Alumni & Friends Stories

Category: News & Information

Volunteer Shout-Outs - January 2024

The Office of Development and Alumni Relations relies on a team of dedicated Blue Hen volunteers to strengthen the connections between alumni, students and the University through a variety of programs and events. Volunteers' many contributions include planning and helping to lead regional, affinity and reunion events, offering mentorship and professional development opportunities to students and serving as proud ambassadors of UD.

Here, we regularly spotlight volunteers that enhance the UD experience for students and alumni.

January 2024 Spotlight: Jeff Vande Poele, BE94 and Kristapher Massenburg, AS11

Jeff Vande Poele, BE94

Volunteering has allowed me to continue to be close to the UD community and affords me the ability to pay it forward to current students and future alumni.

Jeff is currently involved with multiple UD volunteer roles including the UDAA Board of Directors, Lerner Executive Mentor Program & the President of the UD Sigma Nu Alumni Chapter. On the UDAA, Jeff serves as the chair of the awards committee and is looking forward to leading the committee through the selection of this year’s Alumni Wall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Award recipients. As a mentor, he has mentored five students (undergraduate and graduate students) since he joined the program in 2019.

Jeff’s loyalty to UD goes beyond sharing his time and talents. He is a long-time True Blue Hen and Delaware Diamonds Society level donor. Jeff is also a UD Football season ticket holder and a proud parent of junior, Fallon.

Let’s hear from Jeff as to why he gives back to UD:

The many learning opportunities that UD provided as well as the relationships and friendships formed from the UD community have made me the person that I am today, of which I am eternally grateful. Volunteering has allowed me to continue to be close to the UD community and affords me the ability to pay it forward to current students and future alumni. I am proud and honored to serve as a UD volunteer!

Kristapher Massenburg, AS11

My primary goal for volunteering as a mentor is to support students that may feel underrepresented on campus.

Kris supports student success by participating in UD’s Career Mentoring Program and has mentored three students since she joined the program in 2022. In addition to mentoring, Kris has participated in the Black Alumni Organization (BAO), has attended events organized by the Baltimore Blue Hen Network and has come back to campus to attend Alumni Weekend.

Let’s hear from Kristapher as to why she gives back to UD:

My primary goal for volunteering as a mentor is to support students that may feel underrepresented on campus. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts are especially important when searching for a mentee. My hope is to connect with mentees that are driven & searching for a support system.

Keywords

View more keywords

Quicklinks

Recognizing Outstanding Seniors

The University of Delaware Alumni Association (UDAA) has announced Allie Rebuck and Emilie Delaye as this year's recipients of the Emalea Pusey Warner and Alexander J. Taylor Sr. Awards for Outstanding Seniors. These awards recognize seniors who demonstrate leadership, academic success and community service.
A Day of Passion and Purpose

On May 1, the University of Delaware community came together for I Heart UD Giving Day. With more than 6,400 donors raising over $1 million for UD causes led by students, faculty, staff and alumni, the event was another successful chapter in this proud Blue Hen tradition.
Volunteer Shout-Outs - May 2024

The Office of Development and Alumni Relations relies on a team of dedicated Blue Hen volunteers to strengthen the connections between alumni, students and the University through a variety of programs and events. Volunteers' many contributions include planning and helping to lead regional, affinity and reunion events, offering mentorship and professional development opportunities to students and serving as proud ambassadors of UD.