Academic All-Stars
Rollins’ 2025 valedictorians share highlights from their time on campus, what they’ll miss most, and how the past four years have prepared them to step boldly into the future.
May 09, 2025
As the Class of 2025 prepares to don regalia and take their hard-earned walk across the commencement stage, community, connection, and purpose emerge as the common themes among this year’s valedictorians. All six students, including commencement speaker Abrielle Mannino ’25, credit the individuals rooted in their respective Rollins experiences with igniting their passions and giving them the tools they need to make their dreams a reality.
While countless cords and stoles speak to their impressive academic accomplishments, these six students—one Bay Stater and five residents of the Sunshine State—represent the full kaleidoscope of liberal arts experiences: They have studied abroad, served as peer mentors, held leadership positions, completed internships, conducted research, stepped out of their comfort zones, and forged invaluable connections in the classroom, on campus, and in the broader community.
In the lead-up to Rollins’ 135th commencement, this year’s valedictorians reflect on what drew them to Rollins and how they’re prepared to take the next steps in their meaningful lives and productive careers.
Abrielle Mannino ’25
- Majors: Public policy and political economy and philosophy
- Hometown: Venice, Florida
At Rollins, Abrielle Mannino learned that purpose is something one builds—moment by moment, experience by experience. In four short years, she was taught to question systems, challenge assumptions, and use her voice to stand up for those who are often unheard. On campus, she helped create a Climate Action Plan as a member of the Sustainability Committee and conducted student-faculty research that was published in a scholarly journal. Off campus, the philosopher, mythology enthusiast, and captain of the Debate Team traveled abroad to create the first intercollegiate debate team in Greece. Mannino’s impact extends along the East Coast, where she attended Harvard’s prestigious Public Policy Leadership Conference; interned as a legislation and advocacy fellow at Seaside Sustainability in Massachusetts; and examined AI solutions at Brown University for climate impacts on health-care delivery in the Pacific Islands.
An experience I'll never forget “Traveling to Greece on the Varsity Debate Team left me with a deeper appreciation for the power of dialogue across cultures, lasting friendships with students from around the world, and the confidence to use my voice in spaces where it matters most. It reminded me that debate isn’t just about argument—it’s about connection, understanding, and building bridges where none existed before.”
Why Rollins “I chose Rollins because it promised more than a college education—it offered a community. I was drawn to the intimate classrooms where professors knew my name, the beautiful lakeside campus that felt like home, and the chance to be more than just a number. Rollins opened doors to unexpected opportunities—from research trips to Costa Rica to conversations with public policy changemakers like Renee Stone ’85, whom I once only admired from afar. It wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was about finding my voice and using it.”
My mentor and how they make a difference “Dr. Eric Smaw in the philosophy department changed the way I see the world. Through his classes and our countless conversations, he taught me that justice isn’t just an idea—it’s a responsibility. He believed in my potential long before I saw it in myself, encouraging me to pursue opportunities I once thought were out of reach. Not only did he shape my academic path, but he shaped the way I engage with the world.”
How Rollins helped me find my purpose “Rollins gave me the freedom to explore, fail, and grow. I came here unsure of what I wanted, but through classes, research, and relationships with professors and peers, I became brave enough to uncover my purpose. Rollins is a community that made me feel seen, challenged, and prepared to fight for the justice I feel our country so desperately requires. That’s the part I’ll carry with me.”
What’s next? “I will begin a one-year master’s program at Oxford in the fall before enrolling in Brown’s PhD program in climate science.”
Delaney Benton ’25
- Majors: English and music
- Hometown: Chuluota, Florida
Rising rock guitarist Delaney Benton found her rhythm at Rollins in the music department. She joined the campus jazz combo, acoustic ensemble, and treble choir, earning multiple honors and forging invaluable connections in the process. She also joined Sigma Alpha Iota, a women's music fraternity, where she served as philanthropies chair and vice president and discovered a propensity for leadership. The Phi Beta Kappa and Pi Kappa Lambda scholar also took on a peer-mentor role for the Successful Pathways Through Music Rollins College Conference (RCC) course and received the peer-awarded Sword of Honor. A pair of creative writing awards from the English department round out the double major’s symphony of accomplishments.
