More than 150 admitted students attended Stetson’s second Hatter Saturday of the year on April 5, with many of them deciding to attend the university this fall.

The first ring of the Victory Bell came from Pennsylvania native Madison Sottung, 17. 

“It was an amazing and exciting moment,” she said. “I think it shows the university is very person-, goal- and relationship-oriented. I feel very welcomed and at home here.” 

Shortly after ringing the Victory bell to celebrate her decision to become a Hatter, Sottung was greeted by Stetson’s 10th President Christopher F. Roellke. 

“We’re so happy you’re here,” said Roellke, PhD. “Being here today is about magic, because this is where magic happens.” 

Sottung aspires to become a nurse after pursuing a Health Sciences degree from Stetson. Her passion for nursing was nurtured by her mother, Jessica Williamson, a nurse. During Hatter Saturday, her time at Stetson was spent touring the different areas of campus, attending the different sessions and walking into Sage Hall to see the Anatomage Table — which allows students to interact with anatomical structures in real-time during procedures. 

A Warm Welcome

The morning started with everyone gathering inside the Edmunds Center, where admitted students and their families were introduced to the beautiful — and meaningful — moments they will get to experience as Stetson Hatters.

“It was a wonderful day to choose Stetson,” said Jeff Gates, senior vice president of Enrollment and Marketing. “The morning started off with a number from the Stetson Choir and a keynote address from alumna Jaclyn Nesheiwat Stapp that inspired our accepted students and their families. Stetson President Christopher F. Roellke made an appearance in the choral number before giving his address to our families. This was just a wonderful start to Hatter Saturday.” 

Stapp, who graduated from Stetson from a bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies in 2002, earned the titles of Mrs. Florida America in 2008 and Miss New York USA in 2004. She is the founder of CHARM (Children are Magical) and the author of Wacky Jacky: The True Story of an Unlikely Beauty Queen. After a very emotional speech, Stapp closed her speech by sharing her hopes for the admitted students sitting in front of her.

“As I look around this room, I see future leaders, innovators and changemakers,” she said. “Embrace your uniqueness, let your dreams guide you and never let your circumstances define your destiny because in the end, we all have a story to tell. I hope yours is filled with passion, purpose and the unwavering belief that anything is possible.” 

Dee Dixon: A Dream Come True 

For Dee Dixon, 22, a native of Deltona, being at Stetson felt just like that — magical. 

“I wanted to come here when I was in high school, but when I applied, I didn’t get accepted,” said Dixon, who will complete her Associate of Arts degree from Daytona State College and transfer to Stetson in the fall. “I was going to stay at Daytona State for a little bit longer, but something was telling me to just reapply. So, when they accepted me, it was just unbelievable.” 

Dixon is the first in her family to attend college. She is interested in pursuing a degree in Health Sciences at Stetson. Her dream is to become a nurse after graduating college. 

“In high school, I was in the Health Services Academy that was offered for students,” she said. “At the time, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but obviously, as I’m getting older, I’ve had jobs in healthcare, and I realized I want to be the advocate for people who are minorities in healthcare. A lot of times we don’t feel like there are people who can speak for us, and I want to be able to be that for others.” 

During her time at Hatter Saturday, Dixon participated in the diverse activities Stetson had planned for the day. One of the highlights of her visit was to stop by the Academic Showcase at the Hollis Center, where she ventured into learning more about the Health Sciences program and, surprisingly, the transfer process.  

“The girl at the Creative Writing table was a transfer from Daytona State College as well,” she said. “She helped me eased my anxiety as she explained how that process is. She also mentioned that even if I don’t major in English, I can still take a creative writing course as an outlet.” 

And as Dixon and her family prepared to leave campus, she realized she could not wait to return and chase her dream in a place that unwaveringly welcomed her with open arms. 

“Everyone was so welcoming and nice, that made me feel like everyone belongs here” she said. “I feel right at home.” 

Dixon and Sottung are just two of hundreds of new Hatters who will join the Stetson Community come fall 2025. And, with more than 450 guests touring the DeLand campus on what was a very successful Hatter Saturday, the university is thrilled to welcome the Class of 2029 in just a few months. 

“To watch the students ring the Victory bell, with their families cheering them on, is always exciting,” said Shannon Greeley, director of Undergraduate Admissions. “We are so truly excited to welcome this next class of Hatters to Stetson. These new Hatters are going to have a relationship-rich and transformational experience here and they have no idea just how great it will be.” 

– Andrea Mujica