The fall semester at Delaware Valley University was filled with academic milestones, hands-on learning experiences, community partnerships and campus-wide celebrations. As students, faculty and staff embraces opportunities both on and off campus, DelVal continued to live out its mission of experiential learning, service and innovation. Here’s a look back at some of the standout moments that defined the Fall Semester and made saying goodbye to 2025 so bittersweet.

 

The Great Allentown Fair – August 28

On the second night of the Great Allentown Fair, the Lehigh County Agricultural Society held its Agricultural Recognition Night. The night aimed to reward the achievements of local farmers, gardeners and homemakers and highlight the vital role that youth have in the future of agriculture. Among the winners, The Great Allentown Fair Foundation awarded Skylar Horack ’29, Zoie James ’28 and Lyndsey Smith ’29 each a $500 scholarship.

 

DVB AALAS Honors DelVal Faculty, Staff and Students – September 10

Julia Krout ’04, assistant professor of animal biotechnology and conservation at DelVal, was installed as president of the Delaware Valley Branch of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (DVB AALAS) for 2025-26 after serving as vice president in 2024. Krout also received the Animal Care Training Services (ACTS) Training and Education Award.

Three DelVal students received the DVB AALAS J.J. Noonan Scholarship, comprising 75% of the total scholarship recipients:

• Kaitlyn Jackson ’25, small animal science major, animal science minor
• Kaleigh Lynch ’28 , zoo science major, honors program
• Elizabeth Oresto ’27, small animal science major

Becky Hughes, manager of the Small Animal Science Center at DelVal, received the Source Center Inc. Dr. Robert A. Roosa Regulatory Compliance Award. The award honors outstanding accomplishment in regulatory compliance I support of laboratory animal science.

 

Doylestown Pride/BAS Colloquium – September 17

DelVal School of Business, Arts and Sciences (BAS) and Doylestown Pride Festival hosted The Power of Grief: Transforming Mourning into Momentum During Times of Loss, Fear and Uncertainty in LGBTQ+ Communities. The event was moderated by Audrey Ervin Ph.D., professor of counseling psychology and Doylestown Pride co-founder, and was part of DelVal’s BAS series Question It! Change It! Chaos as the New Normal.

 

Center for Plant Excellence Event – September 29

Dr. Carla D. Garzon, holder of the K.H. Littlefield Endowed Professorship of Plant Science, serves on the Center for Plant Excellence’s board at its hemp and specialty crop expert. Garzon plays a key role in evaluating grant applications. Garzon’s role with the Center for Plant Excellence reflects the expertise she brings to both her field and her students at DelVal. Through her research, teaching and mentorship, she continues to strengthen DelVal’s reputation in plant science while inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders.

 

Harvest Festival – October 3

DelVal’s chapter of MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences) hosted its annual Harvest Festival on the quad to celebrate the fall season. The festival included music, games, club displays, food and hayrides to the pumpkin patch on South Campus. 

 

Fourth Annual DelVal Parx Equine Day – October 7

Delaware Valley Univeristy equine students spent a day at Parx Casino Racetrack, where they explored another facet of the equine industry through out-of-classroom experiences and professional insight. Before each of the first five races, one student’s name was drawn to receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association (PTHA).

 

Physician Assistant White Coat Ceremony – October 9

Our physician assistant studies students earned their long white coats, marking the completion of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS). The long white coat worn by physician assistants symbolizes the transition from student to a practicing professional, and a commitment to perform their duties with honesty and dedication.

 

Cornell Nutrition Conference – October 22

The 2025 Cornell Nutrition Conference (CNC), one of the nation’s leading gatherings for animal science and nutrition, took place this past October. On the second day of the conference, Dr. Keith Ou, assistant professor of animal biotechnology and conservation, presented his research on egg nutrition. Dr. Ou’s research focused on feeding vitamins, particularly one’s humans often have a deficiency of, to chickens in order to produce eggs that are higher in those vitamins. As a result, humans could eat the eggs, something many people already do, instead of taking a vitamin or pill every day, allowing humans lead healthier lives with minimal lifestyle changes.

 

Watson Executive-in-Residence – October 22

Delaware Valley University welcomed Emmy-nominated TV host and producer Alex Boylan as the fall 2025 Watson Executive in Resident (WEIR). Boylan, who rose to prominence as the winner of CBS’s The Amazing Race and has since built a successful career in television and digital media, shared his story of career exploration and perseverance. He described how his professional path began with a desire to travel and tell stories, and how he pivoted from international business to a career built around adventure and connection.

