~ November 2006 ~

Speed Networking Matches Alumni for Business Opportunities

Young alumni 'speed network' in Daytona Beach.

You’ve seen speed dating – at least in the movies. Now there’s Speed Networking!

The Stetson University Alumni Association kicked off a new way for young alumni (classes of 1986 to 2006) to network this fall, with events in Daytona Beach, Jacksonville and Altamonte Springs. Modeled after speed dating, participants of Speed Networking sit across from each other to exchange business cards and minute-long introductions before changing places and partners at the sound of a bell. Alumni can talk about their businesses, professions, causes for which they volunteer, job opportunities or family life. The idea was suggested by Alumni Board member Will Royall ’04.

“I really appreciated the opportunity and the change of pace,” alumna Tara Seguine ’92 said at the Daytona Beach event. “It’s hard to walk into a room full of strangers and strike up a conversation. This gave us a purpose and a format.”

Alumnus Scott Schlegel ’93, MBA/JD ’96, had never attended an alumni event before participating in the Orlando Speed Networking event, and said he was glad he’d made the time to reconnect with his alma mater and fellow alumni.

This unique networking opportunity for Stetson alumni gained national recognition after a local news report was featured in the University Business Magazine’s online UB Daily, on Fox TV News and in newspapers as far away as California. Speed Networking is gaining popularity at colleges across the United States. Stetson’s next Speed Networking event will be in Atlanta on Jan. 11, and another is planned for Tampa next spring. So watch for an invitation and join the fun!

‘Dinners for 12 Strangers’ Debuts at Stetson

See more Dinners for 12 Strangers pictures at our online photo galleries!

Fifty-eight Hatters – 39 students, four faculty, nine alumni, five spouses and one child – participated in the inaugural “Dinners for 12 Strangers” on the weekend of Sept. 29-Oct. 1. The new program unites members of the Stetson “family” for a networking dinner party.

The inaugural weekend featured five separate dinner parties, including a small catered event for six students in a youthful Daytona loft, a delicious home-cooked meal at a family’s lake house, a busy young couple’s take-out in their beautifully renovated bungalow near campus, an interactive dinner where the students learned to make their own dessert of creme brulee, and a dinner at the Mainstreet Grill hosted by two couples from different parts of the state. Special thanks to hosts Michael ’89 and Cheri Harris, Bill and Martha Pollard ’69 Holler, Peter ’94 and Amy Matulis, Stephen and Sarah Brown ’88 McAskill, and Jack ’01 and Kelly Robbins ’03 White. We’re also grateful to co-hosts Kevin ’87 and Pam Percy, along with Kirk ’98 and Megan Welch ’97 Gunby.

“Each event was as unique and charming as the hospitable Stetson alumni who hosted, and we truly appreciate them all,” said Ann Buchanan Jenkins ’74, assistant director of Alumni Relations. “The students were so excited, they started their own Facebook page titled ‘I survived Dinners for 12 Strangers,’ which is really a compliment!”

Student Coordinator Anneliese Hallsten ’08 said, “From a student’s perspective, every single dinner was absolutely wonderful! It was so cool to hear Stetson stories from alumni and to chat with professors outside of the classroom. The food was wonderful, the socializing was fun, and the overall experience was unforgettable! You have no idea how much it means to students!”

Alumni Relations is making plans now for a weekend of Dinners for 12 Strangers during the last weekend of January. Contact Alumni Relations if you are willing to host and/or attend a dinner.

Alumni Meet at Fall Events in Seven States

Alumni and friends gathered this fall for events in Austin and Houston, Texas; Chicago, Ill.; Louisville, Ky.; Memphis, Tenn.; Charlotte, N.C.; Atlanta, Ga; and New York City to hear the latest Stetson news and network with other Hatters.

Robert Crabtree '64, Jeff Dease '64, MBA '71, Sue Orrell '66, and Kevin Craig '04 in Houston.	Stetson alumni gather at Maggiano's Little Italy in Chicago.

