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Widener President Stacey Robertson and Delaware Law Dean Todd Clark joined education and government leaders from around the state of Delaware today in announcing plans to relocate the Widener University Delaware Law School campus to the heart of the business and legal district in downtown Wilmington.

Widener University has taken ownership of the building at 1020 North French St., once known as Bracebridge II, downtown. The university is planning significant renovations to create a beautiful, modern educational space designed to prepare our Delaware Law students for the legal careers and courtrooms of the future. 

The current Delaware Law campus was recently listed for sale to help facilitate renovation costs. We anticipate moving into the downtown space during the 2027-28 academic year.  

The move will put Delaware Law students, faculty and staff into the epicenter of the First State legal community, known internationally for the strength of its courts and its hub for corporate law. The new campus will be close to Lawyers Row and in walking distance of the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center, which houses state courts, the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building, which houses federal court, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. In short, the school will be steps from the people and organizations that shape Delaware’s legal landscape.
The move will also put Delaware Law’s legal clinics, which provide no-cost, critical legal services across the region, into the heart of Wilmington’s business district.

“This new location will enable our clinics to reach those who need our services most, while fostering meaningful mentoring and community building partnerships with residents in disadvantaged neighborhoods,” Clark said. “Relocating to downtown Wilmington will also enable Delaware Law students to engage more deeply with the surrounding community. Through clinics, externships, pro bono work, and partnerships with courts, nonprofits, and civic organizations, our students will learn by serving—building relationships, addressing real world legal needs, and contributing meaningfully to the life of the city.”

Through this move, the Delaware Law School is playing a key role in The Bridge Project, an innovative educational ecosystem serving families and students birth through graduate school. This project is anchored by The Community Education Building on North French Street, which has served the needs of K-12 students for more than a decade by empowering families, fostering student success and supporting quality schools. Leaders there have partnered with the Longwood Foundation to extend this mission into higher education. 

“The University of Delaware and Delaware State University have also taken on space in the Community Education Building a block from our new law building,” Robertson said. “The presidents of those institutions joined us this morning in making the announcement. We are all excited by the opportunities for collaboration.” 

Watch a of Delaware Law School.

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Dear Widener Community,

Welcome to the start of spring semester!

Whether you’re continuing your academic journey at Widener or joining us as a new student, we’re so glad you’re part of the university community this semester.

The beginning of a new calendar year offers a powerful opportunity to reset and refocus. As classes begin this week, I hope you will take a moment to think about what you want to accomplish this year—both big goals and small steps. Maybe it’s exploring a new subject, getting involved in campus life or building habits that support your success. Whatever your aspirations, know that you have a network here cheering you on. You belong at Widener, and your contributions matter.

As I consider the fresh pages of my 2026 calendar, I’m reminded that progress often starts with simple actions — rest, reflection and routines that keep us grounded. New starts aren’t just about big changes, they’re about steady steps forward. The many activities happening across all three campuses this semester provide ways for us all to get involved and move forward together. 

Let’s approach this semester with optimism and collaboration. Celebrate your wins, support one another and make this a year of growth and achievement.

Here’s to new beginnings!

With Warmth and Widener Pride,
Stacey

Stacey Robertson, PhD
President

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Widener University is pleased to announce the newest members of its board of trustees, who include four alumni and one current student. Their appointments took effect in May and the board held its first full meeting of the new academic year Oct. 30.

As the university’s governing body, Widener’s board of trustees is entrusted with the institution’s long-term success. The board monitors and oversees critical aspects of the university, including educational quality, financial strength, mission and the student experience. The new trustees include:

• Susan Larkin, ‘88, executive vice president and president of Core Commercial Markets at Independence Health Group. She holds a degree in accounting from the School of Business Administration.
• Dave Velazquez, ’81, recently retired president and CEO of PECO. He holds a degree in engineering from the School of Engineering.
• Kevin Wiggins, ’95, chief financial officer of Power Home Remodeling. He holds a degree in accounting from the School of Business Administration.
• Jack Dwyer, ’78, founder and CEO of CFG Bank and founder and CEO of Capital Funding Group, a healthcare and multifamily financing group comprised of 11 companies. He holds a degree in accounting from the School of Business Administration.
• Damon Edwards II, a second-year law student at Delaware Law school. Edwards was named to a two-year term and has voting rights as a trustee.

“I am absolutely delighted to work with our new trustees,” President Stacey Robertson said. “Each one brings a caring and student-centered approach, a deep commitment to giving back to Widener, and an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience that will enrich our institution. We are fortunate to welcome this outstanding new class of trustees.”

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Dear Widener Community,

There’s something truly special about the start of a new academic year! After a summer of renewal, our campuses are alive again with energy, enthusiasm and a wonderful sense of anticipation. 

I am especially thrilled to expand our culture of belonging to so many new students, who join our returning students as part of the Widener community. You have all worked very hard to get here and you’re right where you belong. Our faculty and staff in Chester, Wilmington and Harrisburg are relentlessly committed to your success. This first week of classes in Chester we are continuing a tradition of providing student "help stations" on the academic quad, where volunteers serve as key resources, answer questions, and provide small treats to celebrate the new year. If you have a question or a concern, stop by so we can help. If you’re all good, just stop by and say hello!

We hope this visible sign of support, along with numerous welcoming events held at both of our law schools, reminds students how much we’re rooting for them and that they belong at Widener. As I told the incoming first-year students at convocation on Friday, there will be highs and lows throughout your year, but know this is a community that is loyal, committed and determined to see everyone succeed. We have your back!

I look forward to seeing you out there at upcoming athletic events, lectures, panel discussions, arts and musical events, symposia and more. Let’s make it a great year!

With warmth and Widener Pride,
Stacey

Stacey Robertson, PhD
President

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Widener welcomed U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon to campus for a women’s history month talk and fireside chat with President Stacey Roberton. The event was sponsored by the gender, women, and sexuality studies department and Project Pericles. 

Scanlon spoke to students, faculty, and staff about her work and the issues that are important to her when representing Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District, including women’s rights, healthcare and wage gaps. She also emphasized the importance of empowering women and other members of traditionally marginalized communities to become involved in the community and in politics as a way to enact change. 

Afterward, Scanlon and Robertson sat together and discussed women’s central – and often unrecognized – role in history and as historical leaders, and how society can use history to navigate the future. From the women’s suffrage movement, to civil rights, to the current day, they discussed the power of open communication and accurate information within communities. They also spoke about inspiring courage for those who wish to stand up for their beliefs and taking time to do so safely and peacefully. 

Both women touched on the importance of finding a community, role models, and using voting as a vital tool to share thoughts and opinions. The event was followed by questions from attendees and a brief reception.

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