A new symbol of Blue Hen pride arrived in the heart of the University of Delaware's Newark campus on May 14.

The Blue Hens Forever sculpture, a striking bronze statue of UD's mascot near Alumni Circle, was installed in a space between Alumni Hall and the Carpenter Sports Building.

An enduring tribute to the University's history, traditions and the generations of students and alumni connected by the Fighting Blue Hen spirit, the sculpture was commissioned by the University of Delaware Alumni Association (UDAA), which fully funded the project, including design, installation and associated enhancements such as lighting, landscaping and site improvements.

"The Blue Hen is a part of our campus culture," said Amy Levitz-Grundy, president of the UDAA and Class of 1990 graduate. "We are thrilled to gift this sculpture to the University of Delaware and hope it becomes an enduring symbol of Blue Hens Forever pride for students, alumni and visitors for years to come."

Weighing more than 3,000 pounds, standing approximately 7 1/2 feet tall and stretching more than 10 feet from beak to tail, the larger-than-life sculpture is designed to serve as both a landmark and gathering place for the UD community. The statue sits along the campus walking tour route, is highly visible from Main Street and welcomes significant daily foot traffic from prospective and current students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors alike.

"Our hope is that the Blue Hens Forever sculpture becomes a must-visit destination on campus - a place where students, alumni and visitors gather, celebrate and capture lasting memories," said Lauren Murray Simione, associate vice president of alumni engagement and Class of 1995 graduate. "This gift creates a permanent, visible symbol of Blue Hen pride and places our mascot at the heart of campus."

Campus community members are encouraged to take their photos with the sculpture using #bluehensforever.

The Blue Hen has long been a defining symbol of the University. From historic images of hens perched atop the Old College gates to today's athletic traditions, the mascot has connected generations of Blue Hens through its fighting spirit and deep sense of community.

The UDAA commissioned renowned sculptor Brian Hanlon of Hanlon Sculpture Studio to design and create the Blue Hen sculpture. Known nationally for creating large-scale collegiate and professional sports sculptures, Hanlon worked to capture the pride, strength and spirit of UD's beloved mascot in a bold and timeless design.

Years in the making

The Blue Hens Forever sculpture traces its origins back to the Alumni Circle project, which was approved by the Board of Trustees in fiscal year 2019 and constructed during the summer and fall of that year. Alumni Circle was also funded by a gift from the UDAA.

At the time, University leaders determined that the Blue Hen statue would be deferred as a second phase of the Alumni Circle project and completed at a later date. In February 2025, draft renderings were approved and discussions involving the University architect, UD fire marshal and other senior leaders helped determine the sculpture's final size, placement and design specifications.

In September 2025, the Board of Trustees agreed to the statue gift, design and its location near Alumni Circle and plans began for installation in the spring.

Final touches underway

While the sculpture is now installed, several final project elements will be completed in the coming weeks, including the installation of blue stone pavers surrounding the statue, uplighting, signage, security cameras and final landscaping improvements.

The University community is invited to celebrate the sculpture's official dedication during a special event held during Alumni Weekend on Sunday, May 31, at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend. Please email [email protected] to register or for more information.