This year’s program carried a special significance, as it honored the memory of Dr. Watson, who passed away on Nov. 17, 2024. The event opened with a video tribute highlighting moments from Dr. Watson’s life and career, as well as personal reflections from many of those who loved him, including Judee who reminisced about their story and the love they shared.
Following the tribute, Andrew Vernieri ’25, this year’s WEIR Scholarship recipient, expressed his gratitude to the Watsons for their generosity and commitment to supporting DelVal students.

 

Healing the Planet – October 24

DelVal was among 37 recipients of a 2025 Healing the Planet grant. This project was funded by Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Healing the Planet Grant Program with support from The GIANT Company. Faculty member Joe Theesfeld led the project on campus with his Basic Plant Management course, and the tree were planted near the retention basin next to the Admission Cottage and Entrance. The project introduced 10 pawpaw trees and eight serviceberry trees, both native to Pennsylvania. The trees were purchased from alumnus Chris Uhland ’02, president of operations and business development at Harmony Hill Nursery.

 

Homecoming – October 24-25

DelVal’s Homecoming weekend brought together alumni, students, families, faculty, staff and friends to celebrate shared traditions and achievements. The weekend began on Friday, Oct. 24 with campus tours led by our Rambassadors, followed by lunch in Levin and tours of our freight farm and greenhouse facilities. The Class of 1975 celebrated their 50th reunion at Terrain Gardens at DelVal, where the Alumni Happy Hour and Alumni Achievement Awards were also held that night. On Saturday, Oct. 25, alumni, friends, families, students, faculty and staff enjoyed our tailgate, student farmers market and football game. Aggies celebrated a 41-38 Homecoming win over Stevenson.

 

FFA American Degree – November 1

Sophomore Kaleigh Lynch, zoo science major, received the American FFA Degree, the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization, during the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo. The National FFA Organization’s American Degree honors members who have shown a drive and commitment towards personal growth, leadership and career success through agricultural education. The award requires at least 2,250 working hours outside of class, at least 50 hours of community service and a minimum of $2,00 earned, or they must earn $10,000. Less than 1% of members achieve the American FFA Degree.

 

Buck’s County Opportunity Council’s 60th Anniversary Gala – November 14

DelVal was awarded the Bucks County Opportunity Council’s (BCOC) Building Bridges Community Impact Award during its 60th Anniversary Gala. Each year, BCOC presents this award to a community partner that demonstrates exceptional leadership in supporting low-income families, promoting pathways out of poverty and inspiring others to take action. The award particularly celebrates DelVal’s Hope of the Harvest charitable garden, which embodies BCOC’s vision of neighbors helping neighbors. Through partnerships with BCOC, Philabundance, the United Way of Bucks County, the Land O’Lakes Foundation, the Reinvestment Fund, and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, Hope of the Harvest works to combat hunger affecting more than 1.5 million Pennsylvanians. Each year, the garden provides more than 50,000 pounds of fresh produce to over 10,000 families in need, while also offering students, faculty and staff meaningful opportunities to serve their community.

 

6th Annual Spark Bowl – November 29

Delaware Valley University (DelVal) held its sixth annual Spark Bowl, a “Shark Tank”-style competition brings together entrepreneurs, students and community members for an evening of innovation and real-world problem solving. Bottimals – Bottle-Loveys for Babies earned first place and a $12,000 prize for their creative and compassionate product designed to help infants transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding. Mojoz GummiCone captured second place, earning $6,000 for its innovative edible candy cone designed for frozen desserts. 

Each year, contestants are paired with a student team consisting of DelVal business students. If their business wins, the company and the student team are awarded monetary prizes. This year, a student was one of the contestants as well. Brandon Haniff ’26 presented his business, BH Botanicals, a natural skincare brand. Haniff took home third place and $3,000.

 

As 2025 comes to an end, and with it our semester, these highlights serve as a reminder of what makes DelVal unique. Whether though academic achievement, leadership, service or celebration, the fall semester showcased the many ways Aggies are shaping their fields and strengthening the communities around them. We can’t wait to see what else our Aggies take on in 2026! Happy Holidays, DelVal!s

Stressing about finals? You are not alone. Stress, while normal, can be difficult to manage. Luckily, the DelVal psychology department is here to help with tips for managing your stress, especially during finals week!

 

Tackle in Small Chunks

Break your final assignments and study time down into small chunks. Worrying and trying to mentally focus on everything at once can cause feelings of overwhelm and make it feel impossible to complete.