Lone Star state alumni showed the Alumni Relations crew a grand time at the Shoreline Grill in Austin on Sept. 26, and at Carmelo’s Restorante in Houston on Sept. 27. Alumni sported Stetson attire and brought along their yearbooks to share and reminisce with others. At least one alumnus used it as an opportunity to do some career networking.

The Windy City was definitely breezy and chilly for the Chicago alumni event Oct. 4. School of Business Administration Dean Jim Scheiner updated the young alumni audience gathering in Chicago on what’s new at Stetson, and Lynn Wuesthoff ’79, Alumni Board district chair for Wisconsin and Illinois, talked about ways to get involved locally. She hopes to schedule other alumni events in the district, including a possible happy hour to be held regularly.

Gregory Harris, Carol Lemmond Atnip '72, Crystal Black ’86, and Gil Atnip '70 in Louisville.	Z. Christopher Mercer '68 with Brenda and Jim '62 Lanier in Memphis.

Louisville’s tallest building, National City Tower, was the setting for the alumni gathering held Oct. 5. About 30 people attended the party hosted by Business Board Chair Nelson Clemmens ’72; Amy Clemmens Cory ’84; Mark O’Brien ’72; and Alumni Board District Co-Chairs for Indiana and Michigan Carol Lemmond Atnip ’72 and Gil Atnip ’70. Special guests included School of Business Administration Dean Jim Scheiner, Director of Athletics Jeff Altier ’82, MED ’87 and Assistant Dean of Admissions Jacqui Morris ’04.

In Memphis, a small group met Oct. 11 at the home of Alumni Board District Chair for Tennessee Jim Lanier ’62 and his wife, Brenda Lanier, and then went out to dinner together. Lanier has just retired after 40 years of teaching History at Rhodes College.

Brian and Dana Faircloth '96 Sumner, Alysa Trakas '96, and Tina Villanova Romine '96, M.Acc '97 in Charlotte.	Jim '54 and Marion Carnett '55 Bryant, with Beverly and John '47 Snellings in Atlanta.

Alumni Board District Co-Chair for North Carolina Tina Villanova Romine ’96, M.Acc. ’97, and husband Rich Romine ’96, M.Acc. ’97, hosted the Oct. 12 event at the Crown Athletic Club in Charlotte. Fourteen people gathered, representing classes from 1968 to 2004. Sorority sisters discussed attending Homecoming 2007 to celebrate Alpha Chi’s 50th anniversary.

More than 30 alumni, parents, and friends participated in the Atlanta alumni event at The Clubhouse at Lenox Square in Buckhead hosted by Alumni Board President-Elect Bill Gray ’89 and Patti Peach ’94, Alumni Board District Co-Chair for Georgia. Stetson President Doug Lee and First Lady Margaret Lee were on hand to share the latest news about the university.

Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Robin Marino '76 (second from left) with son Eric Conocenti, Linda Parson Davis '73, Vice President for University Relations, and President Doug Lee in New York City.	Ben Stoddard '02, Wes Whatley '02, Candice Corbin '04, and Jamie Gagliano '03 in New York City.

The University Club was the site for Stetson’s event in New York City on Nov. 10. Alumna Robin Marino ’76, president of merchandising for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, was presented the 2006 Distinguished Alumni Award by President Doug Lee. Hosting the event were Alumni Board members Scott Bruin ’75 and Peter Urscheler ’06, District Co-Chair for Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Others from Stetson included First Lady Margaret Lee, School of Music Dean Jim Woodward and several senior administrators. Among the alumni and friends attending were members of the School of Music Board who were in the city for their fall meeting.

For more pictures of all alumni events, see our online photo galleries.

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Multi-Generation Stetson Families Gather for Legacy Breakfast

Students and their alumni parents or relatives met for the Legacy Breakfast at the Meadows Alumni House during Family Weekend.