Why Rollins “Growing up in Orlando, Rollins truly was my dream school. I liked the small class sizes and the ability to double major without extra tuition costs. The opportunity to study jazz guitar, something I'd never done before, was the biggest reason I chose Rollins. Most other schools only allowed me to study classical guitar, so it was a perfect fit.”
My mentors and how they made a difference “My guitar instructor, [adjunct music professor] Bobby Koelble, and my jazz combo instructor, Chuck Archard, saw potential I did not see in myself. They pushed me to grow in [jazz guitar] and as a person by helping me gain more confidence.”
How Rollins helped me find my purpose “One thing I learned at Rollins is that a person should be encouraged to pursue multiple interests. Rollins' liberal arts values allowed me to rediscover my passion for creative writing while discovering a new love for music history and jazz.”
What I’ll miss most “The people who surround me every day, including my friends and professors, have made college one of the best experiences of my life. I will also miss the daily opportunities I've had to learn and create through classes, concerts, and other events on campus.”
Sydney Boswell ’25
- Majors: Public policy and political economy and environmental studies
- Hometown: Clermont, Florida
During her first semester, Sydney Boswell attended a presentation and panel discussion that introduced her to the field of urban planning and the value of an interdisciplinary, socially conscious education. From there, she pursued a complementary pair of majors; gained diverse experience through internships with the City of Orlando’s transportation department, Resources for the Future, and the League of Women Voters; and developed a passion for community development. The Phi Beta Kappa member also served as a Tutoring & Writing Center consultant; co-president of Voices, a student organization dedicated to the empowerment of women and their allies; and president of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Student Union.
An experience I’ll never forget “I spent a semester in Washington, D.C., where I got to study at American University and intern at an environmental economics think tank. Getting to live in the heart of the city, learn in the nation’s capital, and gain real-world experience in my first internship taught me so much about myself, my career goals, and my passions.”
Why Rollins “The small class sizes and beautiful campus initially drew me to Rollins. Four years later, it is the people—faculty, friends, and peers—who have not only driven me to pursue excellence but also made me incredibly proud and grateful to have attended Rollins.”
My mentors and how they made a difference “[Assistant Director of International Programs] Mary Choi Robinson helped me lead the AAPI Student Union and grew to become my mentor and friend in the process, motivating me to make the most of my time at Rollins. Dr. Lee Lines, my professor and academic advisor in the environmental studies department, supported me as a student and tutor and was invaluable in informing my career development.”
What I’ll miss most “Rollins brings the world into reach in a way that has encouraged me to take risks. I’m going to miss how close and connected everything is—from a good coffee to professional advising.”
Skylar Hines ’25
- Major: Spanish
- Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
Skylar Hines chose Rollins for the small classes, dedicated professors, and study abroad opportunities—each of which was instrumental in shaping her undergraduate experience. As a Rollins student, she traveled outside the United States for the very first time; clinched a long-awaited opportunity to study Portuguese; and encountered a chance elective her third year that set her on a potential career path in criminal justice. Outside the classroom, Hines—a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Spanish Honor Society—served as a peer mentor, Tutoring & Writing Center consultant, and IT work-study student.
An experience I’ll never forget “The six weeks I spent studying abroad in Madrid with the Verano Español program, led by Dr. Alberto Prieto-Calixto, and being immersed in the language and culture of Spain. My Spanish progressed rapidly, and I ended the trip feeling confident saying I was genuinely fluent.”
My mentors and how they made a difference “Among my many mentors at Rollins, Dr. Eldad Levy and Dr. Patricia Tomé in the Spanish department made the greatest difference. Dr. Levy’s course Violence and Security in Latin America sparked my interest in criminal justice, and Dr. Tomé, with whom I took numerous classes, supported me when I was struggling with issues outside of academics.”
