Delaware
UD’s Blue Hen Forever statue becomes a new campus landmark
Blue hen statue becomes UD campus landmark
Blue Hens Forever bronze statue, 7.5 ft and 3,000+ lb, unveiled outside UD’s Alumni Hall as a new campus landmark.
There’s a new big man – er, Blue Hen – on campus at the University of Delaware.
The Blue Hens Forever sculpture is intended as a campus rallying point that will serve as a key landmark for the UD.
Weighing in at over 3,000 pounds and measuring 7.5 feet tall, it’s impossible to miss the bronze statue when walking around campus.
Funded by the school’s alumni association, the statue traces back to the original 2019 plans for Alumni Circle, a project recognizing high-achieving UD graduates. Pandemic-related delays pushed back work on Alumni Circle – and the statue – until 2025, when the Board of Trustees approved it.
The statue is located outside of Alumni Hall, just off Main Street on the northern end of campus.
It was installed May 14, just before the end of the school year, but was formally unveiled May 31 as part of Alumni Weekend festivities.
The sculptor is Brian Hanlon, a New Jersey artist who has decades of experience crafting college and professional sports sculptures.
Beth Brand, the university’s vice president for development and alumni relations, said she was confident the statue was on its way to becoming a celebrated UD landmark.
“If you go to campuses across the nation, there’s so many great traditions and points of pride in statues and sculptures on campus,” Brand said. “We didn’t have a real central point for people to take pictures with the Blue Hen.”
The sculpture is already garnering buzz around campus, Brand said.
“It was installed just before graduation, which was pretty intentional,” Brand said, “so that we could have students and graduates take advantage of photo opportunities.
Alumni took notice too, flocking to the statue throughout Alumni Weekend.
Jacob Marks, a recent UD alum who works at the school bookstore, put it simply.
“I mean, it’s a really big chicken,” he said.
Marks said he has always leaned into the uniqueness of UD’s mascot, always explaining to out-of-towners that the name dates back to the Revolutionary War.
Commenters on an alumni association Facebook post about the statue welcomed its addition to campus, but a few wondered how many people would try to hop on its back and “ride” the statue.
Brand said that concern is soon to be taken care of. Summer additions include lighting, security cameras, landscaping and a “Do Not Ride” sign.
Jackson Cooper is an intern reporter for Delaware Online/The News Journal. He can be reached at jcooper@delawareonline.com.
A trip to Bardea Steak in downtown Wilmington
A trip to Bardea Steak in downtown Wilmington
Wilmington continues to attract all of the stars.
Pop star Nick Jonas stopped into Bardea Food and Drink in downtown Wilmington, according to a post from the popular restaurant’s Instagram.
“Great having Nick Jonas stop by for dinner during an unexpected visit to Wilmington,” the June 7 post said. “Thanks for joining us at the table.”
Jonas is currently on a brief East Coast tour, and had a show in Niagara Falls on June 4 and another show in Hanover, Maryland, on June 6.
The Texas-born, New Jersey-raised pop star is best known as a member of the Jonas Brothers band, along with some solo work. He also starred in a few television shows and movies.
Bardea Food and Drink is among the leaders in the Wilmington’s food scene, and one of several eateries operated by Bardea restaurant group in the city.
Sunday, June 7, 2026 2:20PM
CLAYMONT, Delaware (WPVI) — A shooting investigation is underway in Claymont, Delaware.
The Action Cam was at the scene on the 900 block of Peach Tree Road Saturday night as police surrounded the area of the Woodstream Garden Apartments.
Investigators say at least one person was hurt.
There has been no word on that person’s condition.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Community members lined the streets of Media on Saturday for the fourth annual Delco Pride Parade, celebrating visibility, community and support for LGBTQ+ residents across Delaware County.
Marchers carrying rainbow flags, signs and banners made their way through downtown Media before gathering at the Delaware County Courthouse for a Pride flag-raising ceremony.
For many attendees, the event represented more than a celebration.
“I think it’s so special…in a community where Pride isn’t a long-established tradition…to be able to have people be so out and proud, visible in the community,” said Abby Weissman, who marched alongside fellow members of the Hedgerow Theatre Company.
The message resonated with attendees of all ages.
“Everyone’s expressing themselves,” 11-year-old Madelyn Rothdeutsch Keckler said. “Not what people want them to be, just what they are,”
Others said the event reflected personal journeys toward acceptance.
Francis Palmarino, who marched with members of his church community, said finding a welcoming congregation helped him embrace his identity as a bisexual man.
“It’s not something to be scared of,” Palmarino said. “The idea of Pride is to celebrate togetherness.”
Parents and allies also turned out to show support for LGBTQ+ loved ones.
“It’s important for parents like me to be visible in this parade because then they know that no matter what, they are always loved,” said Nikki Brake-Silla, who attended in support of her daughter.
Volunteers with the organization Free Mom Hugs offered encouragement to attendees whose families may not be as supportive.
“Even if someone’s birth family is not accepting of them, we like to let them know there’s a place for them,” said Bonnie Kaplan.
Following the parade, eventgoers gathered outside the Delaware County Courthouse as the Pride flag was raised and members of the Transcendent Choir performed.
A.K. Hazel, a nonbinary advocate for transgender youth, said the ceremony was moving.
“I got very emotional because getting to raise the Pride flag here at all means so much, knowing that my community believes in me and the people that I love,” Hazel said.
The Delco Pride Festival is scheduled for June 13 in Upper Darby.
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