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. 

“I Heart UD Giving Day is about community,” said Jim Dicker, vice president of development and alumni relations. “People often think about fundraising as individuals supporting an institution, but this event reminds us that we’re strongest when our students, faculty and staff lead the way. Every dollar raised goes directly to the programs, teams and causes that our community values most.”

With more than 180 fundraising projects featured this year, Blue Hens and friends had more opportunities than ever to support what matters most to them. Donors could explore projects by college or area of passion — providing resources for students attending conferences or national competitions, researchers focused on curing diseases, future educators and global leaders, innovators in business and science, artists and debaters, champions for social justice and more. With a mix of loyal annual donors and inspired new supporters, the full UD community came together to show their Blue Hen pride.

On The Green, this incredible energy carried over into the busiest on-campus celebration in I Heart UD Day history. Hundreds of students, faculty and staff members turned out to donate, play games and enjoy a broad selection of food and prizes. YouDee and Baby Blue made an appearance, as did President Dennis Assanis and First Lady Eleni Assanis. 

Malini Gulati, president of the UD Student Alumni Ambassadors (UDSAA), played a key role in organizing the student group that helped plan and staff the event. 

“We know it can be hard for students to give back when they’re also thinking about coursework and tuition, but with I Heart UD Day, we’re creating opportunities for everyone to support their passions,” she said. “When we come together to celebrate what’s important to us, we strengthen our connection to the University and to each other.”

Check out this year’s results and learn more about the featured I Heart UD Giving Day projects on the I Heart UD Giving Day web page.

If you missed I Heart UD Giving Day but still want to support your favorite UD causes, make your gift today.