Now that 2021 has come to a close, we reflect on the exciting work and accomplishments that our Lerner College students, faculty, staff and alumni were able to achieve during this unique and challenging year. From student success to new faculty research, here are our top stories from 2021 at Lerner:
1. My MBA Experience
In this video, our current MBA candidates share their experience and discuss what they chose this program, what they have learned so far and the opportunities the UD Lerner MBA has given them.
2. A First Class Student
Devarshi Patel became the first graduate of the University of Delaware’s master of science dual degree program in business analytics and information management (BAIM) + cybersecurity.
3. Lifelong Lerners: The Class of 2021 Series
The Lerner Class of 2021 showed incredible resilience, maturity and spirit while adjusting to the many unexpected changes that they encountered in their final years at UD. Each installment of this series profiled an outstanding member of this class, showcasing their achievements, experiences at UD and what it means to be a Blue Hen.
4. 2021 Lerner Alumni Awards
Four outstanding UD alumni were honored virtually at the 30th Annual Lerner College Alumni Awards of Excellence. The Lerner College Alumni Board and Lerner College presented this year’s awards to Paula Glover, Class of 1999, and Judy Austin, Class of 1974 and MAEEE Class of 2001. The Lerner Advisory Board presented the Rising Star Alumni Award to Lindsey Starr Calabrese, Class of 2014 and the Women’s Leadership Initiative at UD Lerner presented the Catalyst Award to Terri Kelly, Class of 1983.
5. What I Love About My Major Series
In each segment of this video series, Blue Hens in each Lerner undergraduate major shared their favorite things about their major from their best classes, their future career goals and more.
6. Justin P. Klein Named Director of UD’s Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance
The University of Delaware’s John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance named Justin P. Klein as its new director. Klein has been a member of the Weinberg Center’s Advisory Board since 2015. He was a partner at Ballard Spahr LLP from 1992 through 2019 and most recently has served as senior counsel at the firm. The Center recently marked its 20th anniversary, making it one of the longest-standing corporate governance centers in academia.
7. My Summer Internship Series
This summer, Lerner College students pursued an array of remote, in person or hybrid internships, externships and other professional development opportunities. Each profile of our “My Summer Internship” series provided a glimpse into one of these unique experiences.
8. Three Pieces of Advice for Blue Hens from the Cake Boss
Bartolo “Buddy” Valastro, the “Cake Boss”, visited UD’s campus in Newark, Delaware on November 2nd to speak to students in the Hospitality and Sport Business Management Department as part of the Paul Wise Executive in Residence Speaker Series. After this presentation, Buddy and Sofia Valastro led a private cake decorating demonstration in one of UD’s unique learning spaces, Vita Nova.
9. Lerner College Ranked in Top 16% of Nation’s Business Schools
The University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics rose 13 places to No. 84 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Undergraduate Business Programs rankings, which were released on September 13. The survey ranked a total of 514 accredited undergraduate business programs across the nation.
10. Taking Action to Make a Difference
University of Delaware alumnus Jeff Alecci and his wife Cynthia wanted to offset some of the financial burden the COVID-19 pandemic placed on current Blue Hens. The couple created the Jeffrey M. Alecci and Cynthia Alecci Scholarship, to provide funds for UD students with financial need.