Welcome to the inaugural UD Convening on Character Development! The day features collaborative discussions on Definitional Consensus, Assessing Character, and University Coordination. As part of the Educating Character Initiative (ECI) grant, this convening is focused on advancing character development across undergraduate programs at UD by bringing together faculty, staff, and administrators to explore opportunities and challenges to this work. This initiative aligns with UD’s missional value of ethical development, specifically intellectual curiosity, creativity, integrity, respect, civility, and leadership.
Please join us for all or a portion of the day. Registration is requested.
Agenda
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Registration & Networking Breakfast
Welcome attendees with light refreshments and provide an opportunity for informal networking.
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
Introduction to the purpose of the convening, its goals, and the importance of character development at UD, framed around the themes of teaching implementation, assessment, and university-wide coordination.
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM | Fireside Chat: Heroes of Happiness
Insights into the significance of character development in leadership and undergraduate education, with a focus on past & present challenges and/or opportunities at the University of Delaware.
Dave Raymond, Hero of Happiness
Biographical Sketch: The Evolution of Happiness!®
From college student to an iconic figure in sports entertainment, Dave Raymond broke new ground as the original Phillie Phanatic.
For 16 years, his innovative approach to the art of mascots transformed the Philadelphia Phillies and propelled the Phanatic into global stardom, forever changing the mascot industry.
But Dave’s true passion goes far beyond the green fur. Building on the insights he gained from this one-of-a-kind experience, Dave transitioned seamlessly into entrepreneurship, founding Raymond Entertainment Group nearly two decades ago. Through his company, he’s reimagined character brands for Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, and universities, and launched the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2005. Yet, it is his dedication to teaching how fun can fuel genuine well-being that truly sets him apart.
In his keynote, The Evolution of Happiness, Dave shares how fun isn’t just an idea—it’s a proven process. While many discuss the value of fun, Dave lived it. He introduces his Power of Fun process, a roadmap to sustainable happiness, improving both personal and professional lives with ease. His mission? To inspire others to embrace joy as a critical tool for lasting fulfillment, health, and productivity.
Dave is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, author and brand consultant. His work has been highlighted on ABC, HBO, NPR, ESPN, The New York Times and Jimmy Kimmel Live. For more information, please find us at DaveRaymondSpeaks.
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM | Panel Discussion: Character Development Across UD – Opportunities & Challenges
Discussion on current efforts to develop student character through curricular and co-curricular activities such as the Honor Code, group assignments, internships, and athletics. Panelists will address concerns regarding university coordination and how to make character education explicit and synergized across campus.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Networking
Catered lunch with open seating for continued conversation and networking among faculty, staff, and other participants.
1:00PM – 2:00 PM | Breakout Sessions: Key Questions in Character Development
- Session 1 (Audion): How Do We Ethically Develop Real-Life Scenarios to Test Student Character?
Facilitators: Dr. Nicole Long, Assistant Vice President, Student Experience & Belonging; Jessica Ryan, Fraternity & Sorority Leadership and Learning; Matthew Creasy, University Student Centers; Dr. Regina Donato, Community Standards and Conflict Resolution; and Rachel Garcia, Student Diversity & Inclusion
Discussion on practical ways to implement character development in classroom and co-curricular activities, addressing questions of teaching and implementation.
- Session 2 (HR Classroom): How Do We Measure Character Development at UD?
Facilitators: Dr. Philip Gable, Professor of Psychological & Brain Sciences; and Jack Davis, Associate AD, Business Intelligence, Analytics and Strategy
Focus on the assessment and measurement of character, exploring methods and tools to track student growth in ethical reasoning and character traits.
- Session 3 (2nd Floor Conference Room): Coordinating Character Education Across UD
Facilitators: Dr. Tim Shaffer, Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Chair of Civil Discourse; and Dr. Johann Ducharme
Discussion on making character development explicit, omni-present, and coordinated throughout the university, with attention to respecting the diversity of values and definitions of “good character.”
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM | Roundtable Discussion: Strategic Directions for Character Development at UD
Facilitator: Dr. Dan Freeman, Founding Director of Horn Entrepreneurship
A collaborative discussion to brainstorm strategies for aligning character development across academic and student life departments. This session will focus on how character education can contribute to student flourishing (e.g., retention, success, job placement) and university flourishing (e.g., community building, reputation).
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Break
Short break for refreshments and transition to the next session.
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM | Synthesis & Next Steps: Building Momentum for Character Development
A discussion with select undergraduate student leaders, exploring their takeaways, input, and insights on character and leadership development at UD. This session will emphasize the importance of integrating student perspectives into efforts to coordinate character education and leadership initiatives.
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM | Closing Remarks
Concluding thoughts, gratitude to participants, and a look ahead to continuing efforts around character development at UD.
