Stetson University Alumni Association

06/03/2026

To celebrate 10 years of the MFA program, we will be hosting an alumni panel, featuring a decade of our amazing and talented alumni (from the original class of the MFA all the way to the current 2026 class).

The panel will take place Tuesday, June 9th from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm in the Rinker Welcome Center Orientation Room at Stetson’s historic DeLand campus. The night will include readings, performances, and presentations of creative work from the Stetson MFA alumni cohort.

We look forward to reuniting with the community that made the MFA what it is today.



Stetson University English Department Stetson University Alumni Association

06/02/2026

Nominations for the 2026 10 of the Last 10 Awards are now open! 🎩 We're looking for the next group of outstanding young alumni (undergrads from the last decade) making an impact in their communities, professions and at Stetson.

🏆 Meet one of our 10 of the Last 10 Award Winners! This honor recognizes young alumni who graduated within the last ten years who have made an outstanding impact through the 4 T’s — giving their time, talent, treasure and ties to strengthen their communities, professions and Stetson University.

Today we're highlighting Billie Ventimiglia '15. As a researcher and instructor at Florida State University Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Billie produces applied research, mentors graduate students and helps lead community-based planning projects across Florida. Her work focuses on connecting research and practice while helping future planners build the skills and confidence needed to make a difference in their communities.

💭 Favorite Stetson Memory:
"Pulling an all-nighter with friends in Elizabeth Hall or in the Russian Studies Building. The women I met at Stetson are still the closest friendships I have."

Nominations are open through July 20. Nominate a deserving Young Alum today!: https://dynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com/Submit/Start/40577b95-73f7-44f3-a4ed-cc3b58d109f9

05/29/2026

The deadline to nominate an outstanding Hatter for the Stetson University Alumni Awards is fast approaching!

These awards recognize alumni who are making an impact through leadership, service and achievement in their professions, communities and at Stetson.

Help us celebrate deserving members of the Hatter family by submitting your nomination by May 31. Winners will be honored during Homecoming 2026, Oct. 16-18 and will be notified ahead of time.

🔗 https://dynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com/Submit/Start/ff6afce2-bd7f-4ea6-860e-9fc323aa344e?SSO=N

05/28/2026

The deadline is fast approaching, nominate a Hatter today for the Hood Award! 🏆

The George and Mary Hood Award is one of the five Alumni Award categories, and it honors individuals who have a passion for Stetson and commitment to our Hatter values. 💚

One of last year’s recipients, Karen Schmitt Roberts ’80, was recognized for her decades of leadership and service throughout a distinguished 40-year career in human resources across the private, public and nonprofit sectors. She is also someone who supports Stetson every chance she gets.

Do you know someone who embodies the spirit of Stetson through their dedication, leadership and support of the university community? Nominate them today before May 31 and they will be recognized at the Alumni Awards ceremony happening during Homecoming 2026, Oct. 16-18.

🔗 Nomination form: https://dynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com/Submit/Start/ff6afce2-bd7f-4ea6-860e-9fc323aa344e?SSO=N

05/25/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, Stetson University offices are closed today, Monday, May 25. We honor and remember all those who served our country and reflect with gratitude on the sacrifices made for our freedom.

05/23/2026

The Doyle E. Carlton Award is one of the five Alumni Award categories, recognizing graduates or friends of Stetson University for their devotion to Christian higher education and extraordinary contributions to Stetson, the City of DeLand and the State of Florida.

Last year’s recipient, Blane McCarthy ’92, JD ’95, was honored for his leadership, service and faith-centered commitment to his community. A proud Double Hatter, Blane has served on the Stetson University Alumni Association Board of Directors, led service initiatives through the Christian Legal Society and continues to serve as an ordained deacon and Director of Adult Ministries at his church.

Do you know someone who embodies the spirit of Stetson through their dedication, leadership and service? Nominate them today before May 31 and they could be recognized during the Alumni Awards ceremony at Homecoming 2026, Oct. 16-18.

Award categories include:
• Distinguished Alumni Award
• Outstanding Young Alumni Award
• Distinguished Service Award
• Doyle E. Carlton Award
• George and Mary Hood Award

🔗 Nominate a Hatter today: https://dynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com/Submit/Start/ff6afce2-bd7f-4ea6-860e-9fc323aa344e?SSO=N

05/21/2026

It's Throwback Thursday! Here's a peek at 1951 in what is now Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall.

1951: Howard Hanson acknowledges the applause of the orchestra members and the audience after the final piece from the Concert of America.

05/20/2026

Join fellow Hatters in Atlanta! 📅 Our first stop of the annual Stetson Summer Series kicks off Thursday, June 4 at 6:30pm!

Alumni from all class years are invited to welcome the Class of 2026 into the alumni association while enjoying great conversation and community at Industry Tavern with the Atlanta Alumni Chapter. Reconnect with fellow alumni, make new connections and raise a toast to Stetson’s newest graduates.

📍Industry Tavern
3280 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 187
Atlanta, GA

RSVP here: https://stetsonuniversity.regfox.com/stetson-summer-series-atlanta

Check out the other events in our Summer Series on our website: https://www.stetson.edu/administration/alumni/events.php

05/19/2026