On May 14, the University of Delaware community came together for I Heart UD Giving Day. The event was another successful chapter in this proud Blue Hen tradition, with nearly 5,700 donors raising more than $1.19 million for UD causes led by students, faculty, staff and alumni. 

This year featured more than 200 fundraising projects, giving the UD community more opportunities than ever to support their favorite causes. Donors could explore projects by college and area of passion, providing resources for research, sports teams, hands-on learning experiences and much more. With a mix of loyal annual donors and inspired new supporters, the Fightin’ Blue Hen spirit was on full display. 

As Blue Hens around the world showed their support, students, faculty and staff members gathered on campus to celebrate. Rain moved the festivities indoors to the Rodney Room in Perkins Student Center, but that didn’t dampen the community’s enthusiasm to donate, play games, win prizes, take photos with YoUDee and record thank you messages to UD donors. 

For rising senior Angelina Ponenti, becoming a Student Alumni Ambassador and staffing I Heart UD Giving Day was a natural extension of the love she’s felt for the University since touring campus as a high school senior. 

“Initiatives like I Heart UD Giving Day not only invite students to come out to a campus event with merch and food but also reassure them that any donation or involvement goes back to bettering the University,” Ponenti said. “I love UD and all the opportunities it has offered me. I Heart UD Giving Day is all about giving back, expressing your interest in certain projects and letting students express their love for UD.” 

Many University programs rely on fundraising projects to support their activities. Thanks to strong support from alumni and friends, the Club Synchronized Skating team raised over $11,000, including $4,200 earned through participation in fundraising challenges, to help cover the costs of ice time and traveling to competitions.  

“I Heart UD Giving Day is so important to our team because it helps raise the essential funds we need to continue our legacy as 24-time Eastern Sectional Champions and support our journey to Nationals on the West Coast, pending qualification,” said rising senior and club president Amy Gordon. “With 21 dedicated athletes from across the country brought together by our love of the sport, we’re proud to uphold the UD Synchronized Skating Team legacy, made possible in large part by the continued support of our incredible alumni.” 

Donations made during events like I Heart UD Giving Day are essential to the team; this past season, they were able to travel to multiple competitions, including the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, thanks to donor support. Kate Kowalski, a rising senior and vice president of the team, played a key role in organizing the group’s outreach this year.  

“In order to make the day so successful, we stressed to everyone the importance of reaching out to friends, family and alumni during the days that led up to the event,” Kowalski said. “Then, during the 8 p.m. power hour, we had a team bonding event at my house to really maximize our fundraising efforts!” 

The UD Library, Museums and Press has participated in every I Heart UD Giving Day since it began in 2018. This year, it raised funds for a transformative renovation of the Special Collections space to strengthen collaboration, foster inclusivity, provide experiential learning opportunities and more. 

“The visibility and excitement generated by our Giving Day outreach sparked continued interest and support — on the day itself and beyond — ultimately helping us surpass our original Giving Day goal,” said Tywanda L. Cuffy, director of external relations, communications and development initiatives. “Our success is always a result of the dedication and commitment of our Library, Museums and Press staff, who continue to be one of our most engaged donor groups on I Heart UD Giving Day. Thank you to everyone who made a gift of any amount on I Heart UD Giving Day — or in the days that followed — to support this exciting project.”  

Check out this year’s results and learn more about the featured I Heart UD Giving Day projects.

If you missed I Heart UD Giving Day but still want to support your favorite UD causes, you can still make your gift today.