A Celebration of Life: Thaddeus Seymour ’82HAL ’90H
A service of remembrance for Rollins’ 12th president, Thaddeus Seymour ’82HAL ’90H, will take place Sunday, November 3.
February 11, 2019
Thaddeus Seymour ’82HAL ’90H, Rollins’ 12th president from 1978 to 1990, died this past Saturday, October 26, at his Winter Park home. He was 91.
Seymour possessed a genuine brand of magic that touched countless lives, from students and families to faculty, staff, and the greater Orlando community. A beloved campus icon, accomplished magician, public servant, and academic visionary who returned the College to its liberal arts roots—while famously reinstating Fox Day—Seymour is survived by Polly, his wife of 71 years, and their four children: Liz, Thaddeus Jr., Sam, and Abigail.
A celebration of Seymour’s life will be held at Rollins’ Knowles Memorial Chapel at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 3. A reception will follow. For those who are unable to attend, the service will be streamed live on the Office of the President website.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Dr. Seymour’s honor be made to Rollins College (P.O. Box 864168, Orlando, FL 32886-4168) or Habitat for Humanity of Winter Park-Maitland (P.O. Box 1196, Winter Park, FL 32790-1196).
Read more about the life of Thaddeus Seymour and his indelible impact on Rollins and the community.
Recent Stories
June 09, 2026
Mister Rogers' Empathy Should Still Fit Nation's Values
Rollins President Brooke Barnett reflects on the values of Mister Rogers as we approach the country’s semiquincentennial in this Orlando Sentinel op-ed.
June 08, 2026
President Barnett Featured on IngenioUs Podcast
Leading with Curiosity, Connection, and Courage at Rollins College
Host Melissa Morriss-Olson interviewed President Brooke Barnett on the IngenioUs podcast, which explores the future of higher education. This season will feature women making a difference in higher education leadership. The podcast is a dedicated space for deep dives with the most original minds and active changemakers in academia.
June 05, 2026
Rollins Magazine Spring 2026
From the inauguration of President Brooke Barnett to the power of applied learning, explore the spring 2026 issue of Rollins magazine.