Kylie Elana Kupperman, a sophomore majoring in fashion design and product innovation in the College of Arts and Sciences passed away on Sept. 10, 2025. She was 19. 

Ms. Kupperman’s love for design and fashion was evident from the moment she first set foot on campus. 

“My first encounter with Kylie was when she came in for a tour of the department in fall 2022,” said Cecilia (Cissy) Kelly, academic program coordinator in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies. “She was so excited to see the design studios and could not wait to get started here at UD. She would stop in the office from time to time, and it was evident that she loved being on campus and in the Department of Fashion. Even when she was on a leave of absence, it was clear in her messages that she wanted to come back to campus as soon as possible. Kylie exemplified the true meaning of being a Blue Hen here at UD.”

Brenda H. Shaffer, senior instructor and director of undergraduate studies in the department, said Ms. Kupperman’s determination and focus stood out in her first semester.

“While her time at UD was brief, it was quickly apparent that Kylie was a determined young woman who was clearly focused on her goals and was willing to do the hard work to get there,” said Shaffer. “In my seminar class, she was one of almost 100 freshmen and transfer students, yet she regularly asked questions, contributed to discussions and sought out answers. You could not help but be impressed by her tenacity and her resolution.”

Even as Ms. Kupperman faced health challenges, she remained dedicated to her education. 

“Despite undergoing treatments in the spring, Kylie chose to stay enrolled at UD and take a lighter load so she didn’t fall too far behind,” Shaffer said. “Just a couple of weeks before we learned of her passing, I had reached out to her while she was on medical leave. Her response reflected her optimism and hope to return in the spring. She was a true Blue Hen.”

Bri VanArsdale, academic advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences, remembered Ms. Kupperman as a student who displayed remarkable maturity and self-advocacy. 

“She was excellent at reaching out for support when needed, but I particularly appreciated her perseverance,” VanArsdale said. “They’re the kind of skills that can take students years to develop, but ones she had already refined even in our first appointment together during New Student Orientation.”

Outside the classroom, Ms. Kupperman was an active and cherished member of the UD Hillel community. Michelle Rosner, a senior in early childhood education, described her as “a bright presence” within the Fall 2024 Freshmen ImpACT cohort.

“Kylie quickly became someone everyone looked forward to seeing,” Rosner said. “She loved the sense of belonging she found at Hillel, and the community loved her right back. She was sparkly, smiley and full of laughter. She almost always wore something pink, which felt like a reflection of her bright and joyful spirit.”

Ruby Goldberg, a junior majoring in K–8 teacher education, shared memories of their close friendship. 

“Kylie and I met during Hillel Freshman Fest and became best friends,” she said. “She was always happy, loving and quick to make someone’s day better. We shared so many wonderful moments. From the [Twilight Induction Ceremony] on The Green to football games 

Ms. Kupperman’s passion, resilience and kindness left an indelible mark on the UD community. She will be deeply missed by her professors, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her. The community is invited to read her obituary and share memories on her tribute wall at https://www.kingdavidchapels.com/obituaries/Kylie-Kupperman?obId=45264598, or honor her legacy through https://team.curethekids.org/campaign/724975/donate.