SOUL OF STETSON
The Origin
In January 1979, Stetson University Professor Joe Master and Dean Edward Furlong accompanied 40 students on a European mini-semester business seminar, and then tragedy struck. An avalanche took the lives of three Stetson Hatters – Katy Resnik, Scotty Fenlon and Dennis Long.
It has taken us 45 years to gather and truly tell their story. But in the process of honoring and remembering their life, a movement has been born. Their stories become the tapestry that presents the Soul of Stetson to past, present and future Hatters.
Soul of Stetson
Soul of Stetson is an alumni-driven and administration-supported movement that embodies values, experiences, people, and connections. It represents 'THE WHY'—that intangible essence that it’s experienced when interacting with Stetson. It compels us to return, give back, love and engage with the university. Today, all who have been touched by the spark of the Soul of Stetson share the mission of fortifying it for future generations.
Remember
In the summer of 2023, some alumni returned to Innsbruck to reconnect and remember their lost friends. Their stories, and many others, have been captured in the Remembering Innsbruck documentary, which honors those memories and gives voice to the strength to be found in the Stetson community still today.
Reconnect
As more alumni came together, inspired by what happened on the mountain in Innsbruck 45 years ago, something much larger surfaced. An alumni-led, multigenerational grassroots movement began. Alumni, students and others started reflecting on their Stetson experiences, shared values... and the best within us.
Soul of Stetson emerged.
Reengage
Hulley Tower Reconstruction
Alumni–thinking of Innsbruck and the Soul of Stetson, and their tangible representation–then looked to Hulley Tower, which had been taken down to its base in 2005 after sustaining catastrophic damage during consecutive hurricanes. The new tower would become not only a memorial for those lost but a symbol of the Soul of Stetson and a vibrant space to gather and celebrate as a community. A fundraising campaign to rebuild Hulley Tower started.
Honoring Legacy and Tradition
A Transatlantic Remembrance
On January 15, 2025, Stetson University honored the memory of students Katy Resnik, Scotty Fenlon and Dennis Long, who tragically lost their lives in a 1979 avalanche. In DeLand, a new tradition, Ring in the New Year, began as students, faculty and staff gathered to ring the Scotty, Katy, and Dennis bell, symbolizing hope and reflection. Simultaneously, in Innsbruck, Austria, the Grassmayr Bell Foundry cast a second bell in their honor, lighting candles in remembrance. This transatlantic tribute united communities.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars and secure your spot for our upcoming engagement opportunities
OCT
24
Homecoming
Join us in celebration of Hulley Tower, a campaign led by Stetson alumni!
Much of the historic reconstruction will be complete, with a dedication planned for spring 2026.
October 24-26