- Dr. Brianna Morgis

 

Tend to the Basics

When we have a lot to do, sometimes we forget to focus on the simple things like staying hydrated. During times of stress, keep a water bottle handy, eat every few hours to regulate blood sugar and take scheduled breaks.

- Dr. Audrey Ervin

 

Avoid All-Nighters

Make sure you get plenty of sleep. A regular lack of sleep is correlated with depressive-like symptoms such as irritability, a weakened immune system and impaired ability to retain information in our memory. This is why cramming for exams on little sleep rarely works!

- Dr. Brianna Morgis

 

Create a Nightly Ritual

Do something every night to help you relax before going to sleep. It can be as simple as lighting a candle or doing some breathing exercises for 10 minutes. We’re often busy trying to keep track of so many things, we can get overwhelmed. Our sleep may not feel restful because our minds are still actively trying to work through all the information. Creating a relaxing habit can help ensure good, restful sleep!

- Dr. Allison Buskirk-Cohen

 

Stay Active 

Do something active every day, no matter how small. Even just getting outside and taking a short walk around campus can help you reset.

- Dr. Brianna Morgis

 

Set a timer for 10 minutes to stretch, go for a walk or change your scenery. 

- Dr. Audrey Ervin

 

Eat and Drink Healthy

Set aside time to prep your meals and make sure you have access to nutritious drinks, snacks and food in general. The food and drinks that are most convenient usually don’t offer the best nutrition. We need to fuel our bodies properly so we have lasting energy and avoid spikes/crashes that can lead to exhaustion and illness.

- Dr. Allison Buskirk-Cohen

 

Limit Distractions 

Turn off reminders (except for break reminders) on your phone and try the focus features that keep electronic communication to a minimum. Apps such as Freedom can help you set limits on digital distractions.

- Dr. Audrey Ervin

 

Practice Gratitude 

It can be easy to hone in on how stressful life it in the moment or things in our lives that are going wrong. When this happens, stop and write down at least one thing that you are thankful for or one positive thing that has happened to you so far that day. Again, no matter how small, this can help with the runaway thinking that sometimes happens when we feel stressed and overwhelmed.

- Dr. Brianna Morgis

 

Practice Mindfulness, Even Outside of Stressful Periods

Many people believe that mindfulness is clearing your mind. That’s untrue. Mindfulness is the process of bringing your attention back to a repeated stimuli, such as the breath. Mindfulness can be formal or informal, but whichever works best for you, research shows that consistent practice can impact distress tolerance, lower emotional reactivity and increase psychological well-being.

If you would like to learn more about practicing mindfulness, check out the Mindfulness Meditation course led by Dr. Audrey Ervin. The course, open to all students, teaches the principles of practice, helps you develop your own meditation practice and apply skills to daily life. Visit Mindfulness Meditation’s Course Catalog description for more information.

- Dr. Audrey Ervin

 

Contributors:

Dr. Allison Buskirk-Cohen

Dr. Allison Buskirk-Cohen is a professor and the honors program director at Delaware Valley University. In her roles, she researches the influence of professor-student relationships on student success. She earned her master’s of developmental psychology from Columbia University and her Ph.D. in human development from University of Maryland.

Dr. Audrey Ervin

Dr. Audrey Ervin is the academic director of Delaware Valley University’s graduate counseling psychology program and is a practicing, licensed psychologist. She earned her Ph.D. in counseling psychology at the University of Memphis and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Delaware.

Dr. Brianna Morgis

Dr. Brianna Morgis is an assistant professor of counseling psychology at Delaware Valley University and a marriage and family therapist. She earned her master’s degree in couple and family therapy from Thomas Jefferson University and her Ph.D. from Drexel University in couple and family therapy. 

Tip 1: Plan and Prioritize

• Get ahead of the game. If you haven’t already, start studying now! Procrastination eats away at your study time and will only increase your stress
• Make a study schedule to help map out everything you need to review and determine exactly how much time you anticipate needing to study. Be sure to give yourself extra time for classes or chapters that will be particularly challenging.
• Prioritize your study time by sorting class materials into one of three categories:
  • This will definitely be on the exam
  • This is very likely to be on the exam

  • This only has a possibility of being on the exam

     

Tip 2: Form a study group

• Work together with friends or peers from your classes. Studying together can give you different perspectives of the material, help you work through tough concepts and compare notes in case you missed anything.
• Working with others can help keep you accountable for your study schedule. You’re less likely to procrastinate when you schedule a study session with other people versus planning to study alone in your dorm
• One of the best ways to remember something is to teach it to someone else. Take turns “teaching” each other the material, quiz each other and ensure you each have a full understanding of the topics

 

Tip 3: Get creative

• Test out different studying methods and tools to see what works best for you. Everyone studies and retains information differently. For some, flashcards work best. For others, creating a mnemonic device is the easiest way. Some people need to approach the material in a creative way, such as writing a song about it. If focus is the issue, you might find some type of reward system helps you stay motivated, such as eating a gummy bear each time you finish reading a page of the textbook.

