Stetson University marked the opening of Lynn Hall on January 15 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the first new residence hall built on campus in 20 years. The four-story, 305-bed facility is designed to enhance student life through modern amenities, shared social spaces and a strong focus on community. Located just east of the Carlton Union Building, Lynn Hall reflects student input and a commitment to creating a welcoming place where students can live, connect and thrive.

The celebrations continue with two more ribbon cuttings on the horizon. The dedication of Hulley Tower will take place on February 7, featuring a full day of fun and festivities. The University will then mark the opening of the newly renovated Edmunds Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 21 at 10:30 a.m. All alumni and community members are invited!

Join us on Saturday, Feb. 7, for a historic occasion marking the official re-dedication of Hulley Tower. This celebration honors the restoration of one of Stetson’s most iconic landmarks through an alumni-led effort that reflects the University’s legacy and future.

A full day of activities is planned, including an on-campus fun run, lunch in the Lynn Dining Commons, the Stetson Innsbruck Society reception, the dedication ceremony and an evening reception. Events will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at 7 p.m.

Join us for Edmunds Center Reimagined: Game Day Celebration & Showcase on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 10:30 a.m. at the Edmunds Center. This event will mark the completion of the Edmunds Center expansion and renovation and will include opportunities to tour the newly updated facility. The celebration takes place ahead of a doubleheader of Men’s and Women’s Basketball home games. 

January 29 | Men's Basketball at UNF Pre-Game Happy Hour

January 31 | Atlanta Spring Social Gathering

February 7 | Hulley Tower Dedication Day of Celebration

February 12 | Stetson Sweethearts Charcuterie & Wine Date Night

February 14 | DeLand Dog Parade

February 21 | Edmunds Center Game-Day Celebration & Showcase

February 27 | Women's Basketball at FGCU Pre-Game Happy Hour

March 22 | Alumni Day at Yankees Spring Training

From now until January 28, we are accepting Stetson Sweethearts stories to highlight on our social media platforms from January 29 to February 14.

This year, all participants will be entered to win two tickets to our Stetson Sweethearts event in downtown DeLand at Create Space on February 12 at 6:30 p.m. All participants will also receive a Stetson Sweethearts sticker in the mail as a thank-you. Click the button below to see the submission instructions. 

Save the date for Stetson Gives, our annual Giving Day, happening March 11–12. During this 24-hour celebration, Hatters everywhere will come together to support the areas they are most passionate about and help unlock opportunities for our students.

Over the next few weeks, you’ll receive a handful of emails from us sharing stories, updates and ways to get involved with Stetson Gives. These messages are meant to keep you informed and connected as we count down to our biggest fundraising event of the year and celebrate the impact you make possible.

P.S. Interested in serving as a Stetson Gives Advocate? Sign up with our link below. 

Join us in Atlanta for a behind-the-scenes Rickhouse tour at ASW Whiskey Exchange on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 4 p.m. Enjoy a 45-minute guided experience exploring the barrel-aging process, a tasting of two signature spirits, a barrel-proof sample, and a souvenir Glencairn glass. Please note that the Rickhouse is not fully climate-controlled so dress accordingly. The first 8 guests attend free! To RSVP or learn more, email Becky O’Mara ’03 at becky@bearingsbikeworks.org.

The annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade is Saturday, Feb. 14 in downtown DeLand! Alumni and friends are invited to walk with us.

Show your Hatter spirit by wearing Stetson gear or Mardi Gras attire. Feel free to bring SU swag, signs or Greek org. signage to help represent our community. Dogs are encouraged, but not required.

Communication will be sent the day before with our lineup location along Woodland Blvd. See you there!

Experience Costa Rica in 2026 this June, on a nine-day small-group alumni journey. Led by the Gillespie Museum in partnership with WORLD and the Office of Alumni Engagement, the trip includes visits to Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Savegre Lodge and more. Join one of two upcoming virtual info sessions to learn more about the itinerary, logistics and travel experience.

As the Hulley Tower dedication draws near, we are grateful to announce our next phase of remembrance. The story of losing Dennis, Katy and Scotty in the 1979 Innsbruck avalanche inspired the grassroots, alumni-led effort to rebuild Hulley Tower. And now Hulley stands again as a symbol of remembrance for all. 

As an extension of the Soul of Stetson initiative and the rebuilding of Hulley Tower, a memorial will be included on the historical marker at Hulley to memorialize all students who passed away while actively enrolled at the University. Hulley Tower has long been a place of memory and meaning for our community, and this tribute reflects our shared commitment to remembrance and care.

We invite alumni and friends to view the list of names and share additions or corrections so we may honor every student accurately and thoughtfully. More details on the memorial plans will be shared in coming months. 

If you have information to share or would like to submit a correction, please email stetsonchaplain@stetson.edu.

Doug Van Dyke ’83 was included in the inaugural edition of the South Carolina 500, which recognizes the most influential and powerful leaders in the State. Van Dyke founded Leadership Simplified in 1997 and serves as its CEO. The firm provides leadership development programs, executive coaching and strategic planning to Fortune 500 enterprises, as well as to small and medium sized businesses. 

Emily VanOosting Bollam ’09, JD ’12 (right in photo) received the Presidential Appreciation Award and was sworn in as president of the Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association for 2026. Board certified in criminal trial law, Bollam also serves as treasurer of the association’s board. PCTLA serves Bar members who practice in Pinellas County and fosters opportunities for professional connection and collaboration among attorneys.