Delaware
University of Delaware sends off class of 2025
University president talks about how UD has recovered from COVID pandemic
University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis discusses how the school has recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. 11/4/22
Damian Giletto, Delaware News Journal
The University of Delaware class of 2025 is off into the real world.
The university community of administrators, faculty, staff, graduating students and their loved ones poured into Delaware Stadium in Newark on a crisp morning May 24 to celebrate this year’s graduating class. Almost 6,500 graduates make up the class.
Of the total number, more than 4,800 are undergrads, and more than 1,600 are graduate students. About 42% of the class are Delawareans. UD President Dennis Assanis gave this class a unique distinction in his speech.
“Congratulations to the amazing class of 2025,” he said to the crowd. “The best class to ever graduate from the University of Delaware.”
It’s his last commencement ceremony as the president of the university. He has served as president since 2016 and oversaw the expansion of the Science, Technology and Advanced Research Campus; introduced new research opportunities; and oversaw the elevation of the school’s athletic program into Conference USA.
“Over the years, we’ve been so impressed and so inspired by the drive, the dedication to the amazing talents of UD students,” he told students. “Thank you for the transformative and memorable time that we spent together.”
He thanked the university community and ended his remarks by taking a selfie from the stage with the students in the background.
He was awarded an honorary doctorate at the ceremony. Other people who received honorary distinctions were Wilmington Mayor John Carney, former MBNA executive John Cochran III, biologist and former UD Provost Robin Morgan, professor emerita of theatre and dance Lynette Young Overby, and ABC Action News anchor and guest speaker Matt O’Donnell.
O’Donnell was tasked with this year’s guest speaking gig, following Joe Flacco in 2024, former astronaut Mae Jemison in 2023 and then-leader of the free world Joe Biden. O’Donnell’s speech related to students at his alma mater, UD, and challenged them to continue being authentic.
“You are doing these things because you are trying to experience what we took from you as parents when we gave you smartphones way too early and stopped allowing you to go out on your own; you are seeking authenticity,” he said in his speech. “You might be the anxious generation, but personally, I define you as something different. You are the disruption generation.”
One graduate, Devin Jiang from Brandywine Hundred, is looking toward the nation’s capital. At UD, he said he learned about politics and its inner workings and has worked in the White House and state Legislature during his Blue Hen tenure. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 2024, the second Chinese-American to represent Delaware. He is now a staff assistant for Delaware’s senior senator, Chris Coons.
“I just want to learn as much as I can about the federal government and represent Delaware on the national stage,” he said in an interview.
Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at slbrennan@delawareonline.com.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 10:19PM
ASTON, Pa. (WPVI) — Summer camps are in full swing, and on Wednesday the Action Cam was in Aston, where kids are getting some hands-on learning at Delaware County Technical School.
Middle school students are exploring career pathways as they build, cook, design and create in state-of-the-art classrooms.
They are doing everything from carpentry to cosmetology.
By the end of camp, the kids will create STEAM-based projects that they can take home.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Across the State Trained AmeriCorps VISTA members will be on-site at 21 Delaware Libraries providing walk-in assistance for digital literacy
DOVER, Del. — The Delaware Libraries today announced the launch of a 10-week summer program aiming to support Delawareans on digital literacy.
The AmeriCorps Digital Literacy Specialists assist the public with computer and technology questions, including completing online applications, navigating websites, and building basic digital skills. As patrons become more comfortable, specialists can introduce them to the many free computer training programs and learning resources available through Delaware Libraries including in-person classes. This project is an initiative of the Division’s Social Innovation Team.
“Libraries are proud to expand their digital literacy specialist supports this summer with a presence in 21 Delaware Libraries,” said Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian of Delaware. “The digital landscape is ever evolving, and the Delaware Libraries stands at the ready to help Delawareans navigate AI, software skills, social media concepts, and more.”
There is no appointment needed for a meeting or to ask a question to a Specialist.
The Specialists are trained to support many concepts, including:
- Essential Software Skills
- Personalized Assistance
- Workplace Technology
- AI – Understanding & Help
- Basic Computer Skills & Classes
- Social Media Help
- Navigate Internet, Avoid Scams
- Using Tech in Daily Life, Device Help
- Learning Express, Northstar Certification
- And Much More!
Visit DelawareLibraries.org/Digital to view a full schedule of Specialists. For more services visit DelawareLibraries.org/GetConnected!
Delaware Libraries offer specialty library cards for every age group, including a My First Delaware Library Card for birth to age 5, a Super Library Card for children ages 6–12; a Teen Delaware Library Card for ages 13-17 and Delaware Library cards for everyone.
Sign up for a Delaware Library Card today! It’s Easy! It’s Free! It’s Online!
Instructions in Spanish are also available. (En el sitio web de las bibliotecas de Delaware se pueden encontrar instrucciones en español para obtener una tarjeta de biblioteca gratuita de Delaware)
Programming celebrating the Delaware Libraries’ 125th anniversary will continue throughout the year.
Delaware
Talk & Film Bring Delaware’s Revolutionary Story to Life at Archives’ First Saturday Program – State of Delaware News
On Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., the Delaware Public Archives will host a special First Saturday Program featuring a presentation and a screening of a new documentary exploring Delaware’s pivotal role in America’s founding.
The event will begin with a shortened presentation of Independence or the Bayonet, examining the critical days leading up to July 1776 through the perspectives of Caesar Rodney, George Read, and Thomas McKean.
Following the presentation, attendees will watch Caesar Rodney’s Ride: The Story of Delawareans and the Declaration of Independence, a new one-hour documentary presented by the Delaware Heritage Commission. The film explores Caesar Rodney’s legendary overnight ride to Philadelphia and the important role Delawareans played in the fight for American independence.
This special program is part of the Delaware Public Archives’ ongoing Delaware 250 educational programming commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and highlighting Delaware’s unique contributions to the nation’s founding.
The program is free and open to the public.
For more information about the Delaware Public Archives or to learn more about upcoming events and programs, visit archives.delaware.gov.
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