• After determining what works best for you, don’t be afraid to try other methods as well. Sometimes a combination of methods and tools is the best way to keep your brain engaged in the material. After reading the textbook, make flashcards of the key points. After quizzing yourself, teach the material to a friend. 

   

Tip 4: Don’t forget to rest

• As your finals approach and the amount of time left for studying gets smaller and smaller, you may be tempted to give up some sleep to spend more time studying. This decision, however, can hurt more than it helps. Not getting sleep can increase your stress, decrease your ability to focus and make it much harder for you to retain information.

  • Similarly, taking breaks is very important when studying. Your brain is a muscle, and just like every other muscle in your body, it needs time to rest and recharge. When you take breaks, your studying become more effective because your brain will be better able to focus and retain information when it’s rested. Take 20 minutes to sit on the Quad, stop by Levin for a snack or just sit outside and Touch Grass ™. 

     

Tip 5: Get rid of distractions

• When preparing to study, be sure to remove as many distractions as possible from your environment and be honest with yourself about what this looks like. If you can’t focus with noise, head to Krauskopf Library for a quiet space. If you think your phone will distract you, put it on Do Not Disturb or leave it in your dorm while you study. If you need some sound, put headphone on and listen to music. Classical, while not everyone’s cup of tea, has been shown to boost productivity and increase focus.

   

Tip 6: Take a breath and take that first step

• Finals are stressful and can be daunting. Sometimes that stress makes it difficult to even begin studying. If you’re not sure where to start, pick the first class you have your first final for and start from the beginning of the material. Once you get going, the rest of the process becomes much easier.
• There are also several resources on campus to help you prepare
  • Krauskopf Library
    • Resource searching
    • Help direct you to the study area that best suits your preferred studying environment
    • Research guides and consultations
    • Help evaluating reliable resources
  • Student Support – Segal Hall
    • Meet with an advisor to help establish/improve study habits
    • Connect you with tutors
    • Provide general support through your academic journey
  • Writing Center – Miller Hall
    • Help with any stage of writing from choosing a topic to peer reviewing your final copy of a paper
  • Counseling Services – Elson Hall
    • Receive support in dealing with the stress and pressure of the end of the semester with counseling sessions

Tip 1: Plan and Prioritize

• Get ahead of the game. If you haven’t already, start studying now! Procrastination eats away at your study time and will only increase your stress
• Make a study schedule to help map out everything you need to review and determine exactly how much time you anticipate needing to study. Be sure to give yourself extra time for classes or chapters that will be particularly challenging.
• Prioritize your study time by sorting class materials into one of three categories:
  • This will definitely be on the exam
  • This is very likely to be on the exam
  • This only has a possibility of being on the exam

 

Tip 2: Form a study group

• Work together with friends or peers from your classes. Studying together can give you different perspectives of the material, help you work through tough concepts and compare notes in case you missed anything.
• Working with others can help keep you accountable for your study schedule. You’re less likely to procrastinate when you schedule a study session with other people versus planning to study alone in your dorm
• One of the best ways to remember something is to teach it to someone else. Take turns “teaching” each other the material, quiz each other and ensure you each have a full understanding of the topics

 

Tip 3: Get creative

• Test out different studying methods and tools to see what works best for you. Everyone studies and retains information differently. For some, flashcards work best. For others, creating a mnemonic device is the easiest way. Some people need to approach the material in a creative way, such as writing a song about it. If focus is the issue, you might find some type of reward system helps you stay motivated, such as eating a gummy bear each time you finish reading a page of the textbook.
• After determining what works best for you, don’t be afraid to try other methods as well. Sometimes a combination of methods and tools is the best way to keep your brain engaged in the material. After reading the textbook, make flashcards of the key points. After quizzing yourself, teach the material to a friend. 

Tip 4: Don’t forget to rest

• As your finals approach and the amount of time left for studying gets smaller and smaller, you may be tempted to give up some sleep to spend more time studying. This decision, however, can hurt more than it helps. Not getting sleep can increase your stress, decrease your ability to focus and make it much harder for you to retain information.
  • Similarly, taking breaks is very important when studying. Your brain is a muscle, and just like every other muscle in your body, it needs time to rest and recharge. When you take breaks, your studying become more effective because your brain will be better able to focus and retain information when it’s rested. Take 20 minutes to sit on the Quad, stop by Levin for a snack or just sit outside and Touch Grass ™. 

