Stetson’s campus was alive and bustling with activity this past weekend, Oct. 16-18, as alumni, friends, students, family and neighbors joined faculty and staff in celebrating what it means to be a Hatter. Stetson spirit was evident throughout the weekend, reflecting enduring friendships and many new connections formed across campus.

Read on for the high points of this year’s celebrations and recognitions that brought together generations of Stetson University Hatter traditions.

Alumni Awards Luncheon

Beginning with the Alumni Awards Luncheon on Friday, Hatters were telling stories and raising their hats to one another.

In the words of Glen Hauenstein ’82, who received the Distinguished Alumni Award, “This award today is a full circle moment for me and really makes me realize what a great education I got here at Stetson – it’s served me very well over the years. If there was an award for Least Likely to Succeed Class of 1982, I would have won hands down. The lesson I can share with current students and those about to graduate is that everybody has potential.”

Hauenstein credits Stetson’s small class sizes, faculty mentorship and opportunities to explore career paths as critical to his success. He even spent time as a DJ on Stetson Radio during his undergraduate years. “People mature at different ages – for some it’s their teens and for others their 20s or later,” he said. “Take your time, experiment and find your passion.”

“The business world can be very rough,” added Hauenstein, who recently retired as president and CEO of Delta Air Lines. “What I learned here at Stetson was the importance of making sure everybody can win. Stetson has a great sense of community and a true dedication to kindness and taking care of people that has stayed with me all these years.”

Congratulations and hats off to all the award winners who make a continued impact on Stetson, their communities and the world: Glen Hauenstein ’82; J. Scott Rutan, PhD ’62; Miguel Ortiz Burgos ’16; Scott Boore ’76; Scott Marcello ’84, MAcc ’85; and Dené Marcello ’87.

President’s Champagne Brunch

The gardens of the President’s home were a beautiful setting to start Saturday’s festivities – a feat that wouldn’t have been possible without the welcoming hospitality of President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, and his wife, Dr. Kim Roellke, as well as their children and large extended family.

On hand were many distinguished guests and alumni, including Board of Trustees Chair Lila A. Jaber, trustees Hyatt Brown Hon. ’92, Cici Brown Hon. ’07, Joanna “JJ” Payette ’06 and Karen Roberts ’80, as well as Stetson’s Homecoming Queens Joyce Green ’51 and Marilyn Johnston ’53, newly crowned Homecoming Court and Royalty – Joseph Ortiz and Hannah Kurek – and the Class of 1976, which was celebrating its 50th reunion.

Attendees enjoyed a full brunch buffet, beverages and live music from Stetson’s acclaimed School of Music before heading off to tailgate parties and the Homecoming football game.

The President’s Champagne Brunch was made possible with the support of Homecoming Weekend presenting sponsor, Insight Credit Union. Many thanks to

Persimmon Hollow for providing beer tastings from its award-winning microbrewery located in DeLand.

Tailgates & Football

Tailgating was a success despite some rainy weather. Although the game ultimately didn’t go Stetson’s way, the team valiantly fought Presbyterian College, which entered the weekend fourth in the Pioneer Football League.

Junior quarterback Thomas von Grote from Trophy Club, Texas, threw for 345 yards and five touchdowns. He completed 23 of 28 passes and is averaging 248.3 passing yards per contest with an extremely low interception total.

The trio of senior captain Wyatt Rogers, Troy Flowers and Shawne Jones led the offensive effort while Julian Sampson and Jahyden Clark each recorded an interception for the Hatters. In an exciting play, Anthony Benzija converted a fake punt for a 34-yard run. Also, Landon Farco caught two touchdown passes, including a go-ahead score with 51 seconds remaining.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and it’s clear from the photos shared by the Stetson community that a good time was had by all.

Homecoming Football was made possible with the support of Watson Realty, where generations of Hatters have been generous supporters of the university.

Vespers

A choir of more than 100 alumni and undergraduate students came together Saturday evening in an uplifting and spiritual performance of sacred music in Elizabeth Hall’s Lee Chapel. The choir connected generations of vocalists in a touching and meaningful moment as Stetson’s new choral director, Ryan Person, DMA, encouraged each to turn to the fellow musicians surrounding them and give thanks, reminding all of us to thank those who are a part of our lives, even if it’s just for one moment in time.

Homecoming Weekend was made possible by the generosity of presenting sponsor, Insight Credit Union.

In addition, Homecoming’s official travel sponsor was West Volusia Tourism. To learn how to book travel and for tips to share with area visitors, click here. All travel booked in the DeLand area benefits efforts to increase tourism in West Volusia.