Volume 4
Find Your Gateway Chart your own course to personal + professional success
Plus: 11 reasons foodies flock to Rollins An unfiltered look at #RollinsLife Inside a Rollins classroom + More
In this issue Think of this magazine as your backstage pass to the Rollins experience. In this issue, you’ll go behind the scenes of one of our innovative classes and learn why Rollins is the perfect place for foodies to head. You’ll get a taste of campus dining and explore dorm life through the eyes of your future classmates. You’ll pinpoint your ideal study spot on America’s most beautiful campus and find out why Orlando is one of the country’s top college cities. I know you’ll find plenty to love from the first page to the last, but I encourage you to get started by turning this page and taking your first step through Rollins Gateway. On this personalized pathway, you’ll begin to connect the dots of your Rollins experience. You’ll start to understand how our innovative curriculum and beyond-the-classroom experiences combine to give you a competitive advantage with employers and grad schools. And you’ll begin to see how our unique mentorship model will guide you through every step of your journey at Rollins and beyond. By the end of the issue, I hope you’ll consider joining us in making tomorrow brighter. Fiat Lux, Zaire McCoy
Welcome to Rollins Gateway Is Rollins right for you? The answer goes beyond our slew of top rankings and life on
Dean of Admission
America’s most beautiful campus. It’s about
Rollins College
more than a degree or your first job out of school. It’s about discovering what you truly care about and preparing you to pursue that passion with all of your might. The answer lies in Rollins Gateway, our
4 Cool Class: Sustainability Beyond the Classroom
signature approach to preparing students for
5
Majors, Minors, & Special Programs
the 21st century. Rollins Gateway combines
6
What’s Your Ideal Campus Study Spot?
our innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum
8
Your #RollinsLife Starts with Nice Digs
10 My Rollins Gateway: Connecting the Dots
meaningful lives and productive careers in
with high-impact experiences outside of the classroom and an integrated mentorship model, creating a personalized pathway that
12 Foodtopia: Why Foodies Flock to Rollins
empowers students to chart their own course
16 My Rollins Gateway: Seismic Scholar
to personal and professional success.
18 Home, Sweet Home: Your Guide to Orlando 22 My Rollins Gateway: No Limits 24 The Perfect Blend 26 Rollins at a Glance 27 Financial Aid, Requirements, & Deadlines
So, is Rollins right for you? We think so. Take a spin through Rollins Gateway, and we’ll prove it to you.
A FUTURE-PROOF FOUNDATION Rollins Gateway is rooted in the College’s future-proof brand of liberal arts education. Through our interdisciplinary core curriculum, you’ll develop broad-based knowledge and an array of 21st-century skills like creative problem solving, critical thinking, collaborative teamwork, and clear communication that are immune to the fast-paced fluctuations of our ever-evolving world.
READY FOR ANYTHING A recent report by Dell Technologies estimates that 85 percent of jobs that will exist in 2030 have yet to be invented. In a time where the careers of tomorrow have yet to be created, a Rollins education equips you with the expertise to succeed as the world changes.
CRITICAL THINKING
INTERDISCIPLINARY PROBLEM SOLVING Climate change. Terrorism. Global inequality. The challenges of the 21st century are too complex to solve through any single lens. They require changemakers who can make connections across multiple perspectives and disciplines and craft solutions in collaboration. Through our core curriculum— Rollins Foundations in the Liberal Arts (RFLA)—you’ll learn to think across barriers and work in diverse teams to design strategies to resolve real-world problems.
CREATIVITY
LIBERAL ARTS IN ACTION
COMMUNICATION
You’ll put that newfound know-how to work in the world through an array of hands-on experiences that range from internships and study abroad to community engagement and collaborative research with faculty. You’ll not only develop your passions through these immersive experiences, but you’ll also gain the kind of practical, real-world expertise that employers and graduate schools expect.
COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH
THE HEADQUARTERS OF ACTION The newly renovated Kathleen W. Rollins Hall is increasing access to these life-changing and career-defining experiences. Located at the center of campus, this state-ofthe-art facility brings together 10 programs—from the Center for Career & Life Planning to the Office of International Programs—that empower Tars to put their education to work.
INTERNSHIPS
IN-DEMAND EXPERIENCE A recent AAC&U survey of executives and hiring managers revealed that employers want college graduates who have experience applying their knowledge and skills in real-world settings. In fact, a majority of executives said they were significantly more likely to hire employees who had completed internships, service-learning projects, study abroad programs, and collaborative research.
GLOBAL LEARNING
CAREER-DEFINING OPPORTUNITY Developing the future of augmented reality at NASA. Managing logistics at one of the world’s biggest races. Curating a cutting-edge art exhibition. Rollins has an entire office dedicated to helping Tars secure the very best career builders, so you’ll have a serious leg up when it comes to landing your ideal internship. In recent years, your future classmates have honed their craft everywhere from Universal Orlando Resort and The Walt Disney Company to Capitol Hill and the United Nations.
MENTORSHIP, MASTERED
Within the flexible framework of Rollins Gateway, you have the freedom to pursue your individual interests and professional goals, but you’re far from alone on these journeys of discovery. In fact, Rollins’ unique mentorship model provides every student an entire community of mentors at every step, helping you uncover your passion and giving you the tools and opportunities to reach your goals.