Tip 5: Get rid of distractions

• When preparing to study, be sure to remove as many distractions as possible from your environment and be honest with yourself about what this looks like. If you can’t focus with noise, head to Krauskopf Library for a quiet space. If you think your phone will distract you, put it on Do Not Disturb or leave it in your dorm while you study. If you need some sound, put headphone on and listen to music. Classical, while not everyone’s cup of tea, has been shown to boost productivity and increase focus.

Tip 6: Take a breath and take that first step

• Finals are stressful and can be daunting. Sometimes that stress makes it difficult to even begin studying. If you’re not sure where to start, pick the first class you have your first final for and start from the beginning of the material. Once you get going, the rest of the process becomes much easier.
• There are also several resources on campus to help you prepare
  • Krauskopf Library
    • Resource searching
    • Help direct you to the study area that best suits your preferred studying environment
    • Research guides and consultations
    • Help evaluating reliable resources
  • Student Support – Segal Hall
    • Meet with an advisor to help establish/improve study habits
    • Connect you with tutors
    • Provide general support through your academic journey
  • Writing Center – Miller Hall
    • Help with any stage of writing from choosing a topic to peer reviewing your final copy of a paper
  • Counseling Services – Elson Hall
    • Receive support in dealing with the stress and pressure of the end of the semester with counseling sessions

A Friendsgiving is a wonderful tradition to begin with your chosen family. It’s a chance for you to take a break from the academics, get together with your closest friends for a meal comprised of something other than dining hall pizza. Preparing a Friendsgiving can seem difficult or daunting, especially on a student budget, but keep reading for some tips on how to make the most of your college Friendsgiving. 

 

1. Share the wealth and the work!

An entire meal is a lot for one person, especially a Thanksgiving meal. Divide the work by the food and supplies you’ll need so that each person is bringing at least one thing.

To keep it all organized, consider using a Google Doc or a shared Note. Not only can everyone contribute ideas of what to bring, but everyone can sign up for what they want to take care of by writing their name next to the item in the shared list.

2. Keep it simple!

The tradition is more about your friendship than the food. Keep it simple and have fun with it! Don’t feel obligated to make the traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Buy a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or make some lunch-meat sandwiches. Microwave mashed potatoes with a little butter can taste just as good as ones you spent 20 minutes mashing in a dorm kitchen.

This shopping list/budget shows how you can create a meal for 10 for less than $50 and the most cooking you’ll need to do is push the buttons on the microwave.

Sample Shopping List:

• Rotisserie Chicken - $3.97
  • For a group of 10, get three - $11.91
• Mashed Potatoes – $2.97 ea.
  • For a group of 10, get two - $5.94
• Microwavable Vegetables - $0.99
  • For a group of 10, get two - $1.98
• Cranberry Sauce - $1.66
• Stuffing - $1.79
  • For a group of 10, get two - $3.58
• Rolls - $2.28
  • One pack would be enough for 10, but we recommend getting two because who ever eats just one roll? - $4.56
• Mac and Cheese - $2.97
  • For a group of 10, get two - $5.94
• Butter - $1.99
• Gravy - $1.00
• Cookies - $4.71
• 2-Liter Soda - $1.78
  • For a group of 10, get three - $5.34

Total: $48.61 + tax

 

3. Consider your space

Depending upon how many people you have, your dorm may be a little small for a Friendsgiving. At the same time, Levin might not be the right vibes. Consider some of these great campus spots:

• South Hall, 1st Floor Lounge
• Ulman Hall, 1st Floor Lounge
• Centennial Hall, Basement Game Room(s)
• Samuel Hall, First Floor Lounge
• Cooke Hall, First Floor Lounge

Don’t forget to take these into consideration when picking your location:

• Are there likely to be people studying in this location on the night of our Friendsgiving?
• Is there enough seating for everyone?
• If we’re cooking, is the kitchen close by or will we need to transport all the cooked food to our location?
• Is there enough table space to store all the food and to eat at?

 

4. The food’s important, but what about the supplies?

Everyone’s favorite part is the food, but you’ll still need utensils and plates. Some friends in your group may have some, but you’ll likely need more. Disposable is easiest because everyone can just throw it away when they’re done and no one gets stuck doing all the dishes. Here’s what we anticipate you’ll need:

• Forks
• Knives
• Spoons
• Plates
• Cups
• Napkins

Be sure to keep in mind, if you’re cooking anything, you’ll also want to bring some hand towels to put under any hot dishes on the tables. 

