On Saturday, March 14, Stetson’s newly rebuilt Hulley Tower, with its 52-bell carillon, had a bit of competition. That’s because, as is tradition on this day, each time accepted students committed to officially become Hatters they rang the Victory Bell, accompanied by confetti streams and loud cheers.

In turn, the campus was filled with those joyous, resounding sounds, starting early morning and continuing for hours during the university’s first of two Hatter Saturdays. All totaled, 158 accepted students attended, along with nearly 300 family members. (The second Hatter Saturday is set for April 11.)

On such new Hatter was Shawna Merrill from West Broward High School near Fort Lauderdale, who will also play for the Beach Volleyball team.

“I looked for a family kind of feeling. And a lot of the girls that I’ve known since I was younger had committed here. Then, when I came in to visit the school, it felt really welcoming,” said Merrill.

Her mother, Melinda Merrill, added: “It’s cozy. It feels safe. And I’m super excited that she has guidance education-wise. That was probably my number-one thing: We found out that somebody would help her make [academic] decisions and guide her, and help her figure out and navigate what she wants to do.”

Not coincidentally, guidance was a distinct part of the Hatter Saturday experience, which featured a Stetson Academic Showcase, highlighted by opportunities to meet with faculty, interact with current students and explore the many learning options related to Stetson’s immersive Hatter Ready education. In addition, there were campus tours, exhibits by student organizations and a Community Showcase, among other chances to get a Hatters’ head start. And there was plenty of festive fun.

Janise Johnson, mother of Jayden Brackeen, was duly impressed. Jayden attends a charter school in Tampa. “[Stetson] is a higher level from his current high school,” Johnson said. “His high school was very personable, small, with a hands-on approach. So, this is a continuation, an extension of that environment.” Also, she cited the additional financial assistance received by virtue of her military background, pointing to the efforts of Chris Griffin, Stetson’s director of Veteran Services. 

Kyleigh Copeland arrived all the way from Arkansas. Her father grew up in DeLand, and her grandmother still lives in town. Yet, it was time she spent last fall in the community that truly sold her on Stetson. “I met a bunch of amazing people who went to this school, and I just fell in love with it,” Copeland said. “I’ve never felt so sure about a place other than this place. And being here and learning about everything that I’m learning now, it’s already comforting. It already feels like home.”

Milestone Moment

Hatter Saturday was that kind of day.

“Wow! What a great day to be a Hatter,” commented Jeffery Gates, LPD, senior vice president of Enrollment and Marketing. “Students who rang the bell with me today were from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Arkansas and Florida. And I know there were others who were able to celebrate becoming a Hatter with their families today.”

Gates acknowledged the milestone moment for all involved.

“As a parent of a college-aged student myself, days like today are bittersweet moments for any parent,” he said. “You want to be there for every step, but you also want them to grow, explore their potential and discover who they’re meant to become. At Stetson, we understand the trust families place in us when they choose a university. Our commitment is to help every student thrive — academically, personally and professionally — within a close-knit community that truly knows and supports them. Students here have incredible opportunities to lead and explore their passions. They can start new clubs, design their own major through our Honors Program, launch entrepreneurial ideas, and build meaningful relationships with faculty who mentor them along the way. 

“Today’s event was a wonderful showcase at what happens here each and every day!”

-Michael Candelaria