Alumni “Dela-brate” at the signature Alumni Weekend event, Dela-bration, which took place on Saturday, June 3.

Alumni Weekend 2023

Article by Megan Maccherone Photos by Evan Krape, Kathy F. Atkinson, Maria Errico, Chris Ginn, Mikey Reeves June 13, 2023

A memorable celebration for Blue Hens

The University of Delaware’s Alumni Weekend 2023, held from June 2 to June 4, brought together Blue Hens, friends and families from various class years and age groups. The campus and Main Street in Newark were abuzz with excitement as attendees immersed themselves in a wide range of events offered throughout the weekend. Many alumni had the unique opportunity to revisit and stay in their residence halls, some for the first time since graduating from UD.

Staying in the residence halls brought back a flood of memories for alumni like Kyle Roberts, a member of the Class of 2021.

"It definitely brought us back. When you’re in a dorm, you get transported back to when you were a freshman,” Roberts said. “They give you the key fob and it feels like summer weather, just like when we moved in as students during August."

On Friday night, the UD Alumni Association honored distinguished alumni through the Alumni Wall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Awards. Additionally, two exceptional members of the Class of 2023 received the prestigious Warner and Taylor Awards for Outstanding Seniors.

"There will never be a time when I look back on my time at UD and don’t feel a sense of Blue Hen pride,” said Aniya Brown, recipient of the Warner Award. “Onward and upward, but Blue Hens Forever."

That evening, members of the Classes of 2013 and 2018 also celebrated their respective reunions under the blue and gold lights of the Trabant University Center. DJ Amaze, a fellow Blue Hen alumnus, played tracks with hits from the last decade while alumni danced, played games, embraced the fun of a 360-degree photo booth, indulged in their favorite UDairy Creamery ice cream and much more.

“It’s my first time being back at Delaware since graduation,” said Andrew Miller, who was celebrating his 10th reunion since graduating from the College of Health Sciences. “It’s so much fun to see how things have changed, how the campus improves every year and the programs grow.”

Blue Hens, friends and family compete in the 5K on Sunday morning.

The Class of 2018 celebrate their 5th reunion in Trabant University Center on Friday night.

Members of the Class of 1998 reconnect during their 25th reunion in Daugherty Hall (formerly The Abbey).

Alumni pose with their favorite feathered friend, YoUDee, at the Friday night Beer Garden on the North Green.

Dela-bration on The Green is the most anticipated tradition during Alumni Weekend.

Blue Hens whose partners are also Blue Hens, called Double Dels, enjoyed ice cream, photos and meeting fellow Double Dels at an ice cream social.

Also on Friday, alumni, faculty and staff gathered for special college and department events, such as an ice cream social at the Biden Institute. A beer garden on The Green capped off the first night of Alumni Weekend and served as a popular meeting place for hundreds of alumni, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and nostalgia.

The following day offered a diverse array of events. The Dining Hall Brunch featured UD’s beloved mascots YoUDee and Baby Blue, mimosas, delicious food and activities such as face painting for kids. Across the street at Bacchus Theater, competitive alumni engaged in Drag Show Bingo, vying for UD prizes. In the afternoon, a Blue Hen concert took place in Gore Recital Hall, families enjoyed UDairy Creamery tours and Vita Nova cupcake decorating, and those with a fellow Blue Hen as a partner enjoyed reflecting on their relationships — over ice cream, of course — at the Double Del social.

Additionally, the Class of 1998 celebrated its 25th reunion, providing an opportunity to reconnect and reminisce.

"It’s one of those things where you’re just like, ‘Oh, my God, it’s been 25 years, but it’s almost like no time has passed,” said Jayesh Jariwala about being back on campus for his reunion. “It’s great to see some of the old pictures and reconnect. Today is all about connections, about relationships."

Lola A. Osawe, a reunion ambassador from the Class of 1998, shared her deep affection for UD and the role Blue Hens play in local and global communities.

"Delaware has a special place in my heart, in my own personal history. And a lot of great things are being done by Blue Hens around the country, around the world,” Osawe said. “Obviously, I don't have to namedrop any, but I also feel like I'm an ambassador — where I am in my life and my work and profession as a military officer and a civilian corporate executive. It's been great to just carry the Delaware banner wherever I find myself."

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the entire weekend was Dela-bration, the biggest alumni party of the year. Taking place on Saturday night on The Green (or The Mall, for alumni who graduated prior to the 2000s). The event featured live music by Philly's Finest that inspired Blue Hens to show off their dance moves while others enjoyed playing games, taking photos in selfie booths, and relaxing in Adirondack chairs with refreshing beverages.

Check out photos from the weekend here.

Mark your calendars for Alumni Weekend 2024, scheduled to take place from May 31 to June 2.