An incoming Business major, Logan Jones knew right away that Stetson was his top choice the first time he visited its DeLand campus.

“I always wanted to be in Florida, and when I came here, everyone was just super nice,” he said, arriving for new student move-in day on Saturday, Aug. 15, after a two-day drive from his hometown in Kennebunk, Maine, with his parents.

“I’ll cry all the way back to Maine,” added his mother, Crystal Jones.

The Joneses were one of hundreds of families that arrived on campus in time for the new academic year. The Lynn Business Center parking lot was filled with excitement as check-in staff bustled about to welcome new Hatters and cars filled with moving boxes began rolling into the tented area where residence keys and Hatter1 Cards were being distributed.

“Wow! What great enthusiasm from our entire campus community,” said Jeffery Gates, LPD, Senior Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing. “From welcoming our families upon arrival, to moving boxes, fridges, extremely full, heavy bags and big TVs, it’s been a great day for our new Hatter families to arrive on campus. The smiles, and a few tears, are all part of the process of moving into college. Through service, connection and support from all — our students and their families are ready for it.”

First to arrive at drive-thru check-in was Jacob Farmer from Okeechobee, who chose Stetson for its top-notch Finance program. When asked if he was nervous, he said, “No. I’m mainly excited. I’m ready to get that first week of activities underway and really start cranking out the work. I just know I have to really get my nose on the grindstone early for a good start. After that, I’m just waiting until October to rush.”

Little sleep the night before from packing and nerves was a common theme discussed by students arriving early on campus. Nate Johnson, a Music Education major with a focus on Vocal Arts, stayed up late packing his belongings for the move and woke up bright and early in the morning for the drive from Ruskin with his mother. 

The generous financial aid package he received was what made him decide to become a Hatter, he said.

Soon, President Christopher Roellke, PhD, arrived at the scene to join the welcome effort, greeting parents with fist bumps and cheering on the check-in staff hard at work.

“This is an exciting day. This is when we get to welcome new members of our community into Hatter Nation,” he said. “For me, it’s all about the students and I think that reflects Stetson. At Stetson, it’s all about the students.

“We’re on a real theme this year and it’s about being ready for it. So, when I meet with families, I’m going to ask them, ‘Are you ready for it?’ And I know the answer is yes.”

An Environmental Studies major, Kyla Hoffman from Winter Garden has been coordinating with her roommate to get their room decoration just right, with pink, white, light blue and teal being the agreed-upon color scheme.

“I chose Stetson because I really liked the campus. It was beautiful. Everyone was very friendly. It just seemed like the right school for me,” she said.

Gabriel Alvarado from Orlando also chose Stetson for its campus, especially its intimate and quiet setting. Public Health is his pick for major, as he wants to go into the administrative side of healthcare for his career.

“I feel mixed emotions,” he said when asked how he felt about the upcoming term. “We’ll see how the first day goes. Right now, I’m really focused on move-in.”

From staff and faculty to student volunteers, the Stetson community at large joined the effort to give new students a warm welcome.

“Move-in was more than boxes and keys — it was a moment our campus became home for so many new Hatters,” said Jessica Day, Executive Director of Residential Living and Learning. “I was able to witness lots of small kindnesses this year; from returning Hatters easing the transition for our new Hatters into their rooms, to families helping one another holding doors and even lending hands building shelves so that everyone was able to get settled, our staff and faculty buzzing around providing families with steadiness and thoughtful advice.

“The energy Saturday demonstrated to me we are going to have a blessed year with the addition of this Class of 2030.”