 

5. Set the atmosphere

While a campus building isn’t always the best place to feel the party vibes, having playlist with all your favorites is a great way to get the party started. Consider creating a shared playlist on Spotify, so you can all add songs.

Or, check out this Spotify playlist, which has music for every taste!

Something as simple as plates with turkeys on them or some inexpensive decorations from the dollar store can also make a big difference in adding a homey touch to your table.

 

Friendsgiving is a time to bring together those family members you’ve added since beginning your time at DelVal. A Friendsgiving meal doesn’t have to be elaborate, large or even resemble a traditional Thanksgiving meal. All that matters is gathering your loved ones and making memories together.

 

Hosting a Friendsgiving on campus? Share photos and tag us @delawarevalleyuniversity or #DelValCampusLife

Founded over 125 years ago, Delaware Valley University has been host to a number of hauntingly suspicious events. Students recount tales of ominous voices, chilling halls and dark figures lurking around campus. Prepare yourself. For the legends told below are not for the faint of heart. Continue reading… if you DARE!

 

Our first story comes from an old article written for the Ram Pages in March of 1986. Student Annmarie Whitesell tells a chilling tale of a lingering spirit in the Krauskopf Memorial Library.

 

Unfinished Business

I, being of sound scientific mind and holding on to a decent GPA, do not believe in ghosts. Well, not until this semester. You see, I have picked up the habit of studying in the library and, as anyone will tell you, your mind will do funny things when bored and studying.

I was moving through my reading material at an astounding rate when suddenly, out of nowhere, I heard this voice, with a slight accent.

‘Interesting. Very interesting.’

I looked around. ‘What? Did anyone say something?’

It was close to closing and no one was around. No one studies until 10:45 p.m. on a Thursday night in the library. I hadn’t noticed anyone passing by the entrance of the reading room, so I simply ascribed it to the wind playing with some leaves on the porch or the trees brushing against the library walls. I packed up my belongings to go back to the dorm. Then, I heard that voice again.

‘I was talking to you, child.’

OK, I had had it. No one plays with my mind the night before an exam.

‘Whoever is doing this, you can knock it off!”

The librarian came up and told me to be quiet or I could leave. She must have thought I was losing my mind because she didn’t believe me when I told her someone was hiding in Dr. Krauskopf’s room. She flipped on the switch and said, ‘See, no one’s there. Now go get some rest.’

It would have ended there, but on several other occasions when I have studied late, Dr. Krauskopf’s voice comes to ask me questions. He still wants to know how I got into school since I’m a girl, and how can I get music out of such a small piece of equipment without anyone hearing it but me. He was referring to my Sony Walkman.

Maybe Dr. Krauskopf’s ghost doesn’t exist and it’s my active imagination.

 

The current library was built per Dr. Krauskopf’s will following his death. So, despite housing Dr. Krauskopf’s ashes and personal collection of books, he never actually stepped foot in the current library… at least… not alive. But perhaps his spirit lingers anyway and he makes his presence known via echoing footsteps through the staircases. Flash forward to 2019 and read the spine-chilling experience of Nick Gammaitoni as he too attempted to study in the Krauskopf Memorial Library.

 

the library staircase

My experience occurred in fall of 2019 when I was in the lower part of the library. I had gone there for a quiet place I could catch up on work and an assignment I had fallen behind on. The library was basically empty aside from one or two students and as I opened the door to walk downstairs they got up and started walking towards the exit. I walked downstairs and found a seat closest to the exit back upstairs and began working.

I think no more than 15 minutes passed before I began to hear noise. It was creaks and taps and occasional loud knocking but I knew old buildings make those noises so I didn’t even consider it. Soon after I heard what I assumed were students walking on the floor above.  I then heard the sound of the upstairs door closing and descending footsteps followed as if someone was coming. But those footsteps then stopped about halfway down and nobody ever came out of the stairwell. “Huh?” I thought as I stopped my work. My ADHD brain immediately went wild with possibilities. Was this the ghost I’d been hearing about? The other part of me said “great. Another mind distraction to slow me down” curiosity built, I had to take a peak up the stairs. I peaked my head around the corner to find the stairwell was deserted. They could’ve gone back upstairs before ever making it downstairs but I only heard the door once. And that door is loud. Frustrated with my own state of distraction, I shook it off and finished my work. As I walked back upstairs and past the front desk I noticed someone sitting there. Explained what I had heard and asked her if she’d seen anyone go down stairs in the past 20 minutes. She looked at me like I had 3 heads and said “no I didn’t”. However she did say a couple students did enter the library but that they all stayed upstairs and that she didn’t hear or see the door open at any time.

