Rollins

Top 23 Stories of 2023

December 12, 2023

By Jessica Firpi ’11

Top 23 Stories of 2023 photo grid

As we close the book on 2023, we bring you the Rollins stories you loved most this year—one more time.

From globe-trotting internships and innovative student-faculty research projects to prestigious college honors and milestones, explore the most-viewed Rollins stories of 2023.

Sydney Knight ’23Sydney Knight ’23
Photo by Scott Cook.

1. My Rollins Life: Paving Her Path

When business management major Sydney Knight ’23 found her community of support at Rollins, she was off and running toward her dream career as a solutions analyst with JP Morgan in New York City.

Center for Career & Life Planning (CCLP)Center for Career & Life Planning (CCLP)
Photo by Scott Cook.

2. Career Cachet

A dynamic drop-in space overseen by the Center for Career & Life Planning (CCLP), the Career Studio is a one-stop shop where students receive guidance on everything from resumes to job searches.

Grid of incoming Class of 2027 studentsGrid of incoming Class of 2027 students
Photo by Scott Cook.

3. Why I Chose Rollins

From our interdisciplinary curriculum to myriad opportunities for hands-on learning and real-world experience, discover why nine incoming first-year students chose Rollins.

Nick Johnson ’20 and his mentor, William Moore ’99Nick Johnson ’20 and his mentor, William Moore ’99
Photo by Scott Cook.

4. What I’ve Learned: Lessons from Alumni Mentorship

Nick Johnson ’20 credits his mentor, William Moore ’99, with advising him to make moves that have accelerated his career growth—a story of how the bonds formed between Rollins students and alumni are jump-starting personal and professional success.

The new Tiedtke Theatre & Dance CentreThe new Tiedtke Theatre & Dance Centre
Photo by Scott Cook.

5. Sneak Peek: Tiedtke Theatre & Dance Centre

A behind-the-scenes first look at how the new Tiedtke Theatre & Dance Centre will further strengthen Rollins’ role as a leader in performing arts education.

Fox Day 2023Fox Day 2023
Photo by Scott Cook.

6. Fox Day 2023 in Photos

Once again, the beloved Fox Day was one for the books. Relive your favorite memories from everyone’s favorite day of the year.

Phi Beta Kappa Society 2023 inductionPhi Beta Kappa Society 2023 induction
Photo by Scott Cook.

7. Rollins Inducts 23 New Members of Phi Beta Kappa

On March 31, the Rollins chapter of Phi Beta Kappa—known as Theta Chapter of Florida—inducted its second class of members at the Rice Family Pavilion. Rollins students join 17 U.S. presidents, 42 U.S. Supreme Court justices, and more than 150 Nobel Laureates as members of America’s most prestigious academic honor society.

8. Paying It Forward

Highly accomplished environmental lawyer Renee Stone ’85 sits down with Abrielle Mannino ’25 to discuss her biggest takeaways from Rollins, the value of the liberal arts, and insights gleaned on her path to advocacy.

EMBARK programEMBARK program
Photo by Scott Cook.

9. Embarking with Purpose

Since 2016, the College’s EMBARK program has supported students from underrepresented backgrounds as they transition to college life and start their journeys at Rollins.

Physics professor Whitney Coyle (left) and physics majors Makayle Kellison ’25 (center) and Maggie Kuffskie ’25 (right).Physics professor Whitney Coyle (left) and physics majors Makayle Kellison ’25 (center) and Maggie Kuffskie ’25 (right).
Photo by Scott Cook.

10. What It’s Like ... to Partner with Your Professor

Thanks to acoustical research they conducted alongside physics professor Whitney Coyle, Makayle Kellison ’25 and Maggie Kuffskie ’25 played a role in the historic launch of the Artemis I rocket.

From top left: Connor Xu ’23, Ashley Troutman ’23, Capri Gutierrez ’23, Emily Froehlich ’23, Raj Singh ’23, Sarah Skala ’23, and Georgina Groth ’23.From top left: Connor Xu ’23, Ashley Troutman ’23, Capri Gutierrez ’23, Emily Froehlich ’23, Raj Singh ’23, Sarah Skala ’23, and Georgina Groth ’23.

