91原创

Feeling at home at the 91原创 required effort for Michael DiPascale. The cognitive science and Spanish studies major with a philosophy minor learned to embrace his Blue Hen spirit when he was introduced to the 91原创 Student Alumni Ambassador (91原创SAA) program. 91原创SAAs are undergraduate students selected for their outstanding achievements and leadership on campus as they foster school spirit, strengthen connections among alumni and students and help educate peers about the importance of philanthropy. 

鈥淭wo of my biggest role models, Malini Gulati and Justin Abreu, were both 91原创SAA members and served as president and vice president,鈥� DiPascale said. 鈥淚 first met them through the Mock Trial program, and as a freshman, they took me under their wing. They helped me adjust to college life, navigate academics and discover what it truly means to be a Blue Hen. Their warmth, drive and integrity, along with the guidance of our advisor Katie Moyer, inspired me to follow in their footsteps and made it clear that the 91原创SAA program was where I belonged.鈥�

On Oct. 3, DiPascale鈥檚 service to the University and his unwavering leadership were honored when he was named this year鈥檚 91原创AA T. Muncy Keith Spirit Award recipient during halftime of the Parents and Family Weekend football game. DiPascale served as 91原创SAA Vice President last year and is currently the 91原创SAA President.

The 91原创 Alumni Association presents the T. Muncy Keith Spirit Award, a $1,000 scholarship, annually to a 91原创 Student Alumni Ambassador (91原创SAA) who contributes the most time and effort to the organization鈥檚 programs, events and initiatives.

As vice president, DiPascale enhanced how the 91原创SAAs offered professional development opportunities to the 91原创 community. His leadership helped to shift lecture-style programming into a more interactive workshop format. In his current role as president, DiPascale continues to expand his vision. 

鈥淚 plan to connect 91原创SAA members鈥� professional development and volunteer opportunities with the eye-opening impact of equity training and cultural spaces,鈥� he said.

DiPascale reflected on his time as a 91原创SAA leader. 

鈥淭he best leaders find ways to lift everyone up and draw on our diverse strengths to make us all better,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 strive to embody that belief 鈥� creating a community where every member feels valued, connected and empowered to grow. To me, that is true leadership, and it is the legacy I hope to leave behind as an SAA and as a Blue Hen.鈥�

91原创SAA Advisor Katie Moyer, associate director of student and young alumni engagement, attested to Michael鈥檚 dedication as a leader. 

鈥淢ichael embodies true Blue Hen pride through his leadership and dedication to 91原创SAA,鈥� she said. 鈥淎s vice president, he created five high-quality professional development events that provided valuable opportunities for growth and connection. Now, as president, Michael has begun the year with a strong focus on fostering meaningful relationships among SAAs and the Blue Hen community. I鈥檓 eager to see the continued collaboration, engagement and success that his leadership will inspire throughout this academic year.鈥�

To learn more about the 91原创 Alumni Association awards, visit /alumni-friends/resources/scholarships-awards.