EVERY STEP OF THE WAY Rollins Gateway guarantees every incoming student a dedicated faculty advisor from orientation through commencement. Your mentorship cohort is rounded out by peer mentors— second-, third-, and fourth-year Tars who help first-year students transition to academics and life at college—and a spectrum of staff advisors who guide you through everything from finding the ideal internship to landing that first job.
FACULTY ADVISING
CAREER CHAMPIONS
PEER MENTORS
MENTORS MATTER MOST A recent report from Gallup reveals that college graduates who had a professor who cared about them as a person, made them excited about learning, and encouraged their dreams were twice as likely to thrive in both their lives and careers.
ROLLINS RESULTS
Your personalized pathway leads to graduation, but that’s just the beginning of your journey. Our graduates emerge from Rollins Gateway with purpose and passion, uniquely prepared to forge meaningful lives and productive careers, ready to make tomorrow brighter. Head to rollins.college/gateway and get a sneak peek at your Rollins Gateway by exploring the dynamic paths of the global citizens and responsible leaders who’ve gone before you.
MEANINGFUL LIVES & PRODUCTIVE CAREERS
ACADEMICS Develop the expertise to succeed as the world evolves.
COOL CLASS: SUSTAINABILITY BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Go inside this series of linked environmental studies courses and see how your future classmates are exploring sustainability issues right at the source.
Instructors Barry Allen, associate professor of environmental studies Lee Lines, professor of environmental studies
The Scoop
At Rollins, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn by doing. In fact, environmental studies professors Barry Allen and Lee Lines have designed a one-of-a-kind collection of classes around the concept of handson learning. The five courses—Natural Hazards, Public Lands, American Environmental Thought, Sustainability in Practice, and Food, Culture, and Environment—are taught concurrently to maximize the number of field studies students can participate in during a single semester. Each of the courses focuses on issues related to sustainability, with core concepts highlighted through hands-on learning opportunities in environments like Florida’s Canaveral National Seashore and California’s Point Reyes National Seashore. The result? A comprehensive learning community that works and travels together for an entire semester, applying skills gained in the classroom to pressing 21st-century environmental challenges in the real world.
Student Perspective
“Having the chance to do work in the field really tied together what I learned in these classes this semester. Real-world examples of things we read about and discussed in class provided a profound understanding of complex topics and issues related to sustainability in practice, not just theory.” — Marcus Mosquera ’22, environmental studies major
Fun Fact
At just over 57,000 total acres, the Canaveral National Seashore encompasses the longest strip of unspoiled beach in Florida, with 24 miles of undeveloped coast stretching along the Atlantic Ocean. Located in the heart of Central Florida, Rollins provides prime access to ecologically diverse habitats containing urban areas, wetland, prairie, scrub, forest, and coastal habitats that are perfect for hands-on exploration.
Go behind the scenes of dozens of Rollins’ most innovative courses at rollins.college/cool-classes.
04 | ROLLINS
60+ paths to a transformative education UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS American Studies*
UNDERGRADUATE MINORS ONLY
Anthropology*
Africa & African-American Studies
Art (Studio)*
Archaeology
Art History* Asian Studies* Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Biology* Business (International)* Business (Management)* Business (Social Entrepreneurship)* Chemistry* Classical Studies* Communication Studies* Computer Science* Critical Media and Cultural Studies* Economics*
Australian Studies Cultural Anthropology Dance Data Analytics Film Studies German Global Health Jewish Studies Middle Eastern and North African Studies Neuroscience
Sexuality, Women’s and Gender Studies
English*
Writing
Environmental Studies*
COMBINED MASTER’S DEGREES AND DUAL-DEGREE PROGRAMS
Latin American and Caribbean Studies* Marine Biology* Mathematics* Music* Philosophy* Physics* Political Science* Pre-Engineering Psychology* Public Policy and Political Economy Religious Studies* Social Innovation Sociology* Spanish* Theatre Arts* * Also offered as a minor
Goldwater Scholar Lauren Neldner ’20—a veteran of Rollins’ Student-Faculty Collaborative Scholarship Program—plans to devote her career to earthquake preparedness. Read more about the physics major on page 18.
Secondary Education Sustainable Development and the Environment
International Relations*
SEISMIC SCHOLAR
Russian Studies
Elementary Education*
History*
PERSISTENTLY PRESTIGIOUS
Accelerated Management Program (BA/MBA – 3/2) Engineering (BA/BS – 3/2) Environmental Management/Forestry (BA/MEM/MF – 3/2) International Business/International Management (BA/BS – Dual)
CHAMPION FOR CHANGE
Issac James ’20’s work to increase the engagement and acceptance of refugees earned him a Truman Scholarship, the country’s premier graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the U.S.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS Allied Health Dentistry Law Medicine Optometry Podiatry Veterinary Medicine
GLOBAL DO-GOODER
Always focused on giving a voice to the voiceless, Avani Mooljee ’16 was one of only 10 students in the nation to receive the 2019 Payne Fellowship. ROLLINS | 05
What’s your ideal campus study spot? A lakeside gazebo. Your very own tower. An oak-canopied courtyard. Here on America’s most beautiful campus, there’s a lot to discover—not least of which are the nooks and crannies that best suit your individual studying style. Rollins is more than just a pretty place—it’s chock-full of spaces designed to set you up for success both at Rollins and beyond.
First things first. Choose your noise level.
