Support helped Lindsay Spiece access a UD PCS program and advance her legal career
Lindsay Spiece knew she was taking a step toward something new when she enrolled in the University of Delaware’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (UD PCS) Paralegal Certificate program, but she had no idea just how life‑changing that step would be.
“I genuinely had no idea how much of an impact it would have on my life and my career,” she says. “It completely changed everything.”
Access that opened the door
Lindsay was drawn to the Paralegal Certificate program because of UD’s reputation for academic rigor. What truly set the program apart, however, was the opportunity to learn directly from practicing attorneys, professionals who brought real-world experience into every class.
Just as important was access.
“The scholarship I received made it feasible for me,” she explains. “I knew I could afford it with the help, and I knew I could actually pursue a career I’d enjoy.”
Thanks to the scholarship she received, financial barriers didn’t stand in the way. Financial assistance transformed the program from a dream into a realistic, reachable opportunity, opening the door to education at a pivotal moment in her life.
Determination in action
Like many UD PCS students, she wasn’t just attending classes — she was juggling real responsibilities. While completing the program between September 2024 and August 2025, she was also working at a law firm, applying what she learned in class to real cases in real time.
“Working at a law firm while completing the program helped me connect each class to real‑world experience,” she said, “which was incredibly important for my growth beyond the program itself.”
This focus and determination allowed her to build practical skills quickly, turning education into immediate professional growth.
Impact that lasts
The results were immediate, and profound.
Just one year after completing the program, she was promoted to paralegal, a milestone she credits directly to her UD PCS experience.
“I’ve built connections with classmates I never would have met otherwise. My professors became mentors. It’s a complete 180 from where I thought my career would go.”
The scholarship didn’t just help Lindsay complete a program: It reshaped her future, providing stability, professional confidence and a career with the work-life balance she values.
Paying it forward
Now, she encourages others who may be unsure to take the same leap.
“Don’t be afraid to take advantage of the program and the scholarship,” she says. “You never know. Something like this can be life-changing.”
Why I Heart UD Day matters
Her story is one of many, but it perfectly illustrates why I Heart UD Giving Day matters. Scholarships through UD Professional and Continuing Studies don’t just fund courses. They create access, support determination and generate ripple effects that reach families, workplaces and communities.
Because of donor generosity, students like Lindsay can say yes to opportunity — and turn that opportunity into lasting impact.
This I Heart UD Giving Day, your support helps open doors.
