2026 Seitz Award winner

2026 Seitz Award winner and rising junior Ben Danlasky found his personal motto in an unexpected place: a free t-shirt.

"I was given a UD shirt when I became an RA that says 'Caring for the flock, one Blue Hen at a time,'" said Danlasky. "That's exactly what I intend to do."

The Mahwah, New Jersey, native interprets this sentiment as being a unifying leader, something he strives to be in multiple on-campus roles as a resident advisor, Blue Hen Ambassador and the director of outreach for the Student Government Association.

"What inspires me is giving back to the UD community and being known as someone my peers can rely on or go to for help," he said. "I remember my first year not knowing much about UD and being guided by my RA, upperclassmen and leadership. They all inspired me to lead in a deep, powerful way so that no one feels left out of place or left behind."

This commitment to inclusivity was one of several reasons Danlasky was nominated and chosen for this year's Seitz Award, a scholarship that recognizes first-year or sophomore students who exemplify "We Are Blue Hens" values.

"I interpret 'We Are Blue Hens' as being all one family and one community," said Danlasky. "I've seen the ways in which Blue Hens help one another and look after each other. This recognition meant a lot to me because it reflects the values of Student Life that I try to live out every day."

Unsurprisingly, the value he identifies with the most is mentorship.

"Mentorship resonates with me because I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of my peers, family and friends," he said. "Mentorship is why I give back in a meaningful way to a place that has given me so much."

Danlasky is putting the award money toward his education and intends to pursue law school to become an attorney after graduation. As a criminal justice and political science double major with a minor in legal studies, he participated in a study abroad program in London through the Department of Sociology and Criminology led by Aaron Fichtelberg and Eric Rise.

"The experience was held by my two favorite professors and throughout the trip, we went sightseeing around the UK on excursions, took walking tours and even got to see a live Parliament hearing," he said. "I learned from this experience that being a Blue Hen doesn't only happen or stay on campus; it's wherever our UD pride is."

For other UD students who aspire to win the Seitz Award one day, Danlasky encourages them not to follow his path, but to set their own.

"Be yourself and don't let any setbacks prevent you from chasing your dreams," he said. "Our Blue Hen spirit wouldn't be what it is if everyone was the same. Use your talents to make change, inspire others and do what makes you happy."

About the award

The fund for the George and Margaret Collins Seitz Award was established in 1954 at UD by Margaret Seitz to honor the memory of her mother and father. This annual recognition, which includes a $1,500 award, is presented to a first-year or second-year student who exemplifies outstanding character by demonstrating and encouraging in others the We Are Blue Hen values of respect, openness, innovation, engagement and mentorship. Nominations are collected through the end of March each year. For more information, please visit the award website, administered by UD's Division of Student Life.