The air temperature was predictably low-90s, and with precious little movement. Yet, undeniably, one could feel the winds of change blowing on campus when officials commenced with the official groundbreaking of Stetson’s new 305-bed residence hall on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 21. 

The ceremony was held at the entry of the construction site behind the Carlton Union Building, adjacent to the Templeton Fountain. As such, only piles of dirt were visible, mostly hidden behind a fence that won’t reveal a new face of Stetson until 2026. 

The promise, though, is big — an expansion to the heart of the DeLand campus with an amphitheater, open green spaces and gathering places for students. 

More specifically, the residence hall will offer a mix of attractive living spaces for students, including traditional double-occupancy and individual rooms, and shared suite-style rooms, along with community kitchens, lounges and other common areas. Also, a new campus master plan calls for more landscaping and curved pedestrian walkways through the area.

The plans were first announced last May.

‘Laying the Foundation’

The ceremony’s opening speaker, Jessica Day, executive director of Residential Living and Learning, described the start of construction as “laying the foundation for the future of the Stetson Experience.”

Later, Day added, “This new residence hall marks a pivotal moment in our university’s history, being the first of its kind that we’ve built in 20 years. And it’s not just a building — it’s a bold statement of our commitment to our students, their success and their sense of belonging here at Stetson. … We believe that living on campus is an integral part of the Stetson Experience, serving as an ecosystem for development of personal growth and independence, fostering social responsibility, and building the kind of relationships that last a lifetime.

John Downey, vice president for Campus Life and Student Success, put the construction project into context, pointing to the difficulties of other private liberal arts institutions and the resilience of Stetson. “Amid these unprecedented tough times, Stetson is investing in the future,” Downey said. 

Downey also cited other campus projects this summer, including upgrades to Elizabeth Hall, the Edmunds Center renovation and the planned rebuild of historic Hulley Tower. “We have been around for 140 years and will be around for at least another 140 years,” he asserted. 

‘Futures Will Be Shaped’

Scott Thacker, associate vice president of Facilities Management, lauded the efforts of the architects and engineers (Page), civil engineering and landscape design (Zev Cohen & Associates), and the builder, Williams Company. Then he commented, “This new residence hall is more than just a place for students to lay their heads at night; it is a space where friendships will be forged, community will be developed and futures will be shaped.”

Rebekah Walters, a sophomore in the School of Business Administration, took the stage to represent that future on campus. She spoke of fostering a more inclusive and connected community, and creating a positive university experience.

“The construction and progress we see around us are not just physical changes; they represent the growth and strengthening of our community,” said Walters, a Student Ambassador at Stetson’s Marshall & Vera Lea Rinker Welcome Center. “The heart of campus is poised for significant growth, enhancing the university experience for a larger number of students. … By enriching the heart of campus, we ensure that future generations will benefit from a vibrant and engaging environment.” 

Finally, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jeremy DiGorio stepped to the podium, turned toward the construction site and took a deep breath. The ceremony was held following Stetson Convocation in the morning and a campus community lunch. The significance of those events, plus the culmination of lengthy planning on the residence hall, wasn’t lost on him. 

DiGorio’s parting words: “It’s a great day to be a Hatter!”

Note: For conceptual design looks, go to New Residence Hall.