Top 22 Stories of 2022

From globe-trotting internships and innovative research projects to prestigious college honors and milestones, explore the most-viewed Rollins stories of 2022.

1. Raising Her Voice

Elizabeth Bonker ’22 long struggled to communicate with a world that didn’t always understand or accept her. Now her valedictory speech at commencement has gone viral, and the nonprofit she founded is bringing communication assistance to those affected by non-speaking autism.

2. Club Spotlight: Black Student Union

The history of Rollins’ Black Student Union echoes the history of America. Now, a new generation of leaders are making an impact on campus and beyond through service, education, and a chorus of voices calling for change.

3. Tars Taking Action

Working alongside the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center, a trio of Tars put the “act” in “activist” through educational outreach and the creation of the first-ever Take Action Institute.

4. Fox Day in Photos

Relive your favorite moments from everyone’s favorite day of the year—from pool time at Lakeside Neighborhood and paddleboarding on Lake Virginia to Disney World excursions and picnicking on Mills Lawn.

5. Rollins Inducts First Members of Phi Beta Kappa

Phi Beta Kappa—the world’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society—officially installed a new chapter at the College, a historic milestone that affirms the value of a Rollins education and the importance of our mission.

6. Summer, Shared

As students departed campus last spring, we asked them to keep us in the loop on all their summertime experiences. From trekking to the farthest corners of the Himalayas to solving problems on Capitol Hill, explore some of our favorite student stories from summer 2022.

7. First Look: A Reimagined Dave’s Boathouse

This year, Rollins’ beloved nautical-themed restaurant shifted to a new globally inspired menu that features a full Kosher and Halal menu and rotating selections of international-inspired favorites (think crispy falafel and Bahn mi sandwiches).

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

Rollins was once again ranked the No. 1 regional university in the South in the 2022 rankings of “Best Colleges” released by U.S. News & World Report. For more than 25 years, the College has been ranked among the top two regional universities in the South and has been the top-ranked Florida school in the category.

9. What It’s Like ... to Perform on the Silver Screen

Isabella Ward ’15 shared what it was like to make her big-screen debut in Steven Spielberg’s revival of West Side Story and reflects on how her Rollins professors boosted her confidence and helped her become fearless.

10. The Chemistry of Connection

Chemistry professor Ellane Park believes building relationships with her students is the foundation of a successful science education—whether it’s showing them applications for nanotechnology or advising them on a fellowship application.

11. Off and Running

A year after crossing the commencement stage at Rollins, these five Class of 2021 graduates are already establishing themselves as up-and-coming leaders in their respective fields.

12. Rollins Announces Sports Hall of Fame 2022 Inductees

Rollins inducted 14 student-athletes into the Class of 2022 Rollins Sports Hall of Fame, the highest recognition for those who have contributed to the history of Tars athletics.

13. 11 Ways to Get Involved at Rollins

Here on America’s most beautiful campus, getting involved and building community are as easy as knowing where to go. From joining a club to running for office, there’s no shortage of ways to dive headfirst into campus culture.

14. The Height of Success

Honored for their commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service, Rollins’ 2022 valedictorians—among them social innovators, aspiring physical therapists, law-school hopefuls, and PhD candidates—look back on their time at Rollins and forward to what’s next.

15. A Rollins Year in Photos

Experience a year at Rollins through photographer Scott Cook’s most memorable images from the 2021-22 academic year. From move-in day to Fox Day, and Immersions to internships, get a glimpse of all the signature experiences at Rollins.

16. The Making of an Advocate

Elizabeth Smith ’22 ’24MPH came to Rollins wanting to embrace a new beginning. That all changed when the world was thrown into chaos. Now, she’s emerged from the pandemic as a fierce advocate for disability rights.

17. First Look: Alfond Inn Expansion

A new phase of growth at Rollins’ award-winning boutique hotel will support the next generation of scholars and leaders. Take a closer look at what’s in store for The Alfond Inn 2.0.

18. What It’s Like ... to Study Spanish at the Source

Get a firsthand look at Verano Español, Rollins’ longest-running study abroad program, where students spend six weeks in Madrid studying Spanish and experiencing local culture.

19. 7 Tars Among Orlando’s 40 Under 40 Honorees

For their community leadership and professional contributions, seven Rollins alumni were recognized by the Orlando Business Journal in its annual 40 Under 40 Awards.

20. What I’ve Learned: Christopher Russo ’82

How the feisty sports personality known as the Mad Dog went from calling Rollins games on WPRK to being inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.

21. Added Value

Rollins’ Women in Finance program is helping close the gender gap in the financial field by connecting women with industry mentors, internships, and long-term career prospects.

22. A Rollins Record

With 630 first-year students, the Class of 2026 is the largest in Rollins’ 137-year history. To celebrate, we caught up with a few of our newest Tars as they embarked on their #RollinsLife.