They say you can never go home again.

Joe Biden, former vice president, world leader and the University of Delaware’s most distinguished alumnus, is about to prove that expression wrong for a third time.

The former vice president made a triumphant return to Delaware in January and was back on campus in March for the official launch of the UD Biden Institute, a research and policy center that will be part of the School of Public Policy and Administration.

On Friday, April 7, Biden returns to engage and address the student body and the greater UD community at a public event to be held on The Green, at the north side of Memorial Hall.

Biden will drive home the impact of the Biden Institute, another international draw for UD to pair with the likes of the STAR Campus. He’ll also be celebrating his pride for UD, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1965.

Indeed, Biden is back, and he’s here to stay.

Mark your calendar

The event begins at noon on the north side of Memorial Hall. Highlights will include the UD Pep Band and Spirit Teams and remarks from UD President Dennis Assanis, students and Biden. It will be held rain or shine, but may be canceled if there is a threat of severe weather.

For those unable to attend the event in person, a live stream will be available via UD Live. Those in attendance and watching virtually are encouraged to join the conversation by using #BidenIsBack on social media.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on The Green, commemorative “Biden Is Back” T-shirts will be distributed until supplies run out, and a special student section will open directly in front of the stage. To gain access to the section, students must present their University of Delaware student ID; those in the student section will also be encouraged to wear their “Biden Is Back” T-shirts during the event.

Event setup on The Green will begin Wednesday, April 5, and continue through Friday. Since classes will be in session and the event production teams will be working, the University asks that attendees do not assemble until 10 a.m. on Friday. Those who gather prior to 10 a.m. may be asked to leave or relocate by the event staff.

Due to space and security concerns, no umbrellas, signs or chairs will be permitted on The Green for this event. Those who have such items will be asked by staff to relocate from the event space.

Road traffic should not be impacted, but there will be restricted access in the area of Memorial Hall and the central Green from around 10 a.m. through the conclusion of the event. Alternative paths should be considered for those who need to travel across The Green at this time.

Faculty members who have classes that may be affected by the event have been contacted by the Provost’s Office, which will field any questions related to the event and classes.

About the Biden Institute

The Biden Institute, which will be part of the University’s School of Public Policy and Administration, will initially be located at 44 Kent Way.

Biden laid out his agenda for the nonpartisan institute on March 13 during an event on campus. The research and policy center will focus on developing public policy solutions on issues ranging from economic reform and environmental sustainability to civil rights, criminal justice, women’s rights and more.

About Biden’s UD legacy

Biden has spoken at four UD Commencement ceremonies and is a frequent visitor to campus. He spoke at the inauguration ceremony for President Assanis in December 2016.

In 1984, he was inducted into the University’s Alumni Wall of Fame. He was awarded an honorary degree from UD in 2004.

In 2011, he donated his Senatorial papers to the University of Delaware Library.

His wife, Jill Biden, earned her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from UD, and his sister Valerie is also a graduate.