The University of Delaware proudly welcomes the 2026-2027 Siegfried Fellows—the program's largest and most diverse cohort since its inception six years ago. Drawn from five colleges across the university, these emerging leaders will spend the next ten months refining their capacity to: Lead Change. Be Nimble. Cultivate Character.
Meet This Year's Siegfried Fellows
- Alissa Strahl, Entrepreneurship, Class of 2028
- Ava Barrera, Marine Science, Class of 2028
- Charlotte Worley, Management Information Systems, Class of 2028
- Christopher Runde, Entrepreneurship, Class of 2028
- Donnie Gemignani, Entrepreneurship, Class of 2028
- Emma Stiner, Entrepreneurship, Class of 2027
- Garrett Bonson, Entrepreneurship, Class of 2028
- Gwen Boyle, Entrepreneurship, Class of 2027
- Lange Gaspar, Leadership, Class of 2028
- Ilian Aigner, Entrepreneurship, Class of 2029
- Jaabir Robinson, Entrepreneurship, Class of 2028
- Jesse Wilson, Marketing, Class of 2028
- Justus Boccuti, Mathematics and Economics, Class of 2028
- Megan Anderson, Entrepreneurship, Class of 2027
- Michael Bitanga, Financial Planning and Wealth Management, Class of 2027
- Oluwatito Olubakinde, Computer Science, Class of 2027
- Owen Mathias, Entrepreneurship, Class of 2028
- Quinn McCormack, Operations Management, Class of 2027
At this year's orientation, each Fellow delivered a What Will You Lead? presentation outlining a plan for impact at UD and beyond. Interests ranged from creating new third spaces on campus and sparking change on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, to serving as Lead RAs, coaching youth baseball, launching new campus clubs, and building start-ups.
Orientation opened with reflection: Fellows were reminded that leadership often means preparing for roles that don't yet exist, and were challenged to consider how cultivating character will carry them into that uncertainty. Fellows explored engagement with core questions and ideas and what it means to be creative problem solvers, examining how the best new ideas are so often built by "stealing like an artist" and repurposing what came before. Being Nimble, they discussed overcoming groupthink, valuing disagreement and the absurd, and building a tolerance for dissonance and discomfort. Reflecting on Cultivating Character, they considered empathy, authenticity, courage, intellectual humility, and giving others the benefit of the doubt.
Through cohort-based learning, reflective practice, and engagement with regional and national leaders, Fellows will apply entrepreneurial mindsets—resilience, creative problem-solving, and purpose-driven action—to real challenges on campus and beyond.
Now in its sixth year, the Siegfried Fellows program continues to expand opportunity and impact, building a community where students grow in character, confidence, and influence.
ABOUT HORN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Horn Entrepreneurship serves as the creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement at the University of Delaware. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the U.S., Horn Entrepreneurship was built and is actively supported by successful entrepreneurs, empowering aspiring innovators as they pursue new ideas for a better world.
