Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

Caroline Sullivan joined Students for University Advancement in 2020 because she wanted the opportunity to work more closely with alumni and promote philanthropy at UD to make UD the best it can possibly be.  

“We all know that philanthropy is important, but hearing from a donor about why they choose to give back to the University, that’s super interesting,” said Sullivan, a communication major. “To me, it also shows just how powerful the UD community is and also how unique it is. We stay connected and our alumni take that feeling of community on campus and continue it regardless of where they are now through things like Christmas off Campus, Flyer game watches, meeting students and sharing experiences.”

Since joining SUA, Sullivan became a member of the executive committee and is looking forward to celebrating UD donors during Donor Appreciation Week Nov. 14-19.

“We’ve been really working on preparing for Donor Appreciation Week,” she said. “Last year was all virtual, and this year we’re working to create more hybrid opportunities for students and donors.”

Members of SUA are helping to facilitate an event in Kennedy Union where students will be writing and recording messages for UD donors. There will be small group conversations between students and alumni about the importance of maintaining a lifelong relationship with UD. And SUA members have also worked with University Advancement to create an online seminar for fellow students called, “Philanthropy: Why Is It Important at a Place Like UD?” 

After the online event last year, Sullivan said she connected with Kayla Mueller ’15 who has become a mentor to her.

“We met in the online breakout room and connected on LinkedIn afterward. I messaged her and we met three times to talk about all things public relations,” said Sullivan. “She has given me career and networking advice and has even looked over my resume.”

Saying thank you for the gifts, participation and guidance from alumni and friends is what the week is all about for current students, and Sullivan has several reasons to be grateful. In addition to the career guidance and mentorship from Mueller, Sullivan has received several scholarships. When asked what they make possible for her, she has a quick gratitude list ready to share.

“Attending UD. That’s the big one,” said Sullivan. “My brother is a freshman at DePaul, and having another kid in college made it a lot more stressful for my parents. My scholarships help with that.”

She’s also glad she’s able to save the money she’s earning at work during the school year to save up for a study abroad opportunity this summer in Prague with other students in the Department of Communication.

“Through philanthropy, we’re helping the University community grow and continue to advance,” she said. “When alumni choose to give back, they are ensuring that other students will have same amazing experience at UD as they did.”