News Release
Contact
Laurie E. Bick-Jensen
Director,
Public Relations
320 DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE
19720
(302) 295-1164
laurie.e.bick@wilmu.edu
Wilmington University Florida Celebration a Sun-Kissed Success
Wilmington University’s fifth annual Florida Alumni Winter Celebration will be remembered for the old friendships that were rekindled, the new connections that were made and the live music that inspired alumni and friends to dance the night away.
Set against the perfect backdrop of 80-degree temperatures, cool breezes and the beautiful Seagate Hotel in Delray Beach, Florida, more than 75 guests gathered to celebrate and support the mission that Wilmington University continues to live by. The turnout is double that of last year’s celebration.
"I had a great time at the alumni event," said alumna Pam Lucas, who came to the celebration with her son and daughter-in-law. "I am already making plans to attend next year. Wilmington University has provided me with so much opportunity to expand my horizons through the courses and professors that taught me. My years spent at the university have exceeded my expectations of the experience I would have as an adult learner."
University President Dr. Jack Varsalona, who hosted the event, thanked guests for their continued support and encouraged them to stay connected to their Wilmington University family.
“It’s an honor and a thrill for me to see how many people in our Wilmington University community traveled from Delaware to Florida for this event,” Varsalona said. “This University has much to celebrate, and with such phenomenal growth over the past few years, it’s wonderful to see this Florida celebration grow and flourish as it has. Our alumni and community are the reason we can do things like this, and I am filled with gratitude for their presence and contributions.”
Stefanie Whitby, Senior Director of Institutional Advancement, gave a brief presentation highlighting some of the major initiatives and events over the past year. She featured the recent announcement that Wilmington University has been ranked as the fourth fastest growing university in the nation (by the Chronicle of Higher Education) and the increased student enrollment of more 16,000. Annual fundraising events such as the Green and White Scholarship Ball and the Scholarship Golf Classic were noted in an effort to remind everyone that all money donated to the university is given to students in need of financial support to complete their dream of an education.
People came from all over the state of Florida, and a few alumni from up north decided to plan a vacation around the event. One alumnus came down from Philadelphia. A number of faculty and staff were in attendance to show their pride and support for the growing number of alumni all over the country. Several top administrators at the University, including College of Business Dean Dr. Don Durandetta and Vice Presidents Dr. Peter Bailey and Dr. Jim Wilson, made the trip. Thomas E. Leipold, secretary and member of the University’s Board of Trustees, also participated in the event.
About Wilmington University
Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit university committed to providing flexible, career-oriented traditional and online undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs and offering small class sizes, individualized attention and affordable tuition. For more information, contact Wilmington University at 302-356-INFO (4636), via email at infocenter@wilmu.edu or visit our web site at www.wilmu.edu.
