What a tremendous 24 hours – 874 donors secured $413,982 for Stetson scholarships and programs! This was a RECORD-SETTING Day of Giving at Stetson! The generosity of alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends will collectively make a huge impact across the Stetson community. Click below to see the full fund-by-fund results from Stetson Gives to highlight the possibilities YOU helped unlock.   

This year, the Max Cleland Leadership Stetson Class of 2026 returned home with excitement to reconnect and learn. Through exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, these alumni and friends explored how Stetson operates today, engaged in meaningful discussions and discovered new ways to give back, stay involved and help shape the university’s future. Congratulations to our 2026 program graduates!

April 3 | Good Friday–SU Offices Closed

April 25 | Stetson Baseball Pre-Game Happy Hour

May 8-9 | 2026 Commencement Ceremonies

May 22-25 | Memorial Day–SU Offices Closed

The Stetson Young Scholars program is offering Pre-Law Camps and the Stetson Scholars Summit this summer. These residential experiences for high-achieving high school students will provide the opportunity to engage in hands-on, collegiate-level learning and connect with our campus community. Spots are going fast, share the link below with future Hatters!

Please reach out to Madison Gray, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, mgray2@stetson.edu with any questions you may have.

The Center for Optimal Health Across the Lifespan invites you to an important event tackling one of today’s most pressing challenges. This symposium is ideal for community members, educators, mental health practitioners, nonprofit and faith‑based leaders and anyone dedicated to improving social connectedness.

Join us on March 20 from 1–5 p.m. at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in DeLand for an engaging discussion on the causes and effects of social isolation and loneliness.

After 25 years at Stetson, Dr. Michael Denner will retire in May. He joined the university in 2000 and from 2005 to 2022 served as Director of the Honors Program, where he helped expand opportunities for high-achieving students. During his tenure, he launched initiatives such as articulation agreements with Stetson College of Law and a partnership with the Daytona State College Quanta–Honors College, demonstrating his commitment to accessible high-quality education.

Dr. Denner is also a professor of Russian language, literature and film as well as the editor of the Tolstoy Studies Journal. He has long championed study abroad opportunities for students, working to keep those accessible for all. In retirement, he looks forward to pursuing a variety of interests. Those who would like to share well-wishes may send messages to Dr. Nicole Denner using the button below. 

After 18 seasons at the helm of Stetson women’s basketball, head coach Lynn Bria will step away at the conclusion of the current season. Since taking over in 2008–09, she has led the program to three conference championships, two NCAA Tournament appearances and 12 postseason berths, building a legacy defined by competitive success, academic achievement and a strong sense of community.

Bria, one of the most influential figures in program history, compiled a 318–251 record at Stetson while mentoring generations of student-athletes. Her impact extended well beyond the court, shaping a culture rooted in resilience, passion and commitment that will continue to guide the program into the future.

Stetson mourns the passing of Professor Emeritus Gary Maris, PhD, who passed away on March 11. A member of the Class of 1962, Dr. Maris earned his degree in History from Stetson before going on to serve the university for decades as a political science professor and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 1986 to 1998.

Dr. Maris made a lasting impact on campus and in the community. He was the founder of the Neighborhood Center, a recipient of the George and Mary Hood Award in 2008, and as a student, a member of the men’s soccer team and Army ROTC.

His legacy continues through the Maris Prizes for Undergraduate Scholarship Day, which recognize outstanding student academic achievement.

Andrew Daire ’91 has been named provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, the nation’s largest historically Black university. He will join the university in May from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he currently serves as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. He assumes his new role May 9.

Tibby DeJulio ’71 was honored with the renaming of Windsor Meadows Park in Sandy Springs as Tibby DeJulio Park at Windsor Meadows in recognition of his long service to the community. DeJulio served on the Sandy Springs City Council for 20 years and was instrumental in the city’s founding and growth; the renaming of the park took place during his final council meeting in December. New park signage was unveiled in January.