Feeling at home at the University of Delaware required effort for Michael DiPascale. The cognitive science and Spanish studies major with a philosophy minor learned to embrace his Blue Hen spirit when he was introduced to the UD Student Alumni Ambassador (UDSAA) program. UDSAAs are undergraduate students selected for their outstanding achievements and leadership on campus as they foster school spirit, strengthen connections among alumni and students and help educate peers about the importance of philanthropy. 

“Two of my biggest role models, Malini Gulati and Justin Abreu, were both UDSAA members and served as president and vice president,” DiPascale said. “I first met them through the Mock Trial program, and as a freshman, they took me under their wing. They helped me adjust to college life, navigate academics and discover what it truly means to be a Blue Hen. Their warmth, drive and integrity, along with the guidance of our advisor Katie Moyer, inspired me to follow in their footsteps and made it clear that the UDSAA program was where I belonged.”

On Oct. 3, DiPascale’s service to the University and his unwavering leadership were honored when he was named this year’s UDAA T. Muncy Keith Spirit Award recipient during halftime of the Parents and Family Weekend football game. DiPascale served as UDSAA Vice President last year and is currently the UDSAA President.

The University of Delaware Alumni Association presents the T. Muncy Keith Spirit Award, a $1,000 scholarship, annually to a UD Student Alumni Ambassador (UDSAA) who contributes the most time and effort to the organization’s programs, events and initiatives.

As vice president, DiPascale enhanced how the UDSAAs offered professional development opportunities to the UD community. His leadership helped to shift lecture-style programming into a more interactive workshop format. In his current role as president, DiPascale continues to expand his vision. 

“I plan to connect UDSAA members’ professional development and volunteer opportunities with the eye-opening impact of equity training and cultural spaces,” he said.

DiPascale reflected on his time as a UDSAA leader. 

“The best leaders find ways to lift everyone up and draw on our diverse strengths to make us all better,” he said. “I strive to embody that belief — creating a community where every member feels valued, connected and empowered to grow. To me, that is true leadership, and it is the legacy I hope to leave behind as an SAA and as a Blue Hen.”

UDSAA Advisor Katie Moyer, associate director of student and young alumni engagement, attested to Michael’s dedication as a leader. 

“Michael embodies true Blue Hen pride through his leadership and dedication to UDSAA,” she said. “As vice president, he created five high-quality professional development events that provided valuable opportunities for growth and connection. Now, as president, Michael has begun the year with a strong focus on fostering meaningful relationships among SAAs and the Blue Hen community. I’m eager to see the continued collaboration, engagement and success that his leadership will inspire throughout this academic year.”

To learn more about the UD Alumni Association awards, visit https://www.udel.edu/alumni-friends/resources/scholarships-awards.