The University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics recognized six distinguished graduates during the 2025 Lerner Alumni Awards ceremony, held on Friday, June 6, in the Lerner Hall Atrium. Part of UD’s annual Alumni Weekend, the event honored alumni for their professional achievements, service to the community and ongoing engagement with the college.
“Whether you graduated recently or decades ago, you are all part of what makes Lerner College so special,” said Lerner College Dean Oliver Yao. “And tonight, we celebrate those who continue to give back and lead forward.”
Presented annually by members of the Lerner College Alumni Advisory Board, the awards recognize recipients in three categories: Alumni Awards of Excellence, the Rising Star Award and the Brad Scott Excellence in Mentoring Award. The ceremony celebrated alumni who exemplify Lerner’s mission to prepare students for leadership in an evolving global economy. The awards also recognized outgoing chair of the Lerner Alumni Advisory Board David Etue.
“Our more than 38,000 Lerner alumni are making an impact in a business world defined by complexity and constant change,” Yao said. “As we honor tonight’s recipients, we also look ahead with confidence in what our students and alumni will continue to achieve.”
Alumni Awards of Excellence
Three alumni were honored for long-term professional success, contributions to their industries and communities, and service to Lerner College:
Paul Bracaglia, Class of 1981, B.S. in accounting; Class of 1983, MBA, is a senior partner at myCIO Wealth Partners and a nationally recognized leader in investment advisory services. Bracaglia previously held leadership roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers and remains active at UD as a financial planning advisory board member. Bracaglia was unable to attend the event.
Andrew Hill, Class of 1996, B.S.; Class of 1997, M.A.; and Class of 2003, Ph.D., in economics, is assistant vice president of economic education at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. His research and curriculum development work have shaped K–12 economic education nationwide, and he continues to teach at UD.
“The University of Delaware is one of the leading places in the world in economic education. To be given an award for my work in that same kind of space is really important to me,” said Hill. “So much of what I do daily in my job and the work that I do with teachers, both in Delaware and in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and across the country, has been impacted by what I learned here.”
Jeff Mitchell, Class of 1994, B.S. in accounting, is senior vice president at Siegfried Advisory, where he has helped scale the firm’s national growth. Mitchell also serves on boards including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.
“It was very humbling to find out that I received this award,” said Mitchell. “I had great gratitude to the University and people like Rob Siegfried, who nominated me.
“I think that it’s important to focus on how you can give back to the community as a business leader. I have certain skills and experiences that I can contribute to help the community, both in terms of financial resources and time.”
Rising Star Award
Two graduates were recognized for early-career impact and leadership:
Lexi Gilbert, Class of 2020, B.S. in marketing and entrepreneurship and technology innovation, is a senior product manager at Comcast and an incoming senior product manager at startup Vanta. She also founded The Texture Muse, a successful art business with a global audience and a student internship program.
“Receiving this award was really motivating,” said Gilbert. “I’ve put a lot of effort into developing myself professionally over the last several years, and to have this sort of recognition was kind of a nod to that effort.
“I recognize that I couldn’t have gone here without mentors in my life, like Mary Ellen Payne, who is also receiving an alumni award from the University. It’s just a reminder to make sure that I’m giving back to the UD community in the same way.”
Christian Tasker, Class of 2013, B.S.; and Class of 2014, M.A., in accounting, is a senior tax manager at PwC and a mentor to UD students through his role as PwC Tax Champion for the University.
“When Dean Yao emailed me about it, I actually thought it was spam at first and deleted it. He emailed me back and said, ‘No, this is for real,’” said Tasker. “I am absolutely honored.
“It’s just incredible to be honored this way and recognized for the value I bring to the student body here, in recruiting efforts, and teaching and mentoring. It’s amazing.”
Brad Scott Excellence in Mentoring Award
Mike Jason, Class of 1978, B.S. in accounting, received the mentoring award named in honor of longtime Lerner advisor Brad Scott. Jason is president of StarVista Entertainment and has held executive roles across the music and entertainment industry. He regularly supports students through mentorship and guest speaking engagements at UD.
“I was surprised and thrilled,” said Jason. “I’ve been doing this kind of thing for so long—it’s just part of my life. I’ve had 15 students in 10 years, and I still hear from most of them. It’s amazing. It really is fantastic, and I enjoy the enthusiasm the students bring.
“My job is not that complicated. It’s to give them some positive feedback—a little bit of guidance. But it’s all them.”