TAKE THIS QUIZ TO SEE WHICH CAMPUS STUDY SPOT IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
Yes. Strength in numbers.
Are you studying with a group?
Are you hungry?
I could eat.
Dave’s Boathouse
Spread out your work and enjoy table service at this nautical-themed restaurant serving pub fare, madeto-order sushi, and specialty drinks. Dave’s is a popular gathering place for students and faculty to mix, mingle, and work.
06 | ROLLINS
Not at the moment.
Unique collaborative spaces
From the high-tech multimedia rooms in the all-new Kathleen W. Rollins Hall to the cozy charm of the Woolson House to the outdoor classroom outside Orlando Hall, collaborative spaces at Rollins are designed to fit every need.
Sun’s out, books out!
Gazebo overlooking Lake Virginia
Perched on the glistening shores of Lake Virginia, Rollins has no shortage of beautiful outdoor space. So grab a picnic blanket and find a spot to expand your mind while working on your tan. That counts as multitasking, right?
By Stephanie Rizzo ’09 | Photos by Scott Cook
A little background noise helps me focus.
I prefer somewhere quiet and distraction-free.
I'm flying solo. How far are you willing to go for the perfect spot?
Indoors or outdoors?
Let’s stay in.
I’m a homebody.
Bush Science Center Atrium
Residence hall common areas
The state-of-the-art Bush Science Center features a three-story glass atrium, so you can get your daily dose of Vitamin D without the sunburn. The space includes tables, couches, and a cafe that serves coffee, tea, and snacks. And if that weren’t awesome enough, it’s also a LEED-Certified green building.
From the pool deck at the new Lakeside Neighborhood (coming fall 2020) to the balcony of Ward Hall, many of our residence halls include common areas where you can work and relax. These spaces often function as de facto living rooms, with each one coming to reflect the personalities of its residents over time, so good vibes only.
I like to venture out.
Olin Library Tower
Head to the third and fourth floors of Olin for the ultimate in peace and quiet. Unique to the fourth floor is the two-story Tower, where you can relax in the Pillow Room or take in sweeping views of campus from the Tower Room. It’s sort of like Hogwarts, minus the owls. ROLLINS | 07
Nice Digs Our res halls are far more than a comfy place to lay your head. They’re kinetic hives of community and collaboration, diversity and discourse, learning and laughter. From bold to minimalist, glam to cozy, your home base on America’s most beautiful campus is waiting for you. Check out how some of your future classmates’ personalized pads are setting them up to live their best #RollinsLife. Check out rollinslife.com for more #unfiltered sights from the Rollins experience.
08 | ROLLINS
ROLLINS | 09
My Rollins Gateway
Connecting the Dots By Luke Woodling ’17MBA | Photo by Scott Cook
Lucas Hernandez ’13 is helping solve his hometown’s toughest challenges by supercharging local know-how with the technological might of one of the world’s largest companies. Combating sea-level rise in the country’s secondmost vulnerable city to coastal flooding. Building more equitable public transportation in the sixth-most densely populated city in the U.S. Miami is staring down some of the nation’s most daunting civic challenges, and it’s Lucas Hernandez ’13’s job to empower community leaders to find answers. As Microsoft’s director of civic engagement in Miami, Hernandez is the techy connective tissue in the network of government and civic organizations crafting solutions to the city’s trickiest issues. On an average day, you’ll find Hernandez crisscrossing the city, harnessing the collective power of his community. One minute he’s on a conference call with the mayor’s chief of staff or the city’s chief technology officer. The 10 | ROLLINS
next he’s helping lead a workshop at a Microsoft retail store or showing local art teachers how to incorporate computer science into their curricula. “It’s a privilege to be in this position,” says Hernandez, “because my work is always driving toward community impact—whether that’s diversity in STEM, enhancing public education, or improving mobility in the city.” It’s a demanding yet rewarding role for which Hernandez was uniquely prepared during his time at Rollins. From recognizing the changemaking potential of public policy to experiencing firsthand the power of grassroots community development, explore some of the important waypoints on Hernandez’s personalized pathway through Rollins.
Collaboration. Communication. Creative problem-solving. These are the essential ingredients to Hernandez’s success at Microsoft, but this 21st-century toolkit was developed not at one of the world’s largest companies but through Rollins’ innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum. “In an increasingly automated world, soft skills like leadership, collaboration, communication, and teamwork are king. As a result, I think a liberal arts education is essential to preparing students to thrive in the world today and tomorrow.”
For Hernandez, his Rollins Gateway is a summation of each of his unique experiences inside and outside the classroom that allowed him to feel ownership and explore the edges of his creativity. “I traveled to five countries, explored dozens of communities across the U.S., and participated in a range of fellowships, which all helped illuminate a path that I still walk to this day. At each turn I had a community of support around me to foster a sense of adventure and curiosity. I learned about the person I was, the values I hold, and the impact I want to have on the world.”
Hernandez’s trajectory was shaped most dramatically by Rollins’ Immersion program, which allows students to engage the world’s most pressing issues through short-term journeys of education, reflection, and action. After participating in his initial Immersion experience during his first year, Hernandez knew he’d found his future. “That was the first meaningful leadership experience of my life and probably still the most important. You were empowered to do something about things that you care about on a personal level, and you’re helping build systems that have a much bigger impact than you ever could by yourself. It was a gateway experience to understanding and formalizing what I wanted to do.”
