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Roar4Widener, the university's day of giving, called on alumni, faculty, staff, students, and other supporters April 9 to rally for student success bolstering every aspect of the Widener experience along the way.

This year, the Widener community showed up stronger than ever, shattering records for the number of donors, number of gifts, and the total impact of philanthropy. On paper, these stats are fantastic—in real life, their impact is immeasurable.

Pivotal support, powerful growth

The breadth and depth of donor support spans all corners of the university: academic programming, experiential learning, and civic engagement to scholarships, clubs and organizations, and much more. For students, this means that no matter their interests or goals, they’ll have the resources necessary to pursue them.

Students shared that sentiment when they wrote notes of thanks to donors as part of the day’s festivities.

Michael Pierre ‘28, a member of Widener’s ROTC program—one area supported during Roar4Widener—said the experience has fueled his personal and professional growth. “I plan on enlisting in the National Guard while I’m also enrolled in ROTC. I’m even going to basic training this summer,” he said. “If it weren’t for this program, I wouldn’t have built the courage to do so.”

Rebekah Crotty ‘28, at Widener Delaware Law School, echoed that sense of appreciation. “I moved to Delaware for law school and sought encouragement, guidance, and support.” Thanks to the resources and opportunities leveraged along the way, Crotty added, “I feel as if I was meant to be here all along.”

Crotty isn’t the only Widener law student to benefit from donor generosity. Over in Harrisburg, Widener Law Commonwealth’s Lelah Tehmeh ‘27 shared, “I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer, but I never knew I would be here today until I received my acceptance and scholarship letters. [Donor generosity] has helped me and my classmates get to where we are now—and it will do the same for future law students.”

While all areas boosted by Roar4Widener are critical to student success, those that aim to ease financial challenges play a central role in keeping students on track for graduation. The Student Emergency Fund, for instance, helps recipients make ends meet during tough times, whether they’re facing sudden job loss, a crisis at home, or other obstacles that make prioritizing education difficult.

"This fund has made a significant difference in helping me manage unexpected expenses, and it brings peace of mind knowing I have this support during challenging times,” one student said. “It’s encouraging to know that alumni and friends of Widener are there for us.”

Building a bright future

The power of a Widener education is often found in everyday moments that lead to big breakthroughs: accepting an invite from a professor to engage in research; attending a student club gathering and meeting lifelong friends; embarking on the first day of a career-defining internship.

Moments like these are the ones that students cherish for years to come, and they’re part of what makes the college journey so special. Members of Widener’s student philanthropy council recognize that giving back is key to ensuring the university continues to thrive and grow—allowing future generations to benefit from those same formative opportunities.

Lizzy Martin ‘25 said she was inspired to join the council when she saw firsthand how generosity from donors and alumni shaped her Widener experience. After getting involved, she discovered “how much student philanthropy influences campus culture and connection.

“It fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose,” Martin added. “I learned how many resources and programs exist because of past student contributions.

“Giving back as a student creates a sense of responsibility and pride in our university,” she concluded. “It shows that we value our experiences and want to ensure future students have even better opportunities to learn.”