SOUL OF STETSON
Stand Up Hulley
Remember. Reconnect. Reengage.
The bells of Hulley Tower have gone silent.
Together, we are bringing them back.
For over seven decades, the cheerful songs of Hulley Tower rang out across campus and the DeLand community, connecting generations of Hatters. We invite you to stand with us in rebuilding this historic icon.
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.
Why it Matters
Built in 1934, Hulley Tower stood tall at 116 feet as a beacon of Stetson’s heritage. After multiple hurricanes battered it in 2004, the tower was reduced to its foundation.
Hulley Tower is more than a structure—it’s a symbol of our shared legacy. It honors those we have lost, including the students whose lives were tragically cut short in an avalanche during a 1979 study-abroad trip. By restoring Hulley Tower, we not only revive a cherished landmark but also pay tribute to the Soul of Stetson.
Can you imagine a campus full of chimes and joy again? Your gift will make that vision a reality.
Join the Initiative
In 2023, Stetson alumni, with the university’s approval, launched a historic reconstruction effort to restore Hulley Tower to its original height and install a new 52-bell carillon. This alumni-driven initiative aims to raise $6,700,000 to rebuild Hulley Tower as a gathering place for Hatters of all generations. Thanks to the support of alumni and a $500,000 award from the State of Florida, we are $300,000 away from our goal just two years later.
This project is about more than just rebuilding. Hulley Tower will once again become a physical representation of the Soul of Stetson, where we can see, hear and feel our values brought to life. By joining this effort, you help preserve a piece of Stetson’s past while building a bridge to its future.
Groundbreaking
A groundbreaking was held on February 24, 2025, while the final stretch of fundraising continues until June 20, 2025.
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
How You Can Help
Your contribution will bring the sounds of Hulley Tower back to life. We offer various ways for you to be involved, including naming opportunities and one-time or recurring gifts.
Take Action Today
Help bring back the music of Hulley Tower
Help us raise Hulley Tower once again, allowing future generations to experience the iconic music that has marked life at Stetson for decades. Whether you’re an alum, a student, a member of the Stetson community, or a friend, your gift—large or small—will help preserve the essence and history of Stetson University.
Join us today to bring back the music of Hulley Tower. Together, we can build a landmark that will inspire for years to come.
For more information on naming opportunities or ways to contribute, please contact Amy Gipson at [email protected] or 386-822-7220.
Together, let’s Stand Up Hulley.
What Inspired Them to Get Involved?
"We love our Alma Mater and are so happy to be able to invest in this meaningful symbol and important space that welcomes everyone on campus and in the community. Using this location as a place to honor our business school classmates that we lost in 1979 in Innsbruck during our trip is paramount to us."
Susan Perry Brockway '79, Pi Beta Phi
Peter Brockway ‘78
"My brother and I rarely agree on our areas of support. When the Hulley Tower project began developing, we both jumped at it. Our family 'why' came from John and me realizing that Hulley Tower was a symbol of our Stetson Experience though two years apart."
Jill Jinks '79
"Stetson has certainly played a huge role in our lives - but this is much larger than that. We want to replace and rekindle the role that HulleyTower once was - a symbol of Stetson University and a significant historical edifice for DeLand and the State of Florida."
David Marco '78, Julie and Michael '13