Like all Rollins students, Hernandez was guided by a community of mentors. Meredith Hein, director of leadership and community engagement, convinced him to participate in that first careerdefining Immersion. Classmate Raghabendra KC ’13 invited him on a field study to Nepal. And a collaborative research project with professor Tonia Warnecke ’99 not only led to his first professional publication but also helped Hernandez grasp the social impact of entrepreneurial action.
Find Your Gateway
Learn more about how the passion Hernandez uncovered at Rollins has fueled every step of his journey and start charting your course to personal and professional success at rollins.college/gateway.
By Audrey St. Clair ’03 | Photos by Scott Cook
why foodies flock to Rollins
A trio of review and rankings organizations recently ranked Rollins’ dining offerings as some of the best in the country. Here are 11 reasons Rollins continues to deserve a seat at the table. No. 1 college in Florida. Most Engaged Campus of the Year.
Top 10 for Study Abroad. These are just a few of the recent accolades Rollins has earned. Add to that “Best Food” and it really drives home the meaning of our liberal arts education that’s not only educating our students’ minds but is equally committed to nurturing their overall health and wellness. College Consensus, The Daily Meal, and PETA all agree that Rollins is offering some of the most innovative and diverse dining options you’ll find on any campus in the country. Here’s a closer look at why the experts agree that Rollins is the perfect place for hungry and healthconscious students to head. 12 | ROLLINS
1
Our food is Instagram-worthy (#nofilter).
From mile-high handcrafted grass-fed burgers to fresh sushi rolls to bountiful protein plates, the food at Rollins is almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
2
Dining with a killer view
just means walking over to The Marketplace, the main campus dining center overlooking picturesque Lake Virginia that just got a major makeover this past fall. Check out what we’re serving up at the new dedicated food stations—which include everything from vegetarian delectables to a state-of-the-art wood-burning pizza oven—at rollins.college/dining-hall.
We have an organic on-campus student-run garden. As part
There’s no shortage of options. With six oncampus locations, 15 off-campus restaurant partners, Starbucks coffee, and Einstein’s bagels, there’s something to sate every mood and taste. Grab an acai bowl at the Bookmark Cafe inside the Olin Library, a smoothie at the Bush Cafe, or made-to-order sushi at Dave’s Boathouse.
of an independent study project aimed at educating students about health and larger issues of how food is produced, transported, sold, and cooked, Andrew Lesmes ’15—along with the help of academic advisors and volunteers—turned a 968-square-foot patch of earth into an on-campus microfarm. This self-sustaining effort provides produce to local restaurants like Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn and Sodexo, operators of the College’s dining hall.
4 ROLLINS | 13
We have our very own pub. Dave’s Boathouse, a quick-casual nautical-themed eatery outfitted with darkwood booths and high-top seating, serves specialty beverages along with bar-style food you actually want to eat. Favorites include grass-fed burgers, veggie Beyond burgers, cage-free chicken wings, and healthy bowls overflowing with kale, farro, and white beans.
Six
We have our own fast-casual Mexican cafe.
7
Our vegan dining options consistently receive an A+ rating. PETA recently
surveyed thousands of colleges and universities across the country about how well they’re keeping up with the demand for vegan options. At Rollins, vegan dining goes way beyond tofu to include creative combinations like vegan jambalaya, lentil shepherd’s pie, and kimchi rice-paper wraps. 14 | ROLLINS
Students get their Tex-Mex fix at the Cornell Cafe— lovingly referred to as Tarpotle—where choices include made-to-order burritos on fresh-pressed tortillas, wrapless bowls, and homemade tortilla chips and guacamole. The newest addition? Chicken tortilla soup with your choice of toppings. Fun fact: The guacamole is made fresh every day to the tune of 9,000 pounds of avocado per semester.
8
We are a Fair Trade campus. In fact, Rollins
became the first designated Fair Trade campus in Florida in 2013. Rollins is committed to purchasing environmentally sustainable products that don’t come from sweatshops or child labor and actively educates students about the sustainability issues involved in global commerce. All seafood on Rollins’ campus is certified sustainable.
9
You can take a cooking class with the head chef.
TE N
Personalized attention at Rollins is at the core of our mission, extending from the classroom to the community and even to the kitchen. Students with dietary restrictions can learn recipes and get tips from the executive chef and meet with the on-campus dietician to address any food concerns.
A slew of international dishes like Thai green curry, arroz con gandules, and chicken tikka masala are regular rotations at The Marketplace’s dedicated international station, which offers tasty vegetarian options as well.
Our global emphasis extends to our dining choices across campus.
Top-notch cuisine isn’t confined to campus.
Select restaurants on Park Avenue and around Winter Park participate in various meal plans or offer discounts to Rollins students. Comfort food? Burgers and shakes at BurgerFi. Greek craving? Falafel at local favorite Power House Cafe. Date night? Cafe de France.
Join us as we visit all the exciting dining options on campus—from the new main dining hall to our very own nautical-themed pub—and see where you can use your R-Card to grab grub on Park Avenue: rollins.college/dining.
