Paul Stauduhar (Physics)
Cristin Racciato (Physics)
Tristan Voss (Math/Computer Science)
Luke Harbach (Pre-Dental/Business Leadership)
Brigid Lappe (History/Art History)
Sarah Balch (English/History)
Peter Blute (English)
James Rollino (Business Leadership/Accounting)
Kristen Monsey (Modern Language)



Class of 2010
Michele Heinen (Politics)
Patrick McKenzie (Politics)
Saul Almeida (Economics and Spanish)
Julianne Brown (History)
Andrea Spence (English)
Julia Hogan (Psychology)
Bobby Sheppard (Business Leadership and Psychology)
Dan Pepin (Business Leadership)
Kevin Frick (Business Leadership)
Rachel Ball (Business Leadership)
Austin Harbach (Business Leadership)

"Students are challenged to pursue an education that combines excellence in humanistic and cultural development with specialized professional training. ... They should realize the responsibility of their professional life, the enthusiasm of being the trained 'leaders' of tomorrow, of being witnesses to Christ in whatever place they may exercise their profession." (Pope John Paul II, Ex Corde Ecclesiae)

What is PRAXIS?

When UD students were asked, "what type of program would benefit you most?", the answer was: a program that provided both education and experience that would help in deciding on and starting a career.

PRAXIS is the answer to that request. PRAXIS is a formal, apprenticeship-style program that combines education with internships and leadership coaching. PRAXIS joins participants with area employers who provide 12-week experiences. It also joins each participant with a career coach whose role is to provide mentoring and assistance with career-related issues.

PRAXIS is an alumnus-sponsored program. UD alumnus Tim Fitzgibbons provided a substantial donation to the University so that you would have the opportunity to participate in a career-building program. He graduated from UD in 1965, and successfully built an entrepreneurial career based on what he learned at UD and his experiences that followed his UD graduation. In giving back to the University, he hopes that the next generation of UD graduates will benefit from the gift that he has been able to provide to you.

Why should I participate in PRAXIS?

PRAXIS provides the four following benefits:
1. Work experience to which you would not otherwise have access.
2. A network of professional contacts that would be difficult to otherwise build.
3. An education that provides the basic knowledge necessary to be successful in a career.
4. Career coaching that traditionally has only been available in high-price executive MBA programs.

What are the requirements of PRAXIS participants?

** Internship **

PRAXIS participants complete three 12-week internships that are assigned by the PRAXIS program. Employers are screened and matched to participants according to their developmental needs and the opportunities that are available. The internships occur during the second semester of the junior year and both semesters of the senior year. The internships are approximately 20 hours per week and are paid. Internship hours may be used as work-study hours if a student is financial-aid eligible.

** Coursework **

PRAXIS participants may choose to complete the business concentration as outlined below, of only complete the first two courses.
1. Business Foundations Seminar
2. Global Entrepreneurship
3. Accounting Principles
4. 1 upper level business electives
5. Marketing Theory and Practice
6. PRAXIS I, II, III (internship and coaching sessions)

** Coaching **

Each week during the internship semesters, each participant meets with his or her coach, a seasoned executive or entrepreneur, to discuss what is happening in the internship. Additionally, the coach will guide the participant through a weekly career development and skill building topic.

** Responsible professional behavior **

Every PRAXIS participant will be expected to engage in responsible professional behavior. Responsible professional behavior includes showing up to work on time every day, showing up to meetings prepared, performing at a level that the employer finds to be "above satisfactory". The leadership coach is prepared to help you to learn and develop the habit of responsible professional behavior.


Through the generosity of our donor, science majors are eligible for a Mayterm, summer-course or Inter-Term scholarship to allow them to complete the PRAXIS coursework during the off-semesters.

Is the PRAXIS program a formal part of my degree?

Yes, PRAXIS will show up on your transcript. Additionally, if you are not a Business major, you will earn you the designation of Concentration in Business on your transcript.

Who is eligible to participate in PRAXIS?

PRAXIS is a competitive program. The eligibility requirements for application:
1. Current UD undergraduate second semester sophomore student from any major, who has an interest in entrepreneurship.
2. Students who have two full academic years remaining until graduation (application is made during the semester prior to beginning the standard junior year of coursework).
3. A cumulative UD GPA of 3.0 or better.
4. No academic honesty violations, and no history of habitual attendance problems.
5. Submission of a competitive application.

More information

PRAXIS Application

PRAXIS