Top 24 Stories of 2024

From globe-trotting internships and immersive study abroad experiences to prestigious college honors and milestones, explore the most-viewed Rollins stories of 2024.

1. Learning by Doing

Each year between the fall and spring semesters, enterprising students return to campus a little early to participate in Intersession, a weeklong course dedicated to an interesting subject not typically offered during the regular semester.

2. In Memory: Rita Bornstein ’04H ’04HAL

Rollins’ 13th president lived a life of perseverance, driven by a respect for education, demand for excellence, and deep care for others.

3. Fox Day 2024 in Photos

Fox Day was once again everyone’s favorite day of the year. Look back at 2024’s unforgettable festivities and the moments that made this year’s celebration a true testament to Rollins’ most beloved tradition.

4. The Meaning of a Good Life

After attending seven colleges across three decades, Eric Reichwein ’18 discovered the Hamilton Holt School’s Professional Advancement programs and the quality of life he’d always wanted.

5. Rollins Ranked No. 1 Private Regional University in the South

U.S. News & World Report ranked Rollins as the top private institution and No. 2 overall among the regional universities in the South for 2025.

6. Passport to Purpose

During spring break, our students had the opportunity to explore real-world issues and grow as global citizens.

7. Bright Lights

Rollins’ 2024 valedictorians share how the College connected them to their purpose, what they’ll miss most, and what’s next in their meaningful lives and productive careers.

8. Kellison ’25 Earns Goldwater Scholarship

Physics major Makayle Kellison ’25 earned a Goldwater Scholarship, the country’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarship for the STEM fields.

9. Tars on the Job

Tars share some of their biggest accomplishments from summer 2024 as they channeled their Rollins education into real-world, career-defining internships.

10. Rollins Named Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars and Students

With our focus on global citizenship and responsible leadership, Rollins once again secured a position as one of the top producers of Fulbright Scholars and Students among colleges and universities.

11. Rollins Celebrates Black History Month

During February’s celebration of Black History Month, Rollins paid homage to the rich tapestry of African American history, recognizing the pivotal lives and contributions of Black Americans and providing numerous avenues for education, engagement, and reflection.

12. Full STEM Ahead

The Bush Science Center’s new STEM Hub fosters opportunities for learning, connection, and equity.

13. Transforming Lives

We celebrated seven faculty members and one head coach who retired this past May after nearly 250 years of combined service to Rollins, where they’ve had a profound impact on their students, the community, and their areas of expertise.

14. 3 Rollins Students Earn Fulbright Scholarships

Three Tars received the distinguished Fulbright Scholarship, including two teaching assignments and one research fellowship.

15. The Making of a Musical

A behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Prom reveals the transformative impact of purpose-built spaces that empower our students to shine.

16. What It’s Like ... to Be a Rollins Student-Athlete

Rollins’ winning combination of academic and athletic excellence empowers student-athletes like Ben Kopen ’24 to thrive both on and off the field.

17. A Path to Purpose

Falecia Williams ’91 expanded her world by earning a Rollins degree. Now, she is working to expand the worlds of thousands of college students.

18. A Rollins Year in Photos

From move-in day to commencement, the 2023-24 academic year was a testament to the ways the Rollins community lives out the ideals and values of our mission every day.

19. Leading Change

For the past 10 years, the College’s Bonner Leaders Program has provided service-learning opportunities to students passionate about social issues and nonprofit work, creating positive change in the Rollins community and beyond.

20. Rollins Inducts 24 New Members of Phi Beta Kappa

On March 19, the Rollins chapter of Phi Beta Kappa—known as Theta Chapter of Florida—inducted its third class of members.

21. What It’s Like ... to Save Our Coral Reefs

For environmental studies major Maddie Cholnoky ’17, there was only one path—and it led straight to the ocean.

22. On the World Stage

During summer 2024, Tars turned the world into their classroom through transformative study abroad experiences across the globe.

23. Princeton Review Names Rollins Among Nation’s Best Colleges

Rollins was recognized as one of the nation’s best 390 colleges by The Princeton Review and has ranked among the top 25 schools in additional categories.

24. Rollins President Grant Cornwell Announces Retirement

Rollins College President Grant Cornwell announced that he will retire at the end of the 2024-25 academic year.