It’s been one year since the fall of Afghanistan. 

The latest issue of UD Magazine, now in mailboxes and online, explores a University of Delaware effort to help a group of intrepid young women who narrowly escaped the Taliban. The story profiles three of 14 Afghan students now reclaiming their lives as Blue Hens — thanks largely to the expertise and compassion of UD’s world-class English Language Institute.

“What these women endured is harrowing,” said Diane Stopyra, associate editor of UD Magazine. “But this is also a story of hope in the face of unimaginable darkness. The students epitomize the Blue Hen values of grit, resilience and unshakeable belief in a better tomorrow.” 

Equally important to UD’s mission of educational equity is serving the residents of Delaware, and one way the University is increasing access is through the Associate in Arts Program, otherwise known as AAP. This issue of the magazine explores the history and impact of this transformative program, which offers low or — in most cases — no tuition to in-state Blue Hens. 

Moving from the classroom to the football field, the players of UD’s undefeated 1972 team remember — 50 years on — the chemistry, camaraderie and coaching that made for an epic championship season. (Yes, the marching band really did get bored of winning.)

Elsewhere in the issue, you’ll hear from:

• UD’s new marathon-running, goal-setting provost

• The founding director of UD’s Horn Program in Entrepreneurship, about the myth of the million-dollar idea

• The economics professor who recently broke a swimming record in Spain  

• The alumnae helping preserve the legacy of UD’s first African American sorority

To submit a letter to the editor, please email magazine@udel.edu.