Bewildered, slightly weirded out, but also excited, I fast walked out and exited the library. Who.. or what did I hear that walked down the stairs?

 

AH I have chills! I may be avoiding the library for a little while… but the library isn’t the only place where mysterious figures have visited students. 

 

Ulman Hell

Ulman Hall, built in 1923, is the oldest dormitory on campus. Though there’s no confirmed record of any deaths within its walls, students whisper otherwise. Evidence may be scarce, but the presence that prowls those halls doesn’t seem to care.

It’s your freshman year of college and you’ve been living in Ulman for just over four months. You and your roommate have gotten along well, but even still, you can’t help but feel a little excited when they say they’re going to spend the weekend at home. It’s nothing against them; you’re just ready for a night to yourself again. Unfortunately, you soon discover you’re not as alone as you thought.

Around 2 a.m., something pulls you from sleep. There, in the doorway, stands a figure. You quickly sit up thinking someone has broken into your room, but the figure doesn’t move. It’s perfectly still, like eerily so. Despite the light spilling in from the hallway, you can’t make out a face. No features at all. Just a shape. Flat, dark, almost two-dimensional. As if a shadow had peeled itself from the wall and decided to stand on its own.

You squeeze your eyes shut hoping it will be gone when you reopen them, but instead the figure remains.

 It extends an arm…

reaching out for you… 

…and suddenly your fear turns to anguish and pain. You close your eyes as you wince and curl your body into a ball. You look back to the figure, fearing what may come next. When you look up, though, the figure is gone and with it, the pain goes to. Your only evidence of the experience being the hallway light flooding in through the still open door.

After a few calming breaths, you lie back down and attempt to go back to sleep. You recall other students having shared similar stories and campus folklore tells of a student who died on the third floor. Was that the student? Were you feeling their pain from the moments of their death? 

When you can’t fall back asleep, you search for answers online. Your search turns up nothing. Maybe you had just dreamt the entire thing. After all, if no one died in the building, whose ghost would be hanging around and for what? 

Just before you give up on finding answers, one final thread catches your eye. You read of the first building on campus, Pioneer Hall. Pioneer Hall burnt down during a student protest in 1923… the same year Ulman was built… 

The protests, the fire, the dismissal of several students that same day. It all blurs together in your mind. What if one never made it out of the flames? What if they were thought to have fled, when in truth, the fire claimed them with the same greed with which it claimed Pioneer Hall.

Maybe they’re still here, bound to the stones salvaged from the ashes. Maybe they’re waiting... watching… searching for a way to free themselves from the building that entombed them.

And until they can, they’ll keep reminding every student who calls Ulman home: the past isn’t gone. It’s just buried… under the very building they’ve come to call home… at least for now.

 

It turns out the DelVal community is a little larger than we thought. Although, these stories bring a whole new meaning to “Once an aggie, always an aggie.” Our next story tells of an evil villain and an unlikely hero. They say curiosity killed the cat, but at DelVal… it was the squirrel who learned what power really means…

 

Sparky’s Surge

It was February 22, 2017, and the night began like any other on campus. Students were preparing to go to evening classes, lights flickered in dorm windows and cheers echoed from the gym where a playoff basketball game was underway. No one could have predicted that within minutes, the entire university would be plunged into darkness.

Somewhere near the edge of campus, a squirrel, small, quick and curious, scurried along a powerline towards the transformer. For Sparky the Squirrel, it was just another night to forage, to climb and to search for the perfect chew to shave down his teeth.

The transformer loomed ahead, humming like a beast asleep. Its wires coiled and snaked along the ground, pulsing with a strange blue light that danced faintly in the dark. The sound drew Sparky closer. Soft at first. Then louder. Rhythmic. Almost inviting.

He crept closer, pausing on the metal casing. The hum wasn’t just sound; it was a vibration. Deep and constant, rising through his paws. It called to him like a heartbeat. The warmth of it was comforting in the cold February air.

A single spark jumped.

Sparky froze. The air buzzed, sharp and electric. The hum deepened into something darker. Something alive. He tilted his head, nose twitching with a hesitant curiosity. That’s when the wire moved.