My Rollins Gateway
Seismic Scholar By Elsa Wenzel | Photo by Scott Cook
Armed with rigorous lab work, extensive research experience alongside her faculty mentor, and five prestigious scholarships, Lauren Neldner ’20 is ready to make the world a safer place. Lauren Neldner ’20 became fascinated with earthquakes after experiencing tremors as a child in Southern California. When she started high school in Florida, she began studying these seismic shifts under the tutelage of Sarah Evans ’06, who performed research alongside physics professor Thomas Moore and now runs a STEM retention program at a major research university. Neldner’s relationship with Evans set in motion her academic career at Rollins and started her on a path to pursuing her life’s passion. “[Sarah Evans] introduced me to Dr. Moore while I was in high school, and I kept coming back to campus for tours,” says Neldner. “I loved the personalized interactions I saw and the research I’d be able to do. This made me certain that I wanted to come to Rollins.” 16 | ROLLINS
After her first semester, Neldner began conducting musical acoustics research alongside Moore through Rollins’ Student-Faculty Collaborative Scholarship Program. By the end of the summer, she had presented at professional conferences and published a research paper. This early research experience helped earn her a spot in the IRIS Internship Program, a paid seismology program funded by the National Science Foundation, which led her to win a 2019 Goldwater Scholarship, the preeminent undergraduate award in the fields of mathematics, engineering, and the natural sciences. From learning through fieldwork to developing the persistence it takes to do real-world research, explore some of the pivotal waypoints on Neldner’s personalized pathway through Rollins.
Skills like analysis, problem solving, and critical thinking—which Neldner has developed in spades at Rollins—prepared her to enter the esteemed IRIS Internship program in seismology as one of the youngest participants. This experience included extensive fieldwork studying seismology and geology in New Mexico, followed by nine weeks at Brown University, where the physics major studied ambient noise caused by ocean waves to learn more about the Earth’s crust and upper mantle under Alaska. “The professor I worked with at Brown was impressed with not only my research and technical skills but also with my communication and troubleshooting skills. She was surprised that I’d already developed so well in these areas with two more years of college still ahead.”
Neldner’s path through Rollins Gateway— one steeped in the study of physics and guided by interdisciplinary exploration—has prepared her to step into the world poised to create positive change. “From day one at Rollins, my professors cared about my interests, about me as a person. They implored me to reach out and explore, to get outside my comfort zone, where they knew I’d develop not just technical skills, but communication, problem-solving, and people skills. Because of this, I was able to present original research at five professional conferences, publish two papers, earn a paid internship experience, study art in London, serve as a peer mentor, and really become a leader both in my major and beyond.”
From day one, the exacting standards and ever-present encouragement of physics professor Thomas Moore have been two of Neldner’s closest companions. “I’ve seen Dr. Moore as the ideal research mentor since I was in high school. His passion for engaging undergrads in professional research is so inspiring. He has taught me so much about troubleshooting and has helped me become an effective presenter and writer, never failing to remind me that when I’m present, I’m the expert in the room on the subject matter and not to let anyone convince me otherwise.”
Neldner appreciates the interdisciplinary nature of her Rollins education, noting that her lab work in musical acoustics—which involved destroying a Steinway grand piano—inherently touched on science and the arts. She completed art projects in physics classes and took a course about music and physics. “It’s where I thrive. It just makes the class more enjoyable and valuable when you’re pulling on a lot of different things.” Turns out these applications are essential in building connections among geophysics, seismology, and earthquake engineering.
Find Your Gateway
Learn more about how the opportunities Neldner had at Rollins defined every step of her journey and start charting your course to personal and professional success at rollins.college/gateway.
Home, sweet home
By Stephanie Rizzo ’09 | Photos by Scott Cook
YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING IN ORLANDO— NO MATTER WHAT’S YOUR JAM. From Disney World to day trips, epic eats to adrenaline-pumping adventure, Orlando checks all the boxes when it comes to college towns. Not to mention the fact that the City Beautiful is bursting with opportunity, including a thriving professional community that spans across industries and rapid rates of job growth and earning potential. But don’t just take our word for it. A recent report by WalletHub ranked Orlando as the No. 2 city for college students in the country and the No. 1 midsize college city in the U.S. Located in the heart of Central Florida, Rollins is uniquely positioned to take advantage of everything this booming metropolis has to offer. We Orlandoans don’t just work hard—we play hard. Whether you live for the great outdoors or prefer to get your kicks soaking in local culture, Orlando is the perfect spot to begin your next adventure.
18 | ROLLINS
Calling all adrenaline junkies. Maybe you like to live on the edge, or maybe you just want to explore the outer limits of your imagination. Regardless of your preferred brand of excitement, Orlando has loads of options to satisfy the boldest adventurers. WHOLE NEW WORLDS Orlando is home to world-class
The Thrill Seeker
theme parks and attractions that take the concept of making
magic literally. Where else can you fly the Millenium Falcon, grab lunch in Diagon Alley, or cap your day off with fireworks at Cinderella’s castle? From the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to “The Happiest Place on Earth,” you’ll feel like you’re in a galaxy far, far away—even though these enchanting escapes are just a 40-minute drive from campus. ONE-STOP ADVENTURE
The Foodie
Soar above the trees at Seminole Aerial Adventures at the
Orlando’s thriving food scene dishes up some of the finest in New American and international cuisine. Every neighborhood has its own specialties, and half the fun is exploring new flavors.
