University of Delaware President Dr. Patrick Harker is well aware of Georgetown’s desire to see a four-year college come to the county seat.

“I got your message coming in,” Harker told Rotary and chamber members of their “Bring UD Home to Georgetown” buttons on Tuesday afternoon.

Harker was the guest speaker at a joint luncheon between the Georgetown-Millsboro Rotary Club and the Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce at the Sussex Pines Country Club on July 15.

After getting a quick mention of the university’s football program and recently drafted quarterback Joe Flacco, Harker got down to business, outlining UD’s objectives and future plans, including the possibility of bringing a four-year college to Sussex County.

Harker said two independent committees would be studying the possibility of developing the southern Delaware campus, but emphasized that nothing is set in stone.

“We need to look at what it’s going to be and the costs, as well as where,” he told the membership, which has already gathered thousands of signatures in support of bringing a campus to Georgetown. “I know the where is what you’re interested in, but we have to get the first two questions answered before we can get to the where.

“We will engage you in this process. You have my word on that.”