To anyone else, it would have been imperceptible, just a flicker of current, but to Sparky, it was as if the machine had awakened. He knew why fate had brought him here. This monstrosity was supplying the power that kept students in class. It must be stopped. Sparky, with more heroism in his tiny squirrel pinky than most have in their entire body, prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice. He lunged forward, teeth bared, and used every ounce of strength he had to pierce the thickest wire of the beast.

Heat began to emanate from the transformer as it grew angrier. The air hissed, the hum roared and then came the FLASH!

It was blinding.. A burst of blue light lit up the sky, cracking through the night like lightning.

Across campus, lights flickered and died. Computers went black. Dorms fell silent.

Smoke began to pour from South Hall, curling upward like a signal to the heavens. Students screamed and fled into the night as alarms pierced the stillness. Evening classes were cancelled. The playoff basketball game, already underway, stopped mid-play and would not resume until the next day.

By morning, the truth had spread. Electricians had investigated the cause and the power outage had been traced to one small, innocent squirrel. Sparky, our squirrel who searched for light in the darkest of times, was found lying on the ground. Motionless. Lifeless.

As the story spread, students began growing suspicious. The more the story was told, the less it sounded like an accident. Some began to whisper that the transformer wasn’t just a machine. It was hungry. Alive.

Every few years, power will flicker for no reason. Lights will dim or strange vibrations can be felt through the dorm walls, as though something beneath the ground was stirring again.

Now, on cold February nights, when the wind hisses through the power lines, students swear they can hear a faint scratching sound like tiny claws against metal. Desperate and rhythmic.

If you listen closely, you might hear it too: a crackle of static, a low electric hum and the whisper of a warning carried on the current.

Sparky wasn’t the first. And the transformer still waits.

 

Let these stories be a warning: study hard. Keep your wits about you. And hopefully the scariest thing to come for you, is your final grade.

Have a safe and spooky Halloween, DelVal!

I was looking for a school that has small class sizes and dedicated teachers who encourage hands-on learning. 

Naromie is a 4+1 student whom is completing her undergraduate degree this summer, then moving fully into the Master's in Management and Organizational Leadership curriculum in Fall 2025. Learn about the Master's in Management and Organizational Leadership program. And, learn more about our 4+1 opportunities. DelVal's 4 + 1 programs give you the opportunity to graduate with your bachelor's and master's degrees in just five years.

My Professional Journey

A few months before completing my bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies in the general business and psychology program, I started working in January 2025 at Brookdale Senior Living Solution as a Clare Bridge Program Coordinator/Activities Director. In this role I am in charge of the life enrichment department where I create and implement the monthly activities calendar, function as the Facebook editor for the community, provide oversight to their volunteer program as well as assuming the role of Executive Director in his/her absence. Brookdale Senior Living is a great place to work with wonderful residents and caring staff. They have reciprocated that feeling back to me by recently giving me a 6% raise accompanied by an Every Day Hero award which comes with a bonus and extra PTO. I am so proud to work there. I love my job because I went back to school to be in a position to influence patient outcome and I feel that this position allows me to use my creativity to do that.

My DelVal Experience

The professors at DelVal have helped me in so many ways. Professor Emily Adams (also a DelVal alumna) has stayed up with me past 10 p.m. at night helping me to complete course work and special projects. Professor Lu would meet with me on zoom over the weekends in the evenings because that is when I would have time with my busy work schedule, and my advisors Professor Jessica McCall and Jessica Schmitt would answer my calls even when they are away on vacations or out of office. Professor Christine Seel has been a great mentor. Dean Dr. Andrew Moyer and Dr. Laura Viel have helped me to get involved on campus and give back to the community. I have been invited to lunches and many seminars where I get to talk to the financial aid staff and met the President and Provost of the school who assured me of their support. There are so many wonderful memories that I have from being at DelVal.

Internships

I completed an internship at my second job with Brooke Glen Behavioral Health, which is another great place to work. I learned some leadership, analytical, and critical thinking skills there as well.

My Current Role

While I did my internship at the hospital I work at on the weekends, DelVal played a big part in my education. DelVal's Experience II course helped me to evaluate what is really important to me when it comes to choosing a career. It provided me with questionnaires and activities to not only figure out what I want to do, but what am I good at? And, how to go about obtaining those skills to get to where I want to be. In my role at Brookdale Senior Living Solutions, I create and implement the monthly calendar, act as the Facebook editor, provide oversight to their volunteer program and assume the role of Executive Director in his/her absence.

If you have a dream go for it. It's never too late, you're never too old to go after it. I think choosing the right school is equally as important. Choose Delaware Valley University, here you are not just a number. The faculty take pride in what they do and they truly want to see you succeed.