Central Florida Zoo, where an exhilarating 2½-hour course
PRATO | WINTER PARK
Starflyer, an aquarium, and The Wheel, a 400-foot-high observation wheel offering breathtaking views of the city. Go at sunset for the best experience. NEW HEIGHTS
includes 33 obstacles and 13 zip lines. Afterward, make your way over to the zoo to get up close and personal with PJ, a one-horned, two-ton Indian rhino.
specialty meats and cheeses, local produce, and craft coffee—stay for the dreamy garden vibes of the forget something sweet. Gideon’s
minutes from downtown Orlando that boasts everything outdoor entertainment complex features the world’s tallest
of Audubon Park. Come for the
market’s cozy courtyard. And don’t
International Drive (aka I-Drive) is a bustling tourist hotspot from indoor skydiving to go-kart racing. The ICON Park
located in the hip neighborhood
Located within walking distance of Rollins on beautiful Park Avenue, local favorite Prato offers some of the city’s best seasonal Italian fare. The menu changes often, but expect
Bakehouse is said to make the best cookie in the state of Florida. GRINGOS LOCOS | MILK DISTRICT Voted the best taco by readers of Orlando Weekly for eight years running, Gringos Locos is a latenight institution. Everything on the Tex Mex-inspired menu is great, but regulars know to order the Double D’s—a queso-slathered soft taco wrapped around a hard taco filled with a protein of your choice.
homemade pastas, hand-tossed pizzas, and delectable specials featuring locally sourced flavors with rustic appeal. EAST END MARKET | AUDUBON PARK Butchers, bakers, and green juice makers all reside at East End Market, a collective of merchants
Orlando’s food scene includes a thriving Vietnamese population serving some of the best viet cuisine in the South.
ROLLINS | 19
Hey, they don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing. In fact, Florida experiences an average of 237 sunny
The Outdoor Enthusiast
days each year—which adds up to a lot of beach days. With more than 4,000 miles of coastline and over 7,000 lakes, Florida is, quite literally, an outdoor paradise. And Rollins’ central location means it sits at the heart of it all.
BACK TO NATURE Florida is home to over 700 natural springs—more than anywhere else in the world. Just a short drive from campus is Wekiwa Springs State Park, where you can rent canoes or hike the 13 miles of nature trails that wind through the park. A little farther north is Blue Springs State Park, where you can spy hundreds of manatees frolicking in the natural bubble of the springhead.
The Sports Fan
COASTAL CLARITY East or west coast? Being in Central Florida makes it easy to get to both, but it helps to know the difference before venturing out. West-coast beaches like Clearwater and Siesta Key are made up of superfine white sand and feature smaller, gentler waves. Beachcombers tend to favor the west coast for its rare shells, warm waters, and spectacular sunsets, while surfers flock to east-coast beaches like Cocoa and New Smyrna for large Atlantic swells. ON THE WATER Rollins sits on the shores of glistening Lake Virginia, which means you can launch a canoe, paddleboard, sailboat, or wakeboard right from campus. To clear your mind and get a little exercise, a quick session on the water is the perfect respite in between classes.
It’s a fact: Orlando’s got game.
TEE TIME
The city is overflowing with
Dozens of PGA players (and
opportunities to watch and
the Golf Channel) call Orlando
play sports. A recent report by
home, meaning there’s plenty of
WalletHub ranks Orlando the
championship courses and pros
No. 2 best city for soccer fans
to help you hone your game.
in the nation and 10th best for
The Winter Park Golf Course
basketball fans—and that’s
is a short walk from campus,
just the beginning.
and a trip to Top Golf, a multi-
GAME DAY Forget seasons, Orlando is home to enough pro sports teams—
story golf and entertainment complex, is fun for seasoned players and newbies alike.
seven in total—that you can get
STAYING ACTIVE
your game on year-round. Hoops
Getting in on the action on
fans won’t want to miss rooting
campus is as easy as joining one
for the Orlando Magic, and
of Rollins’ 23 varsity athletic
soccer fans can take their pick
teams or one of the many
between the Orlando City Soccer
intramural and recreational
Club and the Orlando Pride.
sports, which include everything
Lesser-known teams include
from flag football to pingpong.
the Orlando Solar Bears hockey
Orlando also boasts a steady
team and the Orlando Anarchy,
stream of sports clubs, races,
the city’s first pro women’s full-
and endurance events, so get
tackle football team.
moving, champ.
Orlando is home to the longest-running Fringe Festival in the country.
HIP HAVEN Near Orlando’s vibrant Mills 50 district is Loch Haven Park, an arts and culture complex
The Arts and Culture Aficionado
featuring three museums, the Orlando Shakespeare Center, and the Orlando Repertory Theatre. The First Thursday event at the Orlando Museum of Art—which features a host of rotating exhibitions and curated galleries—is a great way for budding artists to meet members of our thriving art scene. Science and tech
From yearly art festivals to a thriving music
junkies should save the date for the Orlando
scene to myriad museums, there’s no shortage of
Science Center’s Otronicon, a yearly conference
arts and culture to be found in the City Beautiful.
highlighting the best Orlando has to offer in
CENTER STAGE
STEM technology like gaming and simulation.
