2025: The Year Widener Went Big
So much happens in a year.
As we wind down 2025, we’re taking stock on all the great moments – big and small.
We know we can’t capture everything (you all did way too much), so we asked the real experts—you, the students—to share your favorite Widener moments in the video above. And wow, you delivered.
So, while we celebrate your wins and memorable moments of the year (we knew you’d crush that clinical), here’s what we’ll remember from 2025.
1.
What’s a year without a party, or three? We pinpointed the top festivities in 2025.
First-year students kicked off their college experience with backyard BBQs at the Billie Kirkbride House, hosted by President Stacey Robertson and Steve (aka HOP—Husband of the President) Smith. More than 250 students showed up for food, fun, finding new friends and learning what we mean when we say “you belong here.”
Fast-forward to May: our 2025 grads were the toast of the university during six (🤯) Chester-campus commencement ceremonies. More than 900 grads crossed the stage while proud family, friends, faculty and staff cheered them on. At this rate, we’re going to need a bigger tent.
Then, of course, there was Homecoming —the ultimate fall flex. Tailgate village, reunions and varsity matchups had the Chester campus buzzing as alumni and students came together to celebrate what makes the Pride unstoppable. Another record-breaking Homecoming in the books.
2.
Speaking of record-breaking, we made history this year with a $10 million gift from business alumnus Jack Dwyer ’78 and his wife Nancy to the nursing program, and with it came a new name—the Jack & Nancy Dwyer School of Nursing. Unveiled in October, this gift is all about building a stronger nursing workforce and creating career pathways. That’s a win-win-win.
3.
We rolled out the red carpets in Harrisburg and Wilmington for anniversary celebrations at both law schools. Alumni, students, faculty and staff glammed up and showed up to mark the special occasions—50 years of Delaware Law and 35 years of Commonwealth Law. Think big milestones, big crowds and even bigger pride.
4.
The Birds set the tone for a winning year back in February (remember that little shindig on Broad Street?) and the Pride didn’t skip a beat following suit on athletic excellence.
Women’s track and field cleaned up the MAC Championships taking first place at both indoor and outdoor championships. They put the 3-peat on repeat.
In the spring, track and field’s Matayo McGraw ’27 won the triple jump at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships while cross country’s Kathryn Long ran the fastest 6k time in program history this fall.
Oh, and the Philadelphia Union? Supporters’ Shield winners (aka they had the best record in the league) with a playoff run that has us dreaming of an MLS championship in 2026. Manifesting it.
5.
We love seeing new faces on campus. Whether it’s the nearly 1,000 new incoming and transfer students in the fall or new university leaders, our community gets stronger with each new member of the Pride.
We also welcomed Lt. Col. William Atwell as head of the military science department for the ROTC Dauntless Battalion and Audrey Snyder as dean of nursing. If you haven’t already, check out this Q&A with Dean Snyder.
6 7
These next two are 6 7. (Did we use that right? Asking for a friend).
Chester and Melrose got a makeover and gave us yet another reason to love them. Our favorite felines debuted a new, refreshed appearance at events all over campus. It’s giving Pride. It’s giving glow up.
We can’t do a recap without mentioning food (trust us, we tried). Widener Dining upped its game with new dishes and experiences—delish late-night eats, elevated dining vibes at Supper Club, epic collabs with international students, and boba tea at The Drop, just to name a few.
Not to mention Widener’s own award-winning Chef Matthew Clarke cleaned up with gold and bronze medals at the regional and national Aramark Culinary Excellence competitions.
8.
Last, but certainly not least, is the tear-jerker moment at Homecoming: the dedication of the Michelle M. Davis Belonging Lounge. Named for Widener’s vice president for inclusion and belonging, this space honors Davis’ incredible impact on campus and on scores of students. It’s more than a lounge—it’s a reminder that We’re All Widener.
