To glean a deeper understanding of the evolving relationship that University of Delaware alumni hold with their alma mater, UD conducted an alumni attitude survey in winter 2023. 

In this first comprehensive alumni survey since 2014, alumni shared their sentiments regarding their decision to attend UD, the factors shaping their perception of the University and their desires for further engagement. 

The 4,365 survey respondents represented alumni from all class decades — the 1960s to the 2020s — who earned an undergraduate degree, a graduate degree or both from UD. The diverse array of alumni also spanned various academic disciplines. 

“In the ever-evolving landscape of education, staying connected with alumni and understanding their experiences post-graduation is paramount,” said Lauren Simione, associate vice president of alumni engagement and Blue Hen from the Class of 1995. “We are focused on providing a meaningful alumni experience through events, communications and volunteer opportunities, and the only way we can do this effectively is if we hear directly from alumni about their expectations. It’s so important to receive this feedback.”

Highlights from the survey responses include:

• 94% said their decision to attend UD was good or great

• 84% said that “value/respect for degree” has the highest impact on their opinion of UD

• The top three things that alumni want more of include: 

  • Opportunities to help students and alumni secure jobs

  • Ways to stay in touch to hear about news and events

  • Job shadow and internship hosting opportunities

“I think it’s so true to the spirit of Blue Hens that alumni want to leverage their UD network more for professional development and career opportunities,” Simione said. “That’s why we say that we are Blue Hens Forever — that connection to each other and to UD is everlasting.”

So, what is UD doing with the collected information? The Office of Development and Alumni Relations is incorporating feedback from the survey into the University-wide Alumni Engagement Strategic Plan, which is in development and set to be completed and shared in spring 2024. 

In the meantime, the University is using insights from the survey to ramp up its event invitations and communications about job shadowing, mentoring and internship opportunities. 

To view more of the stats from the survey or to share additional feedback, visit the Alumni and Friends web page. 

Didn’t receive the survey? Make sure we have your updated contact information by completing the form at udel.edu/alumni-friends/update-info.