An opportunity to visit with President Doug Lee and First Lady Margaret Lee, the dare to wear pajamas, a southern breakfast, hot beverage bar and a chance to linger over yearbooks brought more than 40 people to the Legacy Breakfast at the Meadows Alumni House during Family Weekend. Many current students attended with their alumni parents. Several students talked about how their parents met at Stetson. A freshman from Maine, Carley Rudd ’10, came with several family members. Her grandfather, Austin Rasco, shared that Carley’s great-great grandfather, Richmond Rasco, was dean of Stetson’s law school in the early 1900s and that Austin’s parents met at Stetson. Carley copied yearbook photos of her great grandparents, Russell “Buss” Rasco ’21, captain of the football team, and Beatrice Tanner Rasco ’21. The family learned that Beatrice Rasco was voted “Most Popular” girl in her class.

Student Sara Hagan ’09, second from right, attended the President’s Ball with parents, Joe and Lise Hagan, younger brother Sacha and boyfriend Daniel Burton.

President’s Ball, Hypnotist Also Featured at Family Weekend

Many other activities, including the President’s Ball, faculty lectures and entertainment by hypnotist Tom Deluca, were held during Family Weekend, Oct. 27–29. A committee of students, sponsored by Student Activities and the Office of First Year Studies, planned the weekend full of great family events. Dr. Camille King, assistant professor of Psychology, gave a lecture on “What Neuroscience Tells us about Memory,” and Dr. Stuart Michelson, professor of Finance, discussed “Student Management Investments in the Roland George Program.” The Student Government Association sponsored “A Taste of DeLand” featuring cuisine from local restaurants and Stetson Dining Services.

Beardtober – A New Way to Raise Money for a Good Cause

Dr. John Rasp (center) with student organizers (from left) David Thomas '08, Casey Steelman '08, Jim Atkinson '08 and Jim Burleson '08.

When Marketing major Jim Burleson ’08 didn’t have the time or motivation to shave for a few days, he decided not to shave for the entire month of October and jokingly proclaimed it “Beardtober.” He created a group on Facebook, a Web site popular with students. That grew into an idea for a fundraiser spearheaded by Burleson and fellow student Jim Atkinson ’08. They called it “Beardtober: A Celebration of Facial Hair.”

Dr. John Rasp has his beard shaved by Casey Steelman '08.

Before it was over, at least 30 male students joined the cause that raised about $5,000 for the Spring Hill club of the Boys & Girls Club of Volusia and Flagler Counties. Participants found sponsors who paid a $1 a day to keep them from shaving – or (in one case) to force them to shave every day. They sold T-shirts to raise even more money.

Beardtober took an interesting twist when Dr. John Rasp, a well-known Stetson faculty member, agreed to shave his beard – which he’s grown for 19 years – If the Beardtober students raised $4,242.42. (Rasp’s favorite number is 42.) The students hit the goal, and Rasp’s beard came off Nov. 9 right in front of the Carlton Union Building!

Princeton Review Lists Business School Among Nation’s Best

The Stetson School of Business Administration’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program was again listed among the best in the nation by The Princeton Review and also won two top-10 rankings in specialized categories in the Review’s “Best 282 Business Schools, 2007 Edition.” The business school ranked first in the category of Best Campus Facilities for the third consecutive year and second in the Most Family Friendly category. The Princeton Review based its rankings on surveys of 18,000 MBA students attending the business schools profiled in the book and on institutional data from the schools. The complete rankings are posted at www.PrincetonReview.com.

Stetson Brings World-Class Speakers to Campus

William F. Buckley Jr. with President Doug Lee.

Conservative icon William F. Buckley Jr. made a rare public appearance this fall when he visited Stetson to inaugurate a new lecture series focusing on conservative perspectives. Buckley and Jay Nordlinger, managing editor of the conservative journal National Review, talked about Buckley’s life and conservatism in America in front of a capacity crowd of 650 students, faculty, staff and members of the community.

Other world-class speakers offering lectures on campus this fall include financial journalist Jean Chatzky, single-gender education advocate Dr. Leonard Sax and Martin Luther King Jr. biographer Taylor Branch.

