College Profile: Rollins College

7 days ago3 min read

I grew up in Orlando, FL and had the privilege of spending a lot of time in the WInter Park area. It is gorgeous, filled with wonderful restaurants and shops, and an ideal spot for a college. Rollins College, nestled right in Winter Park, is a distinguished liberal arts institution with a rich history, vibrant traditions, and a dynamic student body.

History:

Founded in 1885, Rollins College holds the title of Florida's oldest recognized college. Established by New England Congregationalists, it was named after industrialist Alonzo Rollins, a significant early benefactor. The college has a longstanding commitment to liberal arts education and has been a pioneer in integrating social activism into its curriculum. Notably, in the 1960s, Rollins made strides toward desegregation, enrolling its first African American student, John Mark Cox Jr., in 1964.

Traditions:

Fox Day: Initiated in 1956 by President Hugh McKean, Fox Day is a cherished tradition where, on a surprise spring day, classes are canceled, and a statue of a fox is placed on Mills Lawn, signaling a day of festivities for students.
SPARC Day: Standing for Service, Passion, Action, Rollins College, this annual event introduces new students to community service, emphasizing the college's dedication to social responsibility.
Candlewish: At the beginning of each fall semester, first-year students participate in Candlewish, setting their intentions for their college journey. Each student is given a candle, symbolizing the power of community and the pursuit of knowledge.
Lip Sync: This highly anticipated event features representatives from various student groups participating in a lip-sync and dance challenge, showcasing creativity and campus spirit.
Late Night Breakfast: On the eve of finals each semester, students gather for a free breakfast served by faculty and staff, providing a fun and nourishing break from studies.

Student Statistics:

Rollins College boasts a diverse and engaged student body of close to 2,800 students. The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on personalized education and community engagement. The student-to-faculty ratio is low, fostering close interactions between students and professors. Additionally, Rollins has a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, including a significant Greek life presence with 12 fraternities and sororities.

Fun Facts:

WPRK 91.5 FM: Known as "The Best in Basement Radio," WPRK is Rollins College's student-run radio station, offering a diverse range of programming and serving as a creative outlet for students.
Winter Park Bach Festival: Since 1935, Rollins has hosted the Winter Park Bach Festival, the third-oldest continuously operating Bach festival in the U.S., attracting world-class performers and enriching the cultural life of the campus.
Notable Alumni: Rollins counts several prominent figures among its alumni, including Fred Rogers, the beloved host of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," and Anthony Perkins, the actor famed for his role in "Psycho."
Beautiful Campus: The Rollins campus is renowned for its picturesque setting along the shores of Lake Virginia, featuring Mediterranean-style architecture and lush landscapes, making it a frequent subject of admiration and photography.

I have known a number of students who have attended Rollins and the outcomes have all been excellent and they loved their time there. The school seamlessly blends a storied past with vibrant traditions and a commitment to academic excellence, offering students a unique and enriching experience in a fabulous location. I encourage you to visit in person and check out the website at: https://www.rollins.edu/

College Profile: Rollins College

History:

Traditions:

Fox Day: Initiated in 1956 by President Hugh McKean, Fox Day is a cherished tradition where, on a surprise spring day, classes are canceled, and a statue of a fox is placed on Mills Lawn, signaling a day of festivities for students.

SPARC Day: Standing for Service, Passion, Action, Rollins College, this annual event introduces new students to community service, emphasizing the college's dedication to social responsibility.

Candlewish: At the beginning of each fall semester, first-year students participate in Candlewish, setting their intentions for their college journey. Each student is given a candle, symbolizing the power of community and the pursuit of knowledge.

Lip Sync: This highly anticipated event features representatives from various student groups participating in a lip-sync and dance challenge, showcasing creativity and campus spirit.

Late Night Breakfast: On the eve of finals each semester, students gather for a free breakfast served by faculty and staff, providing a fun and nourishing break from studies.

Student Statistics:

Fun Facts:

WPRK 91.5 FM: Known as "The Best in Basement Radio," WPRK is Rollins College's student-run radio station, offering a diverse range of programming and serving as a creative outlet for students.

Winter Park Bach Festival: Since 1935, Rollins has hosted the Winter Park Bach Festival, the third-oldest continuously operating Bach festival in the U.S., attracting world-class performers and enriching the cultural life of the campus.

Notable Alumni: Rollins counts several prominent figures among its alumni, including Fred Rogers, the beloved host of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," and Anthony Perkins, the actor famed for his role in "Psycho."

Beautiful Campus: The Rollins campus is renowned for its picturesque setting along the shores of Lake Virginia, featuring Mediterranean-style architecture and lush landscapes, making it a frequent subject of admiration and photography.

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