Given the rich history of the university’s 141 years, this event tagline just might say it all: The Legacy Lives On at Homecoming 2024.

That’s how Stetson University Homecoming 2024 is being promoted — with great anticipation — by the Office of Alumni Engagement. Homecoming registration is open for alumni, and activities begin on the DeLand campus Monday, Oct. 21, through the weekend of Oct. 25-27. 

Another big message: Expect numerous chances for alumni and current students to connect. “There will be a lot more opportunities this year for our alumni and students to celebrate together. That’s really what we want and hope for!” said Amy Dedes ’04, executive director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving.

For students, the fun starts that Monday with the Spirit Expo at the CUB Circle, noon-3 p.m., featuring free Homecoming swag and the Homecoming Chalk Competition, among other activities. (The giveaways will be distributed to students while supplies last.)

Also on Monday, the Stetson Students vs. Faculty/Staff Kickball Game begins at 1:30 p.m. on the Stetson Green. Will the faculty and staff redeem themselves from their loss last year?

Homecoming heats up (literally) on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 9 p.m., with the lighting of the Stetson Bonfire at Rinker Field and continues with Airwaves on Thursday. Fast-forward to Friday at 5 p.m., and President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, delivers his campus highlights and plans for the future during the Presidential State of the University Address —  with Hulley Tower as the backdrop. Damaged by hurricanes in 2004, the tower will be historically reconstructed through a grassroots alumni-led fundraising campaign that reflects the Soul of Stetson, a movement embodying the values and experiences of what it means to be a Hatter. The power and promise of uniting Hatters past and present will be one of Roellke’s core Address themes.

That Friday night, 6-9 p.m., the Soul of Stetson is certain to come alive at Hatter Howl. The time-honored event is an ode to a 1950s’ tradition that this year will be an outdoor celebration of alumni, students, faculty and staff at Rinker Field. Think mix, mingle and mentoring with alumni also becoming “part of new student traditions that are forming,” Dedes described. During this event, guests also are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items and toiletries to support the Hatter Pantry, which was heavily used during Hurricane Milton and needs replenishment.

Of course, Homecoming means Brunch in the President’s Garden before heading to a variety of tailgate parties on Saturday morning. Game time is 1 p.m., as Stetson battles Presbyterian College at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.

On Saturday evening, alumni, students, faculty and staff will gather for more events to honor their Class Reunions, especially the Class of 1974, which is celebrating its 50th reunion this year! Plus, there will be a series of Soul of Stetson events: A Service of Remembrance and Celebration, 6:30 p.m., in Lee Chapel; Remembering Innsbruck Documentary Screening at 7; and the Soul of Stetson Reception, 8:30 in Palm Court. Last year, the Homecoming screening was standing-room-only for the premiere of “Remembering Innsbruck: The Story of the 1979 Avalanche.” The documentary has since been doubled in length (to approximately 75 minutes), as Stetson looks back and moves forward.

Indeed, the legacy lives on.

Note: For more details on alumni registration and a complete list of events, go to the Homecoming 2024 website. No registrations are needed for students, faculty and staff.

Alumni Awards at Homecoming

During a private luncheon with the Board of Trustees on Friday, Oct. 25, four Alumni Awards will be presented. See below for the winners, with full coverage on Stetson Today coming post-Homecoming.

• Distinguished Alumni Award: Cedric Leiba Jr ’03 and Patrick Smith ’02 
• Outstanding Young Alumni Award: Alex Ercolani ’16 
• Distinguished Service Award: Ashley Rutherford ’12  
• George and Mary Hood Award: Judith Dixon ’74