What I’ll miss most “My professors were the highlight of my entire experience. They made every class interesting by leading us in discussions that made the material come to life, connected concepts to the real world, and inspired me to want to dig deeper and learn more. They were always willing to answer questions and offer advice, and I knew I could count on them for understanding and support when I was struggling.”
What’s next “This summer, I will begin my master’s in criminal justice at the University of Central Florida. My current goal is to work in federal law enforcement, specifically the FBI, but I will continue to explore my options for potential career tracks as I determine more specific areas of interest.”
Caroline Hutchinson ’25
- Major: Communication studies
- Hometown: Wenham, Massachusetts
Reflecting on the past four years, Caroline Hutchinson is so happy she chose a college 1,300 miles away from home. At Rollins, the Massachusetts native discovered a tight-knit campus community rooted in care for one another; an emphasis on service and giving back; and a strong liberal arts foundation built on interdisciplinary experiences. Hutchinson helmed Her Campus Rollins as president, interned at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, and was inducted into Lambda Pi Eta, the official honor society for communication studies. Given the chance, Hutchinson “would choose Rollins all over again.”
My mentor and how they make a difference “All of my professors, Her Campus chapter members, and the women in Kappa Delta were mentors to me during my time at Rollins. These individuals have made a difference by inspiring me to be a better student both academically and as a member of the Rollins community."
An experience I'll never forget “My time spent studying abroad in Sydney, Australia, was an immense period of growth, independence, and learning about myself and the world while upholding the commitment of global citizenship Rollins so proudly instills in its students.”
How Rollins helped me find my purpose “The many opportunities available at Rollins to get involved on campus have allowed me to connect with peers across various sectors of the community. I found purpose in showing prospective students and families the opportunities that await them at Rollins. I found purpose being part of a club where I gained hands-on experience that propelled me forward in my professional life. And I found purpose earning leadership positions and participating in philanthropic efforts that impacted the surrounding Winter Park community."
What I'll miss most “The people I’ve met here! All of my professors, classmates, supervisors, and friends have made a lifelong impact by shaping me into the individual I am today. I would not be where I am without them and their constant support.”
Maggie Kuffskie ’25
- Majors: Physics and computer science
- Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Maggie Kuffskie credits the faculty, especially those in the physics department, with introducing her to “just how much cool stuff exists in the world and beyond” while giving her the tools to explore interests across disciplines. The physics and computer science double major made her mark on campus as a member of the Society of Physics Students, president of Rollins Physics Club, and Sigma Pi Sigma inductee. Her joint student-faculty research on rocket acoustics put Kuffskie on the ground at Kennedy Space Center in November 2023 to hear what physics professor Whitney Coyle called, “a crackling quality about 40 million times greater than a bowl of Rice Krispies” during NASA’s launch of the world’s most powerful rocket.
An experience I'll never forget “I got to experience the Artemis I launch with researchers from Brigham Young University as part of a sound study for a student-faculty research project. I’ll never forget witnessing the rocket go off in total darkness and seeing what looked like the sun coming up from the horizon. Despite having to be really quiet in order not to interfere with the rocket’s acoustics, we were all freaking out.”
My mentor and how they made a difference “Dr. Chris Fuse in the physics department showed me all the incredible things you can do with physics and coding; I credit him with a lot of the confidence and excitement that I feel for my future.”
How Rollins helped me find my purpose “The opportunity to do research as an undergrad helped me realize just how much I like learning about new things and exploring the world around me. Learning about space and planets made me realize that’s what I want to keep exploring throughout my life.”
What’s next “In the fall, I’m starting a PhD in physics at the University of Alabama with a focus on astronomy and the evolution of planets outside our solar system.”
- Categories:
- Public Policy and Political Economy |
- Communication Studies |
- English |
- Philosophy |
- Environmental Studies |
- Music |
- Physics
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