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Last month, the campus was abuzz with the much-anticipated arrival of students—the third largest incoming class in the College’s history—and the lineup of welcome activities included everything from meet-and-greet events and trivia nights to SPARC Day and Candlewish. As we kick off this new semester, here are a few of our favorite moments from Welcome Week 2025.

President Brooke Barnett welcomed new parents and families into the Rollins community during move-in.

Incoming students officially set sail on their Rollins journey at the Rollins Gateway Experience—a high-energy evening packed with good vibes and new connections. The event brought together first-years, returning students, and representatives from each of the Rollins Gateway offices—go-to guides for campus involvement, community impact, career and life planning, and global learning.

Incoming students kicked off their academic journey by meeting with their RCC professors for their very first advising session. These one-on-one appointments gave students the chance to review their fall schedules, ask questions, and begin mapping out their four-year plans—a meaningful first step in charting their path to success at Rollins.

Facilitated by the Center for Leadership & Community Engagement, this year’s SPARC Day continued the tradition of service for all incoming first-year and transfer students. As part of the College’s 20th annual day of service, more than 800 students, faculty, and staff provided service to over 30 local nonprofits and community organizations, including Second Harvest Food Bank, the Ronald McDonald House, New Hope for Kids, and many more.

Students soaked up the sunshine at the Bush Lawn Extravaganza, complete with an inflatable obstacle course tournament, sweet treats like cotton candy and snow cones, and plenty of prizes—the perfect mix of play, community, and Rollins spirit.

The Class of 2029, 570 strong and the College’s third-largest incoming class, alongside 110 transfer students—the largest in Rollins history—came together on the KWR steps and Mills Lawn for their official class photo. It was a picture-perfect moment marking the start of their Rollins journey.

To cap off a whirlwind week, first-years gathered to take part in Candlewish, a Rollins tradition where students reflect on what they hope for during their time at Rollins. At the start of each fall semester, each student is given a candle, which is raised to symbolize the power of community, the pursuit of knowledge, and the Rollins motto “Fiat Lux,” meaning “Let there be light.”

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• Rollins Gateway |
• Campus Life |
• Student Life |
• SPARC Day