Book on History of Stetson College of Law Released

Carolina Academic Press has published Florida’s First Law School: A History of Stetson University College of Law. The book is authored by Stetson Professor of Law Emeritus Michael Swygert and Gary Vause, former dean of the law school who died in 2003 before completion of the book.

Florida’s First Law School describes and analyzes the rise in prominence of Stetson College of Law from its strong beginnings in 1900 through its mid-life crises during the Great Depression and World War II, and its upward march after its 1954 relocation to the Tampa Bay area. It is a history about the people whose personalities and visions meshed to propel a small, poor law school into the dynamic, secure law center it is today.

The book is available at the College of Law bookstore by calling (727) 562-7806, on the Stetson Law Web site or through Carolina Academic Press.

Groundskeeper Sam Franklin Retires After 45 Years at Stetson

Groundskeeper Sam Franklin

The Stetson campus was much smaller and there were many fewer buildings when Sam Franklin joined the grounds crew in February 1961. “I could cut the campus in one day – that’s how small it was!” said Franklin, who retired this fall after 45 years on the job. He was just 17 when he came to work for the university. He spent 24 years mowing the grounds before switching to tree and shrubbery trimming. “He’s trimmed every tree on this campus 50 times, at least,” said David Rigsby, manager of grounds. Now that he’s retired, Franklin plans to switch to something else he enjoys – repairing machines.

Gillespie Museum Receives Grant

The Gillespie Museum at Stetson was awarded a grant for $12,441 from the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, to aid and support the design and development of the new exhibit, “Florida’s Natural Communities.” The exhibit will provide an overview of some of Florida’s unique and intricate natural ecosystems including pine forests, freshwater swamps, thick scrub oaks and sand pine hammocks, and will also feature interactive learning stations. In addition, the museum will host educational programming associated with environmental issues next spring.

University HATS Program Expands to Saturdays

Stetson’s successful summer program, HATS (High Achieving Talented Students), directed by Assistant Professor of Teacher Education Cindy Lovell Oliver ’94, MA ’96, has expanded to include Saturdays throughout the school year. Gifted and high achieving fourth through ninth-graders are taking classes in Forensic Science – Fingerprinting, PowerPoint Wizardry, Rocket Science, and Cartooning for Dummies (and Smarties). Complete course descriptions and registration forms are available online at http://www.stetson.edu/hats/. For more information, call (386) 822-7091.

“Parents have been making this request for years,” Oliver said, “and we are finally able to respond to those requests.” The new program, “Hatterdays,” is “an academic alternative to Saturdays,” Oliver said. “We are even offering concurrent parent sessions in an effort to address many of the concerns and issues parents bring to us throughout the year.”

College of Law Inducts 6 Members into Hall of Fame

Stetson College of Law inducted six new members into its Hall of Fame during a gala ceremony on Sept. 23 at its Gulfport campus. The Hall of Fame now includes 32 members. This year’s inductees include:

• Dr. Dorothy “Dotti” Bressi, who was associate vice president of College Relations at the law school before her death in July.
• Carol W. Hunstein JD ’76, who is the presiding justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia.
• Congressman E. Clay Shaw Jr. ’61, JD ’66, who has represented South Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1981.
• J. Ben Watkins LLB ’49, attorney and former longtime member of the law school’s board of overseers.
• John R. Wood LLB ’51, retired Sarasota lawyer and municipal judge.
• J. Lamar Woodard, professor and law librarian emeritus at the Stetson University College of Law.

Professor’s Poetry Featured on National Anthology Web Site

Dr. Terri Witek

A poem by Dr. Terri Witek, professor of English and Sullivan Chair in Creative Writing at Stetson, was selected this fall as a “poem of the day” for the national anthology site Poetry Daily. “The Yellow Curtain,” from Witek’s newest book, “Carnal World” (Story Line Press, 2006), was the poem of the day on the site on Sept. 9 and also will be featured in Alhambra Publishing’s 2007 Poetry Calendar.

