America's 250th
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Stetson University is bringing students together to reflect on the nation’s past, consider its present, and imagine its future.
Throughout the series, participants are encouraged to listen across differences, examine competing perspectives, and discover shared values to develop greater understanding and a stronger sense of civic responsibility, building toward Values Day, Stetson's signature day of dialogue and community centered on this milestone.
STETSON VOTES WEEK
Celebrate the power of your voice during Stetson Votes Week and America’s 250th anniversary! Join engaging events, voter education and resources that help you get informed, get prepared and make your voice heard.
STETSON VOTES EVENTS
National Voter Registration Day
Sept.15, 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CUB Front Porch
Cultural Credit
Celebrate National Voter Registration Day with Stetson Votes! Stop by to register to vote or confirm registration, learn what you need to know for the upcoming election.
Registration day
Rock for
Democracy
Sept.15, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Libby Lawn
Cultural Credit
Join Stetson Votes for the Rock for Democracy Concert! Enjoy the music, grab a slice, and meet our guests from local civic organizations and political parties!
Concert
Constitution
Day
Sept. 17, 5:00 p.m. Rinker Welcome Center
Cultural Credit
Celebrate Constitution Day! Hear from Louis Virelli III, award winning law professor, discussing the Constitution, why it still matters and why we disagree about it.
constitution dayVALUES DAY
NOVEMBER 12, 2026
Stetson's signature day of reflection, dialogue, and action returns with a theme built around this milestone: what values will shape the next 250 years?
The day also includes the Values Day Marketplace and Community Celebration in Palm Court, a free Community Lunch, an Interactive Dialogue, evening film screenings, and a student musical showcase.
Classes canceled campuswide for a full day of dialogue, workshops, marketplace, and community — plus up to 6 Cultural Credits available.
Values Day
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Novemeber 12, 9 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Dr. Barry C. Black, 62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate. His journey from Baltimore to the Senate embodies the resilience and possibility at the heart of the American story.
Facebook: U.S. Senate Chaplain Dr Barry C Black
Instagram: chaplain_black
Podcast: Daily Manna is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
AMERICAN MOSAIC: PORTRAITS OF A NATION
September 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Stetson Baptist Church
Join the Symphonic Band for a concert exploring America through music, featuring the Stetson University Concert Choir. Chandler L. Wilson as conductor, Leroy Wilson as narrator, Nicolas Enrico Williams as guest conductor, and Chadley Ballantyne as a guest narrator.
Tickets
Open Book
American Dreams, American Nightmares
Exploring the stories we inherit, the stories we live, and the stories we're still writing. Join the Multicultural Student Council for Open Book as we explore the dreams and nightmares that have shaped America and our own lives as we celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. American history is a complex story filled with triumph, tragedy, progress, contradiction, hope, and heartbreak. Through storytelling, reflection, and dialogue, participants will consider how personal experiences connect to the larger American narrative and what chapters we hope to write next.
Making History, First
Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary Through First-Generation Stories
For 250 years, America has been shaped by people doing something for the first time. First-generation students continue that tradition every day.As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation, we invite you to hear from Stetson's first-generation students who are honoring their past, shaping the present, and helping build the future.
Every story shared will remind us that history is not only something we inherit. It is something we create.
Making History, First launches November 2 in celebration of National First-Generation Student Week.
Join us as we honor the stories, accomplishments, aspirations, and impact of first-generation students who are helping write the next chapter of America's story.
Because history isn't only found in textbooks. It's being written every day by students with the courage to go first.
Highlights So Far
Check out how Stetson has been marking America's 250th anniversary throughout the year.
2026 Community Partner Breakfast
Bringing together community partners, faculty, staff, and students for a morning of connection, reflection, and collaboration. Inspired by the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss, the Green Eggs and Ham breakfast celebrated the creativity, curiosity, and community spirit that help shape a stronger future. As we considered the 250th anniversary of the United States and the many people who have helped define our nation’s values, Dr. Seuss came to mind. Through The Cat in the Hat, Fox in the Socks, and Horton Hatches the Egg, we connected these familiar stories to the work of our community partners and the role each of us plays in creating positive change.
Things We Don't Talk About At Dinner
The fall opening event invited students into an honest and welcoming conversation about belonging, freedom, tradition and change. Participants reflected on how history continues to shape American life, how patriotism can take different forms, and what they hope the United States will preserve or transform for future generations.