For Jannellies Class, Move-in Day at Stetson University was filled with a mix of emotions and family time. She is the first in her family — first daughter and first granddaughter — to attend college and, as she moved into Carson-Hollis Hall on Saturday, her family was there to help wherever needed.

“I picked Stetson because financially, it was the best option for our family,” said the Eagle Lake native who hopes to major in Health Sciences. “I really love the environment. I love the campus and I love how sweet everyone is. As soon as I walked on campus, I just knew this is where I need to be.”

Added her mother Janniece Class, “I’m very excited for her because she’s going to experience something I never got to experience. I think this is the perfect school for her, and I know that she’s going to be comfortable here. …

‘Focus, don’t stress and enjoy it, you are going to be fine,’” she told her daughter.

As the day progressed, residence halls became busier and louder with the chatter of incoming students and their families as they carried their belongings to their rooms.

The DeLand campus was abuzz as student, faculty and staff volunteers filled the parking lot of the Lynn Business Center to help first-year students check in for what will be their home for the next four years.

“Welcoming our new Hatters to campus has been incredibly exciting, with students settling in everywhere from University Hall to Nemec Hall,” said Jessica Day, Executive Director of Residential Living and Learning. “Today’s move-in was a whirlwind of energy, excitement and heartfelt moments: the perfect start to an unforgettable Hatter journey.”

That’s exactly how new students — both residential and commuter — who checked in Saturday, Aug. 17, felt as they stepped into their respective residence halls.

Zachary Mills drove from Port Charlotte to settle into his new room. He plans to major in Business and is interested in pursuing a law degree after graduating, possibly from Stetson College of Law.

“Moving day was great,” he said. “I plan on doing as much as I can here at Stetson to have the best experience possible. I like the campus and it’s still in Florida, and I wanted to be in Florida.” 

“In Good Hands”

Stetson started welcoming back students in early August, including student-athletes. Earlier this week, international students began arriving, and it was clear this Class of 2028 wishes to absorb all the learning possible in the “American” college experience.

“I’m a U.S. citizen, but this is actually my first time doing education here,” said Nziza Sebunya, a native of Nairobi, Kenya, who hopes to major in Business with a minor in Economics. “Move-in day was hard, because I’m very close to my family, so it was a bit emotional because it’s my first time leaving home.”

His parents, Doreen and Kaddu Sebunya, and sister Yzeera Sebunya made the trip to help him settle in.

“I came here with a lot of nerves,” said his father Kaddu Sebunya. “We came from East Africa to drop our son off and we are flying back, all in two days’ time. But we arrived here, we saw the campus and the nerves started to calm down. Then we started meeting people, the faculty, the help, and the campus. This is fantastic. I leave here with no nerves because I know we left our son in good hands.”

For Eva Fernandez of Spain, Stetson was always her top choice for college.

“I love Florida. I wanted to go somewhere warm and to live a different experience than in Madrid,” she said, adding she plans to major in Communication and Media Studies and pursue a minor in Journalism. “I was looking for something smaller and I really liked Stetson because of the weather, the location and the opportunities it offers you.”

Something Special

Classes will start on Thursday, Aug. 22, giving new and returning students a chance to get acquainted with their peers, their roommates and the updated facilities and other changes on campus.

“As families navigated the Focus check-in and connected with our staff, it was clear that something special is in store for our community this year,” Day said. “Despite the natural nerves that come with new beginnings, I spoke with so many students who are eager and ready to embrace what this fall semester will offer. As we look forward to the coming days before classes, I encourage everyone to take advantage of all this Home sweet Hatter Home has to offer.”

– Andrea Mujica