Orlando is home to some of the best regional and
BRIGHT LIGHTS, ART CITY
national theater groups in the country. The Orlando
The Creative City Project is the nonprofit
International Fringe Festival is the longest-
organization behind Immerse, an annual
running annual Fringe Theater Festival in the U.S.
interactive arts and performance festival that
and features 14 days of plays, music, dance, and
takes over the streets of downtown Orlando for a
performance art. Downtown’s Mad Cow Theatre
weekend each fall. Indulge your sense of wonder
produces 10 shows a year, and the Dr. Phillips Center
as parking lots become performance spaces
for the Performing Arts hosts an annual Broadway
where acrobats fly through the air and national
series that brings juggernauts like Hamilton and
acts like The Blue Man Group perform for
Wicked to its impressive lineup.
awestruck crowds.
Need We Say More? OK, we will. From swan boats to music festivals, head to rollins.college/50reasons to learn more about why Tars love living in the City Beautiful.
ROLLINS | 21
My Rollins Gateway
No Limits
By Elsa Wenzel | Photo by Scott Cook
How veteran and business management major Tamer Elkhouly ’19 excelled in the Army, matured as a Rollins transfer student, and landed on a leadership track in the defense industry. Tamer Elkhouly ’19 had made it through boot camp, Patriot Missile training school, and 13 months of active duty in the Army. But as a fourth-year Rollins business management major, he had yet to write a cover letter—and one was due soon for his dream job. Elkhouly, who transferred to Rollins from Valencia College, hightailed it over to Rollins’ Center for Career & Life Planning (CCLP), whose experts immediately helped him craft the depth and breadth of his skills and experience in a sequence that stepped through his military, academic, and work history. He learned that a cover letter is more than restating a resume—that it should explain who you are and what you will bring to work on day one, enabling the interview to focus on the meatier questions. He was able to send that letter just in time and landed that dream job six months before graduation. 22 | ROLLINS
While at Rollins, Elkhouly utilized CCLP’s resources on a regular basis, getting help with internship application materials and advice on professional video interviews, which included never to conduct them in your dorm room. Through his challenging coursework and Rollins’ focus on experiential learning, he also garnered skills in project management, public speaking, organizational behavior, and business law that have proved indispensable in his role as a contract specialist in Raytheon’s two-year Contracts Leadership Development Program. From combining his military background with business and communication skills to providing lifesaving solutions to U.S. allies around the world even before donning a cap and gown, explore some of the transformative waypoints on Elkhouly’s personalized pathway through Rollins.
From assistant registrar Alexa Gordon, who answered all of Elkhouly’s questions about transferring to Rollins and the requirements of the GI Bill’s Yellow Ribbon Scholarship, to assistant vice president for student affairs Lisa Gilliean-Crump, who helped him prepare for his interview at Raytheon and became an ever-present champion of his dreams, Elkhouly was never alone on his Rollins journey.
Elkhouly landed a coveted internship as a district manager at ALDI while a third-year student at Rollins. Finance professor Richard Lewin helped him prepare to apply for the role in advance, spending hours explaining the organizational behavior of the company. “I was given the high-level task of providing a groundbreaking solution for the business within only two months. I managed contracts, supervised projects, and collaborated with teams, which was real applicable experience that helped me get selected for Raytheon’s leadership program.”
When his tour in the Army ended, Elkhouly’s path through Rollins Gateway began. It was a path marked by community service, peer mentorship, faculty mentorship, and the development of soft skills in the business world. “Taking classes in organizational behavior and project management helped me think with purpose and sustainability. Testing my newfound skills in the real world allowed me to convert theory from the classroom to tangible results for a major retailer. Before even graduating, I was able to enter the competitive defense industry on a leadership track prepared to develop a global business strategy.”
As a Rollins business major, Elkhouly learned the unwritten rules of the corporate world, from mastering a dress code to fine-tuning his public-speaking abilities. He learned analytical and communication skills that enabled him to engage with people whose backgrounds differed widely from his own, and he refined his presentation and Excel skills. “I’m now able to juggle multiple deliverables on dramatically different schedules and apply legalese to issues of liability, disputes, and arbitration because of the law and ethics class I took nearly a year before I administered my first defense contract.”
Find Your Gateway
Learn more about how Elkhouly’s unique path to and from Rollins has shaped him into a leader and start charting your course to personal and professional success at rollins.college/gateway.
THE PERFECT BLEND Jakobi Bonner ’20 ’21MBA strikes the ideal balance between athlete, scholar, and leader, and he couldn’t have done it without help from his mentors both on and off the court.
24 | ROLLINS
By Stephanie Rizzo ’09 | Photo by Scott Cook Political science major Jakobi Bonner ’20 ’21MBA knows a thing or two about balance. As captain of the Rollins men’s basketball team, he relies on his sense of balance during games—one slight adjustment to the right or the left could have a major impact on his performance. Off the court, he’s balancing roles as a scholar, leader, and athlete all at once. Like most student-athletes, Bonner came to Rollins expecting to compromise—he’d spent his life up to that point making sacrifices for basketball. But what he found was a collegiate experience different than anything he’d imagined, one that allowed him to embrace multiple passions and develop relationships with mentors like political science professor Joan Davison and basketball coach Tom Klusman, whose support has had a compounding effect. It wasn’t long before Bonner enrolled in Rollins’ 3/2 Accelerated Management Program—which combines a four-year bachelor of arts and a two-year MBA from Rollins’ Crummer Graduate School of Business into a fiveyear program—and was selected as one of three studentathletes to represent the Sunshine State Conference at the prestigious NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum. “From day one, everyone was on the same page, from my coaches to my professors,” says Bonner. “I’ve never been discouraged from branching out and trying new things. That’s a pivotal piece of why I’ve been able to do so much here because I’ve been encouraged from many different angles.”
