6 Ways to Celebrate Thaddeus & Polly Seymour Acts of Kindness Day
Join us on February 18 for a day of service and kindness, celebrating the legacy of Rollins’ 12th president, Thaddeus Seymour, and his wife, Polly.
By Jen Atwell, ’11 ’20MBA ’11 ’20MBA
February 04, 2025
Rollins’ 12th president, Thaddeus Seymour ’82HAL ’90H, and his wife, Polly, were known for their kindness, philanthropy, and decades of service to both the College and their local community. Members of the Rollins family can carry forward these ideals with small acts of kindness that reflect the Seymours’ passions and impact. Facilitated by the Center for Leadership & Community Engagement in partnership with other service-focused campus departments, Thaddeus & Polly Seymour Acts of Kindness Day is a chance for Tars to come together to honor the Seymours’ legacy and to serve our community. Here are six ways you can get involved.
1. Donate children’s books to the Polly Seymour New Leaf Bookstore
Spread the joy of reading by donating new or gently used children’s books to the Polly Seymour New Leaf Bookstore in the Winter Park Library. Bring your books to the Pathways of Kindness event on Tars Plaza and Mills Lawn from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.
2. Celebrate belonging and mental wellness
Head up to the fifth floor of the Rollins Garage from 4 to 7 p.m. for the unveiling of two murals that reflect themes of belonging, mental wellness, and connection, showcasing the work of muralist Delia Miller and the collaborative efforts of students, faculty, and staff. The event aims to foster dialogue, connection, and a shared commitment to mental wellness and suicide prevention through art.
3. Make someone’s day brighter
Grab a Kindness Passport and collect stamps as you complete a series of 10 5-Minute Difference projects that range from writing notes of gratitude and kindness to making care packages for Mayflower and Gardens at DePugh residents to packing hygiene kits for the Coalition for the Homeless. If you collect six or more stamps, you’ll receive a T-shirt and be entered in a drawing for a goodie bag. Taking place on Mills Lawn and Tars Plaza from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., projects will be hosted by student and campus organizations.
4. Unplug and focus on kindness
Join Dorrell Briscoe, dean of religious and spiritual life, between 11 a.m. and noon for an interactive labyrinth walk focusing on how to spread kindness in our community and beyond, with cards of action on how you can choose kindness.
5. Share messages of kindness
Join members of Omicron Delta Kappa on February 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. and February 18 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. to share messages of kindness and encouragement through sidewalk chalk messages and sticky notes. Think of it as a fun way to carry forward Thad’s reputation for colorful storytelling.
6. Share a bear in the Project for Hope Collection Drive
Throughout the day in Kathleen W. Rollins Hall, you can drop off a new stuffed animal to donate to the Ronald McDonald House as part of the Project for Hope collection drive. Established in 2012, this initiative has collected more than 900 stuffed animals for ill children to hold while undergoing medical treatment.
A Legacy of Kindness and Service
Learn more about the Seymours and their impact in our community.
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