring, I had the opportunity to go to Pittsburgh as a participant for Gwen's Girls. I'm so excited to get more involved with service here at UD!
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Hi everyone! My name is Lily and I am a junior Political Science major with a minor in Business Administration. I have had the pleasure of participating in one UDAB program in Spring of 2026, Bread for the City in Washington D.C.! Aside from UDAB, I am also involved in Women in Law and Politics, Sean's House and I am a Student Ambassador for the POSC-IR department! I am so excited for a great year with UDAB!
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Hi!! My name is Nora Vallarino and I am a sophomore Human Physiology and Spanish Studies major with a minor in Disability Studies. Last spring, I was grateful to participate in UDAB's Habitat for Humanity NC program. This experience was incredible: I gained meaningful friendships and learned so much from so many inspiring people. Outside of UDAB, I am a QUEST and Access:Ability scholars peer mentor, and involved in professional and Panhellenic greek life, UD's Catholic campus ministry and research. I am SO excited to be a spring site leader and help you get the same life-changing experience I had with UDAB.
Connect
Perkins Student Center, 325 Academy Street, 302-831-6364 | Trabant University Center, 17 West Main Street, 302-831-2633 student-centers@udel.edu