The Stetson Summer Series is back, bringing alumni together across the state to welcome the Class of 2026 into the Hatter alumni family. Join fellow Hatters for an evening of networking, conversation and Stetson pride at one of our remaining stops this summer.

Whether you're reconnecting with classmates, meeting alumni from other generations or raising a toast to Stetson's newest graduates, we'd love to see you there. 

See dates below!

June 19 | Juneteenth - University Offices Closed

June 23 | Summer Series: Orlando

July 8 | Summer Series: Jacksonville

July 16 | Summer Series: Ormond Beach

July 22 | Summer Series: Boca Raton

August 4 | Summer Series: Miami

October 16-18 | Homecoming 2026

This summer, Hatters are hitting the road with Fuel the Fund, a nationwide effort to support scholarships, academic programs, and the student experiences that define the Stetson journey. With a gift of $10 or more to the Stetson Fund, you can help us reach our goal by June 30, represent your state in the 50 States Challenge, and receive an exclusive Stetson logo decal.

Make your gift today and help fuel the next generation of Hatters!

Jackson Olson, who played baseball at Stetson in 2020 before joining the world-famous Savannah Bananas, has been announced as a contestant on Season 35 of the television competition Dancing with the Stars. Olson is among the first celebrities revealed for the upcoming season, with the remaining cast and professional dance partners set to be announced in September.

The 10 of the Last 10 awards honor outstanding young alumni from the Forever Green community! These Hatters exemplify Stetson’s values within their first decade after graduation. Nominations for 2026 are open June 1–July 20.

Recipients will be notified in early fall and celebrated with a Toast to Ten Box, exclusive event perks and yearlong recognition across Stetson platforms.

The Stetson Alumni webpage has a fresh new look, designed to be more streamlined and user-friendly while keeping resources easy to access.

Explore the site to discover more ways to stay connected!

Dr. Paul Steeves, a longtime Stetson University faculty member, recently passed away. He joined the university in 1972, teaching history and Russian studies for 41 years before retiring in 2013. During his tenure, he received top honors for teaching and research, held the J. Ollie Edmunds Chair, and helped develop the Russian Studies Program while leading both the Honors Program and Edmunds Scholars.

Roland George Investments Program (RGIP) team has won the Florida CFA Institute Research Challenge for the sixth consecutive year! The competition challenges students to conduct equity research and present investment recommendations to industry professionals, offering hands-on experience in financial analysis. The win continues RGIP’s strong record of success in the statewide competition.

Built in 1957, Smith Hall was named in honor of J. Archy Smith, a dean of the university and popular math professor. Smith came to Stetson in 1900 after teaching at the University of Chicago and remained a professor here until shortly before he died in 1925.

During the 2023 campus housing master planning process, an analysis determined the residence hall would need extensive renovation that in the end would only address appearance and not function. Due to the type of construction needed, it was decided that Smith Hall would come down this summer and the site will be converted to green space until future use is determined. 

With the demolition of Smith Hall, Stetson will have nine residence halls, 13 fraternity and sorority chapter houses and four apartment complexes. 

For those of you who lived in or have fond memories of Smith Hall, please feel free to share photos or memories to be shared in an upcoming social media post. 

Brandon Lomas '26 has made Stetson history as the university’s first U.S. Air Force Pilot Select. Chosen through a highly competitive selection process, Lomas earned a coveted slot in Undergraduate Pilot Training and will commission as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation. His achievement reflects years of dedication through Air Force ROTC, where he balanced rigorous training with his academic pursuits while developing as a leader committed to service. 

Emma Clark ’17 (right), chief operating officer of All Aboard Storage and one of the Daytona Beach News-Journal’s 40 Under Forty honorees, was also named the 2026 Young Professional of the Year. The award recognizes a young professional who demonstrates exceptional leadership, significant career achievements and a strong commitment to community service. Clark received the honor from 2025 Young Professional of the Year recipient and current Alumni Board member, Courtney Edgcomb ’12 (left).