During the 2023 Homecoming State of the University Address President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, talked about a 140-year past, beginning with how Henry DeLand founded DeLand Academy, a prep school, which later became Stetson University.

On Friday afternoon, Oct. 25, as part of his 2024 Homecoming address, Roellke spoke of a future that, not surprising, embraces that past in a big way. At the podium, steps in front of iconic Hulley Tower, Roellke extended his arms to the gathered alumni, students, faculty and staff and talked about what’s ahead.

The president revealed plans and priorities for a university decidedly moving Forward Together by intertwining the themes of Soul of Stetson and the reconstruction of Hulley Tower, the central strategic goal of advancing “Florida gem to national treasure,” and the promise of fostering lifelong relationships and connections.

“The guiding theme that anchors all of our strategy is relationship-rich education. It’s in our DNA! and why kindness, empathy and shared aspirations matter,” he said with characteristic flair.

“Being connected through a robust alumni network is a win-win for our alumni, as well as for Stetson students who look to the network for career advice, a foot in the door for internships, jobs and more.”

In essence, Roellke continued, such connections represent the Soul of Stetson — an initiative that embodies the values and experiences of what it means to be a Hatter.

Soul of Stetson

He then touched on the past by retelling the story of the 1979 avalanche in Innsbruck, Austria, which took the lives of three Stetson students on a study abroad trip. Today, an alumni-led grassroots effort is in the works to historically reconstruct Hulley Tower and its 52-bell carillon — using bells from Austria. The project also will include a scenic plaza as a site of remembrance and a place for celebration. The campaign, titled Stand Up Hulley, has raised $2.5 million toward a $6.7 million goal.

“This past year,” he said, “what has become clear to me is that what alumni are calling the Soul of Stetson has emerged. It is who we have always been, but this spirit of community has become more tangible … as our strategic plan, Forward Together, comes to life.”

Focus on Students

In detailing the strategic plan behind advancing the university from “Florida gem to national treasure,” Roellke emphasized a focus on students — recruiting, retaining and graduating them while ensuring curriculum relevance and vitality; and creating a dynamic first-year residential living and learning experience.

More than ever before, student learning will be experiential, contemporary and integrative, he explained. He pointed to a new initiative already making an impact, with full implementation scheduled for fall 2025, called Hatter Ready. The initiative is designed to combine academic excellence in the classroom with hands-on experiences. As a result, students acquire the practical and collaboration skills highly valued by potential employers.

“This academic year, more than 80 faculty will participate in the pilot program for the initiative, which reallocates faculty time to promote student engagement in relationship-rich, high [return-on-investment] practices,” Roellke described.

Achievements and Accolades

Roellke spoke about recent ROI. His list of achievements and accolades, in the classroom and across the university, was lengthy.

The School of Music and Opera Orlando began a new Apprenticeship Pilot Program. …

The Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience received a $1 million award from the National Science Foundation to lead a research-based pilot project to reduce flooding and improve water quality. …

In the School of Business Administration, competition teams in Templeton Business Ethics, Centurion Sales and the Roland George Investments Program set and broke records as they consistently placed first against teams from other schools. …

The Center for Public Opinion Research received a $1 million commitment for enhancement from a trustee emeritus. CPOR is one of the branches of an envisioned Center for Democracy on campus. …

Last summer, construction work began on a new 305-bed residence hall on campus. …

This past year, the university raised $50,662,207, more than double the ambitious annual goal of $25 million and quadruple pre-pandemic fundraising efforts. …

And so on.

‘Reflect on Your Why’

Clearly, while much is planned, much already is happening, Roellke concluded in his address.

Finally, the president invited alumni and student up to Hulley Tower, where they were asked to place the candles around Hulley Tower “as you remember your own Stetson experience … as you reflect on your ‘why.’”

The scene — an ode to the past and a look ahead — was both fitting and touching for a university with an especially bright future.

-Michael Candelaria