That potential soon became a reality. Since its inaugural year, HenHacks has seen explosive growth in production, participation and sponsorship. The 2025 Hack the Past themed hackathon drew 472 students from 53 schools, more than doubling its 2023 registration.

Behind the scenes, Wilkins and Scozzaro learned how to confidently lead a team of over 20 students without dominating the conversation. Together, the co-directors prioritized a collaborative environment, encouraging everyone to contribute ideas equally.

“I wasn’t there to be the boss,” Scozzaro said. “I was there to guide the team, keep us on track, and make sure everyone felt like a collaborator with a voice at the table.”

Working together in CPUs helped the team form strong bonds and connections that carried over into planning a successful hackathon. Their ability to build connections and maintain team energy helped drive consistent momentum and keep spirits high throughout the planning process.

That kind of strength doesn’t just happen overnight. The tight-knit dynamic of the CPUs made a real impact in two big ways.

First, collaborating on real projects beyond the classroom gave organizers practical experience in leadership, planning and performing under pressure.

Second, it created a strong sense of community. The friendships built within CPUs were based on shared goals and the excitement of building something that mattered. Those strong connections were a big reason HenHacks kept its momentum going from start to finish.

“I'm so incredibly proud of our students and their ability to put together an event of this size so successfully,” said Debra Yarrington, associate professor in the department and faculty advisor to the CPUs. “In just three years, the hackathon has grown to be an integral part of our undergraduate experience as well as having an outstanding reputation outside our university, and this is all due to the hard work, professionalism, passion, and creativity of our students. I cannot praise them highly enough.”

"The community we built within the team was key to our success,” Wilkins said. “When you're genuinely friends with the people you’re working with, you care more, support each other and work together to get the job done.”

The close relationships shared by members of the team were so strong that many UD alumni came to support this year’s hackathon. 

“I think that's another great thing about our event,” Scozzaro said. “It's not just for the undergraduates and the people who are here, it's also for our alumni who want to come back, help out, and show some UD pride.”

“Some [alumni] didn’t even sign up, they just showed up to help, which is the kind of energy HenHacks creates,” Wilkins said. “That’s the CPUs’ whole mission: to create a strong, lasting community. The fact that so many people return and take an active role is proof that it’s working.”

The resounding success of the HenHacks campaign and day-of hackathon demonstrates the hard work exhibited by Wilkins, Scozzaro and the organizer team. For Scozzaro, having a supportive team to lean back on made all the difference.

“I am so incredibly proud of the passion and commitment everyone demonstrated in helping HenHacks 2025 come to life,” Scozzaro said. “The energy of our organizers kept me motivated even through rocky times, and words can't express how truly grateful I am to have such a strong team behind this event.”

One thing is for sure. HenHacks will continue this upward momentum in the future.

“Something about HenHacks is that every year we get better, and it's been like that for three years,” Scozzaro said. “I'm confident in saying that trend is going to continue.”