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Explore These Top 8 Amazing Fun Facts About the University of Delaware You Never Knew!

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Dive into the fascinating world of the University of Delaware and unearth some intriguing and lesser-known tidbits about this esteemed institution!

1. Blue Hen Mascot Evolution

Why did the Blue Hen cross the globe? To spice up the University of Delaware's mascot: The university's sports teams are called the Blue Hens, named after Delaware's state bird. These birds were crossbred with Spain's Blue Andalusian breed, giving them unique characteristics distinct from the original Revolutionary War-era fighting gamecocks. Now, while they may not look as fearsome, these fancy fowls remain state and university symbols to crow about.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

2. UD's Creamery: A Hidden Ice Cream Gem

In a world where Ben & Jerry's reigns supreme, a hidden gem called University of Delaware's Creamery scoops up some stiff competition: Serving delightful flavors like Ch Ch Ch Chocolate, All Nighter, and Cookies and Cream, this creamy powerhouse concocts its frozen magic with top-notch ingredients such as cream, milk, sugar, and nonfat milk solids. Not to be outdone by their big-name counterparts, they also cater to the gluten-free and vegan crowds, ensuring everyone can indulge their inner ice cream enthusiast.
Source => udel.edu

3. Overachieving Brainiacs of the First Class

In a time when "quills" were the "chill", and "Declaration" was more about "daring" than "quashing flare-ups": The University of Delaware's first class in 1743 boasted such over-achieving brainiacs as Thomas McKean, George Read, and James Smith, who went on to sign the Declaration of Independence, propelling them to stardom in American history.
Source => udel.edu

4. Joe Biden's Senatorial Papers Treasure Trove

Who needs the Declaration of Independence when you've got Joe Biden's Senatorial papers stashed away: Housed at the University of Delaware Library, you'll find over 1,850 boxes containing records from our favorite ice cream-loving Veep's Senate career, gifted to his alma mater in 2012, though they remain closed to the public until the archival process is complete.
Source => library.udel.edu

Undersea Explorer Opportunities at UD

5. Undersea Explorer Opportunities at UD

Ahoy, future sea captains and robotic undersea explorers! Pass me the sextant, for I spy with my little eye a deep dive into the uncharted academic depths: the University of Delaware is teaming up with Ocean Infinity to equip their students and faculty with cutting-edge autonomous underwater vehicles and deep-sea datasets, potentially opening up a treasure trove of internship and job opportunities in the process.
Source => udel.edu

6. One-Room Schoolhouse Time Machine

Imagine a classroom where a single teacher had to teach all subjects, all grades, and maintain order, all while probably fantasizing about a time machine that'd whisk them away to Happy Hour every day: The Iron Hill School #112-C, an architectural and historical gem, once served as the educational hub for African American farming and mining families in the University of Delaware area. Built in 1923 with funding from Pierre S. duPont, this one-room schoolhouse accommodated grades 1-6 until 1964. Later adopted by the Delaware Academy of Science, it was even transformed into a natural history museum for over four decades! Now it stands proudly as one of the few remaining intact duPont schools, proving the enduring value of education and a teacher's sanity within one classroom's four walls.
Source => archives.delaware.gov

7. UD Alumni: Founding Fathers and Modern Pioneers

Delaware might not be the "First State" for comedy, but it certainly knows how to churn out some serious Founding Fathers with a side of modern day pioneers: Among its esteemed University of Delaware alumni are three signers of the Declaration of Independence – Thomas McKean, George Read, and James Smith – as well as trailblazers in fields such as art conservation, internet innovations, disaster research, and renewable energy technologies.
Source => www1.udel.edu

8. Time Travel through 91.3 FM Radio

Who says you need a flux capacitor and a DeLorean to dial into the good ol' days? At the University of Delaware, all you need is a radio tuned to 91.3 FM: Introducing the student-run radio station WVUD, broadcasting since 1963, and replete with HD Radio and "The Basement" subchannel for extra programming goodness. With a Hall of Fame that recently inducted Ellen Ellis, Dr. Gloria James, and Michael Tsarouhas, listeners can revel in the timelessly hum-worthy tunes, courtesy of UD's very own skilled students!
Source => wikiwand.com

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