By Nina Weiland

This year, Delaware Valley University hosted its 4th Annual Alumni Picnic on Saturday, April 26, during the university’s 75th Annual A-Day celebration. Held from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, the event featured buffet-style food and welcomed a steady stream of alumni throughout the afternoon.

Alumni in attendance ranged from recent graduates to former and current professors, including the university’s retired dean, Dr. Jim Diamond, and current president, Dr. Benjamin Rusiloski. Many were eager to share their experiences at DelVal and how their education shaped their careers.

Nicholas Roth, a 2019 graduate who majored in Landscape Architecture, recalled one of his favorite memories: “My favorite memory was spending late nights in the design studio, hanging out with friends, all being stressed together about last-minute projects, but getting it done and working through it together.”

Today, Nicholas is a registered Landscape Architect in Southern New Jersey. His company completes residential and commercial projects involving irrigation, home additions, lighting, planting, and even pool design.

Delaware Valley University alumni prove that no matter your field of study, DelVal can lead you to success. Stephanie Callahan, a 1999 graduate with a degree in Equine Science, shared her journey.

“Now I am a Financial Controller at a company. You don’t have to do what you go to school for, but going to school is still the greatest experience you can have. You really just need to learn how to learn, and then it doesn’t matter what you do after that.” – Stephanie Callahan

Stephanie also met her husband, Patrick Callahan, at DelVal. He majored in Horticulture and Environmental Design, and they graduated together in 1999. Patrick expressed his appreciation for DelVal’s hands-on experiences and small class sizes.

In addition to its emphasis on experiential learning, Delaware Valley University fosters close collaboration between professors, advisors, and industry professionals—many of whom are alumni. Matthew Hostrander, a 2002 graduate in Agronomy and Environmental Science with a specialization in Soil Science, supports students through the E360 program. He helps them prepare for life after graduation by sharing insights into the career world. Matthew now works as a professional Soil Scientist and private consultant for an engineering firm.

The ongoing support and opportunities that DelVal students receive from alumni are truly unmatched. Despite the rainy weather, many returned to campus to reunite with friends, classmates, and professors to celebrate the 75th Annual A-Day.