Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

By Molly Campbell '24

Chloe Voelker ’20 may have graduated five years ago, but her engagement and passion for UD are still going strong. A self-referred “Flyer for life,” she did not take her graduation as the close of her relationship with UD. She began investing her time to bring both past and future Flyers together. 

Rather than mourn her college years, Voelker saw her graduation as the inception of something new. “It’s such a gift to be sad when you graduate. It makes it sweet that you get to treasure that for what it was,” said Voelker. “It really is just the beginning of your journey with UD.”

It’s no wonder Voelker sees her graduation as a beginning — it takes up a majority of her volunteer experience. In 2022, she helped plan the make-up celebration for the class of 2020’s canceled ceremony. Now, she continues to work with her class, serving on her Reunion Weekend committee for their five-year class party June 6. 

“Reunion’s been cool to just get the opportunity to connect with people. I think it’s gonna be a special weekend,” said Voelker. 

This year’s Reunion Weekend will of course feature the annual favorites like class parties and the Porch Party. There are also special exhibits to see, such as Honoring Our History: UD at 175 in Roesch Library, and attendees will have a new chance to be a part of a Flyer Nation Build with Habitat for Humanity. 

But before Reunion hits, Voelker is working hard to create a welcoming campus for alumni to come back to. “I'm really looking forward to reaching out to people and figuring out what would make this special for us and our experience at UD,” said Voelker. 

Voelker doesn’t just volunteer to engage her own class. With her position in day10, the young alumni group, she sits on a philanthropy team that uses their marketing and data experience to benefit the University. To Voelker, donating her career experience and skills was the natural thing to do. 

“It’s almost a no-brainer, to be able to take what I’m learning in my career and in other communities that I interact in, back to UD to build it up,” said Voelker. “Why would you not bring it back to UD?”

Another population benefits from Voelker’s hindsight as a UD alumni — prospective students. Voelker has been working as a Flyer Champion volunteer since its inception in 2021. This program pairs alumni and students the summer before their first year, setting up times for a phone call or text conversation. 

Voelker is honored to earn the trust of incoming students, dedicating herself to open conversations and first-year anxieties. “You’re starting it from the point of, ‘Hey, I’m your person. Your one-on-one person to just be here for you, direct you to other resources or answer them (your questions) myself,’” said Voelker. 

Transitioning from high school to a university is different for everyone, and not every question can be answered on a website or tour. Having a person you can talk to on your own time is a valuable resource in answering questions or relieving concerns. 

Voelker has welcomed prospective students since the spring of 2021. Her first Flyer Champion class will graduate next year. 

Sunday, May 11, the Class of 2025 graduates and starts their journey as alumni. Voelker’s advice to them? “You have something to offer. Everyone has a unique skill set and perspective, and we’re incomplete without you,” she says. “Just try it. It’s impossible to lose.”