“People all over the world read (Poetry Daily),” said Witek. “It’s a real honor to be included. Every poet in America is very happy to receive an e-mail that he or she is included.” She said “The Yellow Curtain” is “a real Florida poem, about waking up in the sunlight.”

 

Back-to-Back Business Events Offered on Campus

First year student Tyler Ward '10 visits the Quint Careers RV table manned by Cindy Buenger '08 and Michael Lanzer '09 during the Nov. 3 event.

Quintessential Careers, a highly trafficked and top-ranked career-development Web site, returned to its roots at Stetson earlier this month as part of a 10-college anniversary tour marking the site's 10th anniversary. Stetson Marketing Professor Randall Hansen founded the site in 1996 on the Stetson Web server. Career workshops were offered to mark the anniversary Nov. 3.

A day earlier, Stetson’s Career Services partnered with the DeLand Chamber of Commerce to host the Chamber’s 2006 Business, Home, and Holiday Expo. Students had a chance to meet DeLand area business professionals and to learn more about businesses in the Volusia County area.

Basketball Tickets Available Now

Season tickets for the 2006-07 men’s and women’s Stetson basketball teams are now on sale. The men’s schedule is highlighted by a Dec. 5 match-up with Florida State that is expected to sell out. The Hatters men’s basketball team is coming off a torrid 12-2 finish last season. The women’s team is looking to return to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years.

The men’s home schedule features 13 games, including non-conference visits from Florida State, Palm Beach Atlantic, Savannah State and Skidmore College. The women’s team also hosts 13 games, with visits from South Alabama, Navy, Hofstra and Florida A&M. Fans wishing to purchase tickets may contact the Hatter Ticket Office by calling (386) 738-HATS or emailing hattertickets@stetson.edu. Click here to see the ticket brochure.

Support Basketball: Buy a Wreath

Stetson basketball has teamed with The Magnolia Co. in Barberville to offer supporters and friends a chance to help the Hatters while beautifying their homes and offices. Magnolia Co.’s wreaths have been featured in catalogs such as Martha Stewart, Williams Sonoma and Smith and Hawken. The company is offering a 10-percent discount off the listed price of their entire collection, which can be found at www.themagnoliacompany.com. All proceeds will benefit the Stetson basketball program. Orders must be placed through Stetson in order for the teams to benefit. Contact Sebastian Singletary to place an order or for more information at (386) 822-8101 or ssinglet@stetson.edu.

CAMPUS PROGRESS ONLINE – Yellow Means Stop the War in Uganda
Stetson junior Ashley Sweet ’08 was among activists in bright yellow T-shirts who converged on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 10 to bring attention to the humanitarian crisis in Northern Uganda. Students from around the country met with legislators and congressional staffers to ask that the United States take a proactive role in resolving the crisis in Uganda, where a 20-year conflict has driven 1.3 million people into refugee camps.

DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL – Class Act: Ex-Hatter gets award for athletic, community work
Recent graduate Matt Morton ’06 was named the News-Journal’s West Volusia Sportsperson of the Month for September. Morton was honored for his role on the cross country team at Stetson, his outstanding academic record and his substantial commitment to community service. He founded the Campaign for Adolescent and University Student Empowerment (CAUSE) and the Youth as Resources programs at Stetson. Morton is now coordinator of Bonner Leadership and community outreach initiatives at Stetson.

PALM BEACH POST – A career of setbacks, successes
Former state Rep. Joe Negron ’83 got a taste of Capitol Hill as a Stetson undergrad when he attended the Washington Semester at American University and worked as an intern in the congressional office of former Republican U.S. Rep. Skip Bafalis. The internship gave him the idea that “representing my community in Congress would be a tremendous opportunity.” This fall, Negron was a late candidate in the South Florida congressional race for the seat vacated when U.S. Rep. Mark Foley resigned.(Editor's Note: Negron was narrowly defeated in the Nov. 7 election.)