11. Rising to the Top

This year’s seven valedictorians share highlights from their time at Rollins and a glimpse of what’s next in their meaningful lives and productive careers.

Grid of residence halls at RollinsGrid of residence halls at Rollins
Photo by Scott Cook.

12. Dorm Tours

Get a behind-the-scenes look at eight of Rollins’ top residence halls through our student-hosted dorm tour series.

From top left: Sarah Skala ’23, Socorro Torres Lopez ’23, Capri Gutierrez ’23, and Sarah Bennefield ’23.From top left: Sarah Skala ’23, Socorro Torres Lopez ’23, Capri Gutierrez ’23, and Sarah Bennefield ’23.
Photo by Scott Cook.

13. 4 Rollins Students Earn Fulbright Scholarships

Four Tars received the distinguished Fulbright Scholarship, including two teaching assignments and two awards to pursue graduate school and research opportunities.

Rollins baseball teamRollins baseball team
Photo by Courtesy Rollins College Athletics.

14. Baseball Team Caps Historic Season with Championship Game

For the 2023 season, Rollins’ baseball team scored a runner-up finish at the NCAA Division II National Championship, marking the farthest the team has ever gotten at the Division II level.

Rollins students on a field studyRollins students on a field study
Photo by Janie Inscore ’25.

15. A Whole New World

Barbie and Ken aren’t the only ones creating change and exploring new worlds. Check out this year’s field studies for a chance to experience new cultures, take cool classes, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.

Rollins Year in Photos photo gridRollins Year in Photos photo grid
Photo by Scott Cook.

16. A Rollins Year in Photos

Before beginning a brand-new semester, we celebrated everything that makes Rollins great by looking back at some of our favorite moments from the 2022-23 academic year.

Summer, Shared 2023 photo gridSummer, Shared 2023 photo grid

17. Summer, Shared 2023

From hands-on field studies and prestigious internships to real-world research and study abroad programs, Tars shared some of their biggest accomplishments from summer 2023.

Welcome Week 2023 photo gridWelcome Week 2023 photo grid
Photo by Scott Cook.

18. Photos: Welcome Week 2023

As we kicked off the new semester, we looked back at some of the best moments from Welcome Week—from move-in to SPARC Day.

Rollins commencementRollins commencement
Photo by Zach Stovall.

19. Rollins Ranked No. 1 Regional University in the South

U.S. News & World Report once again ranked Rollins the No. 1 regional university in the South in its annual rankings of the nation’s best colleges.

From left: Molly von Eschenbach ’21, Jenny Goldsher ’21, and Justin Driscoll ’20 ’21MBA.From left: Molly von Eschenbach ’21, Jenny Goldsher ’21, and Justin Driscoll ’20 ’21MBA.

20. Scoring Big

Explore how Rollins’ winning combination of athletic and academic excellence gives our student-athletes a competitive advantage.

Hollie Tweedie ’25 and Brendan Manning ’23 eating in the MarketplaceHollie Tweedie ’25 and Brendan Manning ’23 eating in the Marketplace
Photo by Scott Cook.

21. An Odyssey of Eats

At Rollins, we’re dishing up some of the best campus dining in the country. A pair of culinary enthusiasts team up to show you what’s on the menu.

English Professor Jana Mathews engaged student in class discussion.English Professor Jana Mathews engaged student in class discussion.
Photo by Scott Cook.

22. Inside a Rollins Classroom

In small classes, big things happen. Through open discussion, hands-on learning, and close-knit mentorship from faculty who know your goals and dreams, you emerge as a confident critical thinker ready to make your mark.

Michelle RodriguezMichelle Rodriguez
Photo by Scott Cook.

23. Set Up for Success

Hear from peer mentor Michelle Rodriguez ’24 in her own words about how the Rollins College Conference course—RCC for short—acts as a roadmap for your Rollins journey.

Rollins College students enjoying lunch by the Lakeside pool.

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