Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

By Danielle Damon '18

Rick Welty ’66 is a retired financial planner, Golden Flyer, and more importantly, a father and grandfather.

“We faced the greatest tragedy any family can face,” he said after losing his infant grandson Harvey Richard Walker. “Now we just want him to be remembered.”

Welty felt giving back to UD was the best way to do just that.

“Over the years I’d donate here and there,” he said. “I never planned that I would make a substantial donation to UD. I am not a wealthy person, but I have enough to spare.”

Welty now has a scholarship in his grandson’s name.

The Harvey Richard Walker Scholarship was created so other UD students can grow intellectually, emotionally and spiritually, just as Welty did when he was a Flyer. The scholarship is given each year to a junior or senior majoring in human rights studies.

When asked why human rights, Welty said:

“I believe we have to serve each other and humanity. My hope is that it gives a student who has great interest in human rights the opportunity to help someone or anyone through human rights activities.”

Elyse McMahon ’20 was the second recipient of the scholarship.

“Through UD’s human rights program I have received opportunities with incredible mentors inside the classroom and outside at immersive experiences in places like Standing Rock and the US/Mexico border,” she says. “Thanks to Mr. Welty, I am able to push myself more than I thought possible and serve the greater community with passion and intellect. I am so grateful for that.”

Without the generosity of Welty, McMahon would not have be able to attend UD or be part of the first undergraduate human rights studies program in the country. And because of the Harvey Richard Walker Scholarship, students like McMahon will be supported and continue making an impact on UD, and our world, for many years to come.

“I love the University and I choose to give to UD because of what it gave me and what it is today,” Welty said. “I want that legacy, and Harvey’s, to continue. I would ask that all alumni consider the contribution UD has made on the quality of their lives and support our beloved alma mater.”