Donations to University of Delaware set new records

Donor support to the University of Delaware grew by 19-percent during the 2012 fiscal year, as contributions topped $61 million.

Donations exceeded the fundraising goal set by the UD Board of Trustees by more than $10-million, and set a record for the second consecutive year.

University officials say a number of factors have made it possible to generate such support during a difficult economy.

“Private gifts are the catalyst that allow us to recruit outstanding faculty, provide scholarships and greater access to students of all backgrounds and circumstances and research the pressing issues of our global society,” University of Delaware President Patrick Harker said.  “To put it simply:  increased funds result in increased opportunities for UD students and faculty to make a positive impact in the world around them.”

Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Monica Taylor said the university is also winning support due to its strategic plan and what she called a “steadfast commitment to providing the best education to a talented and diverse student body.”

“With ambitions plans for growth and advancement in fiscal year 2013 and beyond, it is vital that we continue forward with the same level of momentum,” Board of Trustees Chair A. Gilchrist Sparks III added.  Sparks also said that private investment will be key as UD continues to develop its STAR Campus (Science, Technology and Advanced Research) at the former Chrysler Assembly Plant.  It will be the new home of the College of Health Sciences as well as the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Laboratory. 

One major donation established the Sannini Frezzo Scholarship available to Delawareans enrolled in the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, named after Edmond Sannini and Concetta Frezzo of Summit, New Jersey.  “Since we are both alums of the Lerner College long before it was called the Lerner College, it was a natural fit for us to establish a scholarship so that a student from Delaware could have this exceptional educational opportunity,” Frezzo said.

Still, some important aspects of the University are in transition.  Athletic Director Bernard Muir Friday announced that he would be leaving the position he has held since 2009 to take over the athletics program at Standford University.  As highlighted in The News Journal recently, there has also been turnover in several important administrative positions.