“My study abroad experience in Athens was a dream come true. I was actually the first person from my family to go to Europe. Now, I’ve interacted with people from different backgrounds and organizations. All of that has contributed to this well-rounded perspective I have on the world, and I think it all starts with the campus culture at Rollins that educates the whole student.” “The opportunity to attend the NCAA leadership forum was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that gave me tools for learning how to lead others who have different personalities and different cultural and ethical backgrounds than me. I learned ways to motivate and lead in times of trial and conflict and how to better communicate my vision to others. I came back to Rollins inspired to start promoting mental health awareness and support for athletes, which I’ve worked on with other student-athlete leaders across campus.” “I’ve been a resident assistant since my second year. One of the most satisfying aspects of this role is seeing all the students I’ve mentored evolve as people and really find their anchor. As an RA, you pour your heart into the job to care for others and make sure they have the support they need. I want to have a positive impact and push people to be their best. When you see that they are succeeding and coming into their own around campus, it’s just the most fulfilling feeling.”
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS At Rollins, we’re committed to both academic and athletic excellence, providing studentathletes with the opportunity to excel in the classroom, on the court, and for life.
BY THE NUMBERS
23 NCAA DIVISION II TEAMS
23 National Championships
Baseball (M)
Swimming (M,W)
Basketball (M,W)
Tennis (M,W)
Cross Country (M,W)
Volleyball (W)
Golf (M,W)
Waterskiing (M,W)
90 Sunshine State Conference Championships 35 Consecutive semesters with cumulative GPA above 3.0 9 NCAA Presidents’ Awards for Academic Excellence
Lacrosse (M,W) Rowing (M,W) Sailing (M,W) Soccer (M,W) Softball (W) ROLLINS | 25
Rollins at a Glance 287
Established 1885
International students from 63 countries
2,133
(fall 2019)
International programs
Full-time undergraduate enrollment
60+
(fall 2019)
100+
17 Average class size
70+ Percent of
Areas of study
Student clubs and organizations
90+
students study abroad
90%
Classes taught by full-time faculty (fall 2019)
Finish in Four
Learn more about Rollins’ new four-year graduation guarantee at rollins.college/finish-in-four.
Select Awards & Rankings No. 1 Regional University in the South U.S. News & World Report, 2020
No. 1 for Percentage of Students Who Participate in Alternative Breaks
Top Ranked for 25 Years
Break Away, 2018–2019
No. 1 for Best Undergraduate Teaching Program
Forbes, 2017–2019
No. 1 College in the South
The Princeton Review, 2015–16
U.S. News & World Report, 1996–2020 U.S. News & World Report, 2020 College Consensus, 2019
Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars
U.S. Department of State, 2013–2017, 2019
No. 2 Undergraduate Business Program in Florida College Choice, 2019 28 | ROLLINS
No. 1 MBA in Florida
No. 1 Most Beautiful College Campus Top 10 for Percentage of Students Who Study Abroad
Institute for International Education, 2013–19
97%
of Rollins’ 2018 graduates engaged in the workforce, grad school, or volunteer service 12 months after graduation.
By the numbers FINANCIAL AID AT ROLLINS | LEARN MORE AT ROLLINS.COLLEGE/FINAID.
93
DEADLINES AND REQUIREMENTS
Percent of students receive some form of financial aid
$75 MILLION Amount students annually receive in state, federal, and Rollins resources
$35K
$270,000+
Average aid package for enrolling first-years with demonstrated need
Value of an Alfond Scholarship (full ride) over four years
$10K – $30K
Annual value range of partial merit scholarships $0: Sign-up cost for Raise.me, which lets you earn scholarships from Rollins for your high school achievements
Counselor
TIP
When to Apply NOVEMBER 1
Early Decision I application deadline (binding) NOVEMBER 1
Priority Scholarship deadline (non-binding)
JANUARY 5
Early Decision II application deadline (binding) FEBRUARY 1
Regular Decision application deadline (non-binding)
What You Need to Apply A completed application (Rollins Select Application, Common Application, or Coalition Application) SAT/ACT scores or Test Score Waived Option What’s this? Learn more at rollins.college/tswo. An official high school transcript A counselor recommendation A Secondary School Report $50 application fee
“Don’t let the price of a school scare you away from applying because you never know what will happen. I was given more scholarships and financial aid from Rollins than from a large local public school. Had I attended that school, I would have had to pay more out of pocket than I did coming to Rollins. Who knows where I’d be today if I hadn’t applied to Rollins?” — Francisco Vanegas ’14, admission counselor
Rollins College Admission 1000 Holt Ave. — 2720 Winter Park, FL 32789
Your Gateway to Greatness. Think of this issue as a sneak peek into the richness of the Rollins experience. You’ll get a glimpse into everything from our intimate learning environment and life-changing international adventures to the endless opportunity of Orlando, but there’s still more to discover and we can’t wait to show you. Take the next step and see your personalized pathway start to take shape at Rollins. Visit Campus Schedule a visit and experience Rollins yourself. rollins.edu/visit
One of your first steps through Rollins Gateway will be Kathleen W. Rollins Hall, the new state-of-the-art facility that empowers students to hone their knowledge and skills through immersive real-world experiences like internships, study abroad, and community engagement.