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Librarian Betty Drees Johnson ’59, MA ’62 Making a Difference

Betty Drees Johnson '59, MA '62

Stetson Library Director and Professor Betty Drees Johnson ’59, MA ’62, a Stetson faculty member for 45 years, received the Florida Library Association's Lifetime Achievement Award at the FLA’s 2006 annual conference. This award is presented to a librarian whose record of professional achievements and accomplishments has spanned decades and advanced the stature of libraries within Florida, and whose contributions are so outstanding that their influence is of lasting importance. Read her full Stetson Story to see Johnson’s thoughts about what makes Stetson special and why librarians are so important.

 

Greeks, Bonner and CAUSE Busy with Philanthropy, Service

Stetson student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, have been busy this fall with a variety of philanthropic activities. Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Rock Against Cancer raised $3,000 for the American Cancer Society. Delta Delta Delta’s Late Night Pancake Flip raised $1,400 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Zeta Tau Alpha raised more than $530 for breast cancer research with its Late Night Taco Bar. A women’s shelter in Daytona Beach received $700 as a result of Alpha Chi Omega’s Domestic Violence Awareness Week fundraiser. And Alpha Xi Delta raised more than $500 for First Book Charity during their philanthropy week.

The Bonner “Family” (all current Bonner Leaders and Scholars) at Stetson at their annual retreat.

Stetson’s Bonner Leaders & Scholars program and CAUSE (the Campaign for Adolescent & University Student Empowerment) youth outreach initiative continue to make an impact on the community. This year, the Bonner team consists of 30 student leaders who undergo training and commit to 10 hours of community service weekly. Bonner Leaders and Scholars are active with tutoring, child mentoring, international human rights, hunger, juvenile justice and adult literacy, among other causes. CAUSE, an empowerment program for local disadvantaged teens started by Stetson students, is excited to move into its fifth year of service. CAUSE teens have especially enjoyed “Guys and Ladies Nights Out.” These activities are designed to expose youths to activities ranging from recreation to community service, all in the context of small, consistent groups. The Nights Out encourage meaningful relationships in young people’s lives and a positive alternative to the streets.

Hatter Pride Found in Places Near and Far

Joseph Davis and Dalil Otmane in front of the Stetson pennant at the Dillsboro Smokehouse.

You never know where Hatter fans might turn up! Joseph Davis and his friend, Dalil Otmane, had their picture taken last summer standing near a Stetson pennant in the Dillsboro Smokehouse BBQ restaurant in Dillsboro, N.C. Joseph’s mom, Stetson Vice President for University Relations Linda Parson Davis ’73, gave the Stetson pennant to the restaurant after spotting other college banners there a year ago. It was posted in a prime location when they returned!

We’d love to share your pictures showing Hatter pride in vacation spots or your hometown. E-mail pictures featuring Stetson T-shirts, hats, pennants or banners to alumni@stetson.edu. Be sure to include the names of people in the picture, and give us details on when and where it was taken. Include your name (including maiden name), your hometown and the year you graduated.

You Shared This With Us…

We asked you to share memories about your Resident Assistant at Stetson.

“My RA, Reece Sherman ’80, was (and I presume still is) a man of great character and compassion,” said George Kern ’83. “I saw a peace and a sense of purpose in Reece's life that I wanted for my own life. Reece told me I could have all that and more if I made the choice to make Jesus Christ the Lord of my life and live for Him. Reece led me in a prayer to do just that in his room at Carson Hall. My life was radically changed by God and has been a grand adventure with Jesus ever since.”

…Now We Want to Know This!

Were you married on the Stetson campus? For the next issue of H@tMail, we’d love to have you share a story about your wedding day. Where on campus did you get married? Why did you decide to get married at Stetson? Did you meet your spouse while you were both students? Send your story to us in an e-mail to Alumni Relations. Be sure to include your graduation year and name (including maiden name).

