Note: Stetson hosted its first of two Hatter Saturdays on March 15, with hundreds of admitted students in attendance.

During the first Hatter Saturday of the year, March 15, the Stetson campus was filled with the resounding sounds of the Victory Bell that began in the early hours of the morning, as accepted students made the decision to officially become Hatters. 

The first rings of the day came from Mia Dede, from Yonkers, New York, who aspires to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biology with dreams of becoming a veterinarian. 

“I just rang the very big bell; it was very cool,” Dede said. “I’m super excited to come here in [August]. I love Stetson’s community; it’s very small, but it’s very large. It has a lot of love.” 

More than 400 new faces filled Stetson’s campus on Saturday morning, with accepted students and their families immersing themselves in the plethora of activities that were planned for the day. 

“It was a wonderful day at Stetson,” said Jeff Gates, senior vice president of Enrollment and Marketing. “Hundreds of accepted students and their families were able to talk with our talented faculty, students and staff, all in an effort to see if Stetson is the right place for them. Hatter Saturday is the premier event for accepted students, where the university comes together to welcome our future Hatters.” 

For Savannah, Georgia, native Jaden Miles, Stetson feels like finding his home away from home, as he will be joining his two cousins, sophomore Zion Griffin and first-year Malachi Lonnon, on the football field this fall. 

“The school just felt perfect for me,” Miles said. “It’s a beautiful campus, I like the environment and it’s very welcoming. This is where I want to be.” 

The Hatter Experience

After the “Welcome to Stetson” at the Edmunds Center, the largest event venue on campus, the stage was set for a grand mix of fun and learning experiences for students and their families.

There was an academic showcase at the Hollis Center’s Rinker Field House, where attendees connected with faculty and current students in exploration of Stetson’s many research opportunities. There also were tours of residential facilities. Accepted students learned about Greek Life on campus during a community showcase, which also highlighted the fact that success as a Hatter transcends classroom learning.

“Hatter Saturday is the best time of the year,” said Shannon Greeley, director of Undergraduate Admissions. “It’s so exciting to see students and families officially make Stetson their home. Hearing the Victory Bell all throughout the day is the best — you hear it from across campus and everyone cheers, no matter where they are on campus. It’s a really cool experience.” 

Admitted students who missed on the fun of Hatter Saturday still have the chance to experience what it means being a Hatter during the second Hatter Saturday of the year on April 5. 

“The excitement of Hatter Saturday doesn’t stop here,” said Renee Tutchton, director of Admissions Campus Visitation. “We’re thrilled to offer another chance for admitted students to experience a taste of our Stetson pride. If you haven’t visited yet, this is your moment — don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to see what makes Stetson extraordinary.”

– Andrea Mujica