Photo credit: Special thanks to Graces Katherine Photography.

In 2003, I rolled into Atlanta with my life packed into a 2001 Ford Focus, a fresh Stetson graduate eager to dive into graduate school at Emory University. The promise of big-city vibrancy and crisp, changing seasons fueled my excitement.

Through mutual friends, I connected with a fellow Hatter who’d graduated the year before and had just finished his first year at Emory. Early in my Atlanta adven­ture, he invited me and a friend to dinner at the iconic Flying Biscuit in Candler Park. I was charmed by the quirky, in-town eatery and impressed by his insider knowledge of the city’s hidden gems. Over dinner, he shared a year’s worth of Atlanta wisdom — tips, tricks and must-do’s.

I absorbed every word, mentally cataloging his advice. Though we only crossed paths occasionally after that, his warm welcome and shared Stetson bond made a sprawling new city feel like home.

Years later, another serendipitous Hatter connection sparked. Through my nonprofit work, I met someone who shared my passion for serving southwest Atlanta. As we bonded over our love for the community, we discovered we were both Stetson alumni — separated by decades but united by our Hatter identity. That shared experience forged an instant kinship, proving the enduring power of our Stetson connection. – Becky O’Mara ’03

During my time at Stetson, I worked as a Student Ambassador, giving tours and sharing my Stetson experience. I ended all my tours not with a scripted message about academics or campus involvement, but instead a simple, personal reflection on the Stetson community.

Stetson was different, I would say. It is not just a school or aca­demic center; it was a community as close as a devoted family. When you run into another Hatter, you’re not just finding someone who went to the same school; you’re finding someone willing to lend a hand based only on a shared experience.

Like Becky, my Atlanta story is intertwined with my Stetson experi­ence. I have wanted to work for an airline since my dad read me a story about Pedro the Airplane flying over the Andes Mountains, and it is this love of aviation that brough me to Atlanta. As I began look­ing for career opportunities in my senior year, the Stetson network and community came to my aid, helping make a connection that would allow me to land my dream job at Delta Air Lines.

Ever since being the beneficiary of our amazing Stetson community — the very same one I was so enthusiastic about as a student — I’ve wanted to lend a hand. As a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, my aim is to help turn the magic of Stetson in Atlanta into something we can help grow and replicate across other regions. I want to help create alumni chapters.

What we’re trying to do isn’t an exact science of ingredients; it’s an alchemy of community, connections and Hatters. As you look back to the last time you entered the library, walked down the steps of Elizabeth or rocked in a chair in front of the CUB, I’m sure you’ll remember not just the building and grounds, but also the friends and memories you made. These moments of connection aren’t just happy accidents — they’re the foundation of something greater.

Over the past three years, I’ve re-engaged with Stetson through volunteer opportunities, first supporting the Stand Up Hulley initia­tive and now leading efforts to build a vibrant alumni chapter in metro Atlanta. -Travis Hill ’16

BUILDING AN ATLANTA ALUMNI CHAPTER

We cannot rely on chance encounters to foster community among the Stetson alumni community. So, how do we create a network that warmly welcomes new graduates to our cities, supports professional growth and sparks meaningful collaborations? With a dedicated group of volunteers, we’re laying the groundwork for an Atlanta alumni chapter while partnering with Stetson’s Alumni Association Board of Directors to craft a model for engagement.

Our goal is to harness the talent and passion of our alumni to boost student recruitment, retention and career success.

We are building in Atlanta through four strategic initiatives:

Connection and Camaraderie. It all starts with bringing Hatters together. By fostering social bonds rooted in our shared Stetson experience, we’re creat­ing a supportive, dynamic community where alumni uplift and inspire one another.

(re)Cruitment. We’re passionate about elevating Stetson’s presence in Atlanta, sharing its story as a transformative destination for higher education. Through relationship-driven outreach, we’re ensuring Stetson is top of mind for the next generation of Hatters.

Career. We’re building a robust network of alumni and corporate partners in Atlanta to open doors for Stetson students and graduates, connecting them to meaningful career opportunities in our thriving city.

Capacity. Our university thrives when its alumni step up. We’re building ways to encourage Hatters to engage with Stetson through leadership, giving and active participation — strengthening the university we love.

The energy is building, and the possibilities are endless. We invite you to watch this exciting journey unfold and engage with us as we grow this vibrant Atlanta alumni community, as well as additional chapters, starting in Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Washington, D.C.

Stay connected, share your ideas and be part of the Hatter legacy taking shape. Together, we’ll celebrate our shared past and build a brighter future for Stetson!

Note: Contact the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving if you are interested in either joining or helping build an alumni chapter at [email protected].