Top 23 Stories of 2023
December 12, 2023
By Jessica Firpi ’11
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
12. Dorm Tours
Get a behind-the-scenes look at eight of Rollins’ top residence halls through our student-hosted dorm tour series.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
20. Scoring Big
Explore how Rollins’ winning combination of athletic and academic excellence gives our student-athletes a competitive advantage.
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.
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.
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.
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