Cracking Up with Jay Leno…Feb. 19, 1988

Comedian Jay Leno provided entertainment in the Edmunds Center during Homecoming 1988. At the time, he was already guest host for “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” In May 2006, Leno began his 15th season of the Emmy Award-winning “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

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Join Fellow Hatters for Upcoming Alumni Events

The Office of Alumni Relations coordinated 18 alumni events this fall and has another 15 planned for the spring. A number of upcoming events are planned with Florida alumni. Events outside the state include Washington, D.C. and New Orleans. Events in January and February include:

• Atlanta, Ga., Speed Networking
• Jacksonville
• Gainesville
• Mount Dora
• Naples
• Fort Lauderdale
• West Palm Beach
• Washington, D.C.
• Orlando
• Melbourne

For the most up-to-date information on all events including invitations and directions, visit the Alumni Relations Web site.

Career Services Offers Job Fair for Professionals Jan. 25, 2007

Stetson Career Services is partnering with the Center for Business Excellence of Volusia/Flagler and the Daytona Beach News-Journal to coordinate the area’s fourth annual Job Fair for Professionals from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007, at the Rinker Field House in Hollis Center. Businesses of all sizes will participate to advertise available openings including administrative, managerial and other degreed positions.

For more information about the Job Fair or Stetson’s Annual Career Fair (open to Stetson students, alumni and friends only) on Thursday, March 22, 2007, contact Stetson Career Services at (386) 822-7315 or career@stetson.edu.

Metropolitan Opera Winner to Sing at Events in November, December

Donovan Singletary '07

Donovan Singletary '07, winner of the 2006 National Council Grand Finals of the New York City Metropolitan Opera, will perform publicly several times in November and December. He will sing the lead in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s opera “Don Giovanni” with The Stetson Opera Theatre on Nov. 17 in Elizabeth Hall Chapel, and on Nov. 19 at the News-Journal Center in Daytona Beach. He will be a soloist for George Frideric Handel's “Messiah” with the Orlando Philharmonic on Dec. 1 at the University of Central Florida, on Dec. 3 at the Community Celebration Church in Celebration and on Dec. 4 at the Margeson Theater in Loch Haven; and with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra in the Okaloosa-Walton Community College Auditorium on Dec. 8.

Son of Paige Singletary of Crestview, he is completing his Bachelor of Music degree in Stetson’s School of Music. He studies voice with Dr. Craig Maddox of Stetson’s Music faculty. The bass-baritone was one of five winners, and the youngest at age 22, in this year’s Metropolitan Opera competition. After his December graduation, Singletary will move to New York to join the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Program.

Alumni, Parents, Friends Invited to Upcoming Stetson Events

Stetson would love to see alumni and current students’ families at concerts, art exhibits, lectures and other events on campus. Here are some events planned for November and December.

• Nov. 28 – Lecture – Howard Thurman Lecture Series guest lecturer Taylor Branch, journalist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, “Miracle and Myth from the King Years”, 7 p.m., Carlton Union Building, Stetson Room, 131 E. Minnesota Ave., DeLand. Free. Information: Department of Religious Studies: (386) 822-8930.
• Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and 3 – Christmas Concerts – Annual Christmas Candlelight Concert featuring the Stetson University Concert Choir, Alan Raines, conductor, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1; 4 p.m. Dec. 3, Elizabeth Hall Chapel, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. Ticket required: $10 general admission; $8 senior citizens; $5 area students; free to Friends of Music and Stetson ID holders. Information: School of Music, (386) 822-8947.
• Dec. 4 – Yule Log Lighting – Carols, meditations and a reading of the Yule Log kindling around the fire, 6 p.m. in the Forest of Arden south of duPont-Ball Library. Free.
• Jan. 12 to Feb. 8 – Art Exhibition – Donna Conlon, Panamanian mixed media artist; gallery hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, 1 to 4 p.m. weekends, Sampson Hall, Duncan Gallery of Art, 132 E. Minnesota Ave., DeLand. Free. Information: Stetson Art Department, (386) 822-7266; or for taped message, (386) 822-7386.

