Blue Hen Stories video series

Students share their personal stories and the impact of philanthropy on their Journey.

From cutting-edge research, to study abroad trips, to athletic championships and life-changing scholarships: every Blue Hen has a story to tell. But wherever they lead, each Blue Hen story begins with the donors who make these experiences possible.

 

Here, in their own words, UD students take time to reflect on their own unique journeys and thank those who helped them along the way.

A Blue Hen Story: Shane Gremo, BE24: youtube.com/watch?v=wBptlLARYvE

As President of the Blue Hen Investment Club, Shane Gremo, BE24, and fellow students have invested $4.1 million of the University’s endowment in sectors like technology, healthcare, communications and energy.  

Watch Shane's full story [2 min]

A Blue Hen Story: Devon Enoch, BE24: youtube.com/watch?v=lJWKfgHHW4Q

Devon Enoch, BE24, describes her experience taking a study abroad trip to Greece -- a life-changing journey that she never thought would be possible for her. 

Watch Devon's full story [2 min]

A Blue Hen Story: Simon Brugel, EG25: youtube.com/watch?v=7gGSn9-mrgs

Simon Brugel, EG25, and his fellow researchers at the Modular Music program created tools that help people on the autism spectrum enjoy music more comfortably.

Watch Simon's full story [2 min]

A Blue Hen Story: Evyn Appel, ANR25: youtube.com/watch?v=esk5Qrs9_xY

After not being able to secure traditional funding, Evyn Appel, ANR25 and club members relied on the generosity of donors on UD’s HenFunder platform to support the Hydroponics Club. 

Watch Evyn's full story [2 min]

A Blue Hen Story:Joshua Artis, EG24: youtube.com/watch?v=w40Vgh6Iiz4

Serving as treasurer of the National Society of Black Engineers, Joshua Artis, EG24, thinks about funding all the time. This kind of opportunity, he explains, is “what pushes people to move forward toward success.”

Watch Joshua's full story [2 min]

A Blue Hen Story: Dyhia D. Hammadi, AS24: youtube.com/watch?v=fXsLvDxk5DU

As a first-generation college student, Dyhia D. Hammadi, AS24 relied on generous contributions to the Blue Hen Strong fund to get connected with resources and scholarships, such as the We’re First club.

Watch Dyhia's full story [2 min]

A Blue Hen Story: Luke Stuchlik, HS23: youtube.com/watch?v=roqlm6LnkCg

Luke Stuchlik, HS23, wanted to pursue a career that makes a difference, like nursing. Thanks to generous donors, Luke and his classmates are using advanced technology—including virtual reality—to prepare for real-world medical situations. 

Watch Luke's full story [2 min] 

A Blue Hen Story: Jessica Pidgeon, EHD23: youtube.com/watch?v=-i07H1jsiCM

Boosting her confidence in herself and her abilities, Jessica Pidgeon, EHD23, describes her experience of serving on UD’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Thanks to UD donors’ generosity, the Council has given Blue Hens, like Jessica, critical leadership opportunities.

Watch Jessica's full story [2 min]

A Blue Hen Story: Genpei “John” Ye, BE24: youtube.com/watch?v=VAxQeHqmyQo

Genpei “John” Ye, BE24, attributes his success to his experiences with Horn Entrepreneurship. Thanks to UD donors’ generosity, aspiring innovators like John can pursue their passions and find solutions to tomorrow’s most pressing challenges. 

Watch John's full story [2 min]

A Blue Hen Story: Erik Ashley, AS23: youtube.com/watch?v=H5nY3YSLUns

Erik Ashley, AS23, describes his experiences with UD’s Center for Intercultural Engagement. Whether it's food, clothing or sharing knowledge, the Center works to increase campus diversity and deliver resources to communities in need, all thanks to the support of donors. 

Watch Erik's full story [2 min]

A Blue Hen Story: Priya Thamburaj, EOE25: youtube.com/watch?v=WDyOWmjdzxw

“We are going to be the ones who go out into the world and address the issue of climate change,” explains Priya Thamburaj, EOE25. Students like Priya are conducting vital research on environmental sustainability through the Climate Scholars program.

Watch Priya's full story [2 min]

A Blue Hen Story: Moses Martinez, AS24: youtube.com/watch?v=juV-rOfcK_I

Thanks to UD donors’ generosity, students like Moses Martinez, AS24 have conducted critical research on improving civil discourse and creating a better-functioning democracy through the Biden School’s Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Ithaca Initiative.

 

A Blue Hen Story: Hannah Slesinski, ANR24: youtube.com/watch?v=0Z0ndOxZuVA

Without funding, Hannah Slesinski, ANR24, wouldn't have been able to participate in her summer internship opportunity. Internships provide Blue Hens with life-changing experiences to learn skills and secure employment— all thanks to UD donors’ generosity.

Watch Hannah's full story [2 min]

A Blue Hen Story: Thomas Gallucci, HS24: youtube.com/watch?v=MZLgp-0NgSc

As a veteran, Blue Hen Thomas Gallucci, HS24, worked hard to transition from military life to a college student. Thanks to donor support and funding, Thomas is able to "do better and do some good" by getting his nursing degree. 

Watch Thomas's full story [2 min]