What’s New for Homecoming 2007?

Wanna play some football? In honor of the 1957 Stetson Hatter football team, whose players will celebrate their 50th reunion, a Football Tournament is being organized for the Saturday of Homecoming 2007. Get your teams together for an afternoon when football returns to campus. (For those of you who forget your age and participate, be assured that Sports Medicine will be on hand to help with any injuries!)

Alumni Choir to perform in honor of “Prof” Giffin. School of Music Dean Jim Woodward is calling all Music School alumni with trained or untrained voices to join in an all-alumni choir performance. Now is your chance to relive your Stetson days by performing again on stage in the Elizabeth Hall Chapel.

Learn the secrets from our Roland George Investments Team. The secrets of the national-champion Roland George Investments Team will be shared with 10 to 15 alumni who are interested in learning the technique used in selecting stock.

For more information, visit the Homecoming 2007 website.

Log on with Hatternet

Join the online Stetson community—2,866 alumni strong! The new Hatternet information exchange module is designed to keep Stetson alumni in touch with the university and their former classmates. Through the creation of an editable Alumni Profile, you will be able to access a wide variety of Alumni Association forms, features and programs without repetition of data entry!

Hatternet services include:
• Alumni Web Directory - expanded to allow you more options for personalization;
• Alumni Profile - alter any part of it at any time without re-entering the rest;
• Career Networking System - connect with Stetson alumni and students in the professional world with this newly refashioned database;
• Submit News to Stetson - have your achievements published in the class notes section of the Stetson magazine;
• Find an Alum - we’re here to help you stay in touch;
• RSVP for an Event - a new way to RSVP, fast and efficiently.

Signing up is easy. New users should “register” to create their Hatternet profile. Former users of the Alumni E-mail Directory and Career Networking System should try logging in with the e-mail they were registered under. Visit the Alumni Association website for more Hatternet information.

Make Your Year-End Gift to Stetson Now

The holidays represent shopping, eating, time with family and friends and the approaching year-end tax time. Your gift to Stetson is an investment in the future of the university and its students and is also tax deductible.

Assist Stetson students with a gift to the Annual Fund for scholarships at the same time you are easing your tax bill. Your donation will enable the university to continue to deliver an education that creates well-rounded, successful alumni.

Stetson accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. You can make your gift online now at www.stetson.edu/give or via a gift of securities (click here for stock transfer instructions). If you prefer to make your gift by mail, please send it to the Office of Development, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., Unit 8286, DeLand, FL 32723. If you have questions, call us at (386) 822-7294. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated and truly make a difference.

Stetson Enters into Licensing Agreement to Offer Hatter Merchandise

Hats, T-shirts and other merchandise featuring the Stetson University name and logos may soon be coming to a store near you – thanks to a new licensing agreement with a nationwide firm, said Richard Skeel, senior associate athletic director at Stetson. The university entered into the licensing agreement with Strategic Marketing Affiliate, an arm of the Collegiate Licensing Corp. The company will work with retailers to offer Stetson merchandise. “We’re elevating the recognition of the Stetson name in the marketplace,” Skeel said.

Stetson DVD Available for Alumni Gatherings

A new DVD is now available to provide an update to alumni on the many exciting things happening at Stetson University. The DVD was developed to encourage alumni who live in areas where university representatives travel infrequently to host a Stetson gathering in their home, office or local restaurant for a DVD viewing and social time together. What a great way to bring together alumni in your area! The nine-minute DVD is available free of charge. To find out more about how you can host an alumni gathering in your area and to order your complimentary copy, e-mail the Office of Alumni Relations or call (800) 688-4287.

Spread the Word about H@tMail

If you know classmates, friends or other parents who are not receiving this e-newsletter, please let them know it’s a great way to keep current on Stetson news and events. Alumni can get on the list by updating their e-mail address using Hatternet's Alumni Profile. All others should send an e-mail to the Office of Alumni Relations with their contact information.

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