On Tuesday, Feb. 18, Rollins College hosted a celebration in honor of the 5th Annual Thaddeus & Polly Seymour Acts of Kindness Day, recognizing the decades of community service by Thaddeus Seymour, the 12th president of Rollins College, and his wife Polly. On this day, students took part in a variety of activities, including creating inspirational sidewalk chalk messages, participating in a labyrinth walk, and packing hygiene kits for the homeless.
One of the events, “We ‘R’ One: Art, Unity, and Connection Unveiled,” took place on the 5th floor of the Rollins Garage, an area that has undergone an artistic transformation to become a symbol of hope, connection, and belonging through two new murals.
The evening was not just about the two colorful pieces; it was a chance to unite as a campus community and highlight the importance of mental health and suicide prevention. The murals, created by the artist Delia Miller and the Rollins community, represent Rollins’ commitment to fostering belonging and wellness on campus.
Connie Briscoe, Executive Director of Campus Health and Wellness, said, “We’re stronger as a community, and we are never alone… we are connected, and we are one.” Briscoe’s words encapsulated the spirit of the event, emphasizing the power of art to speak when words often fall short. The murals, “Breaking Barriers” and “We ‘R’ One,” aim to create a lasting impact on mental wellness while also celebrating resilience, diversity, and the shared journey of overcoming life’s challenges.
“Breaking Barriers” draws inspiration from the Florida Highwaymen, a group of artists known for their determination and resourcefulness during difficult times. The mural features a fox symbolizing Rollins’ adaptive, resilient spirit among other pieces of colorful imagery. Bold, sweeping strokes throughout the piece represent the movement of inclusion and strength. The mural serves as a tribute to the obstacles we face and the courage required to overcome them.
Delia Miller, the artist behind “Breaking Barriers,” said, “This mural has so much meaning to me…it celebrates not only the resilience of the Rollins community but also the spirit of inclusion. I’m incredibly proud to see how this space has come alive with energy and life.”
The second mural, “We ‘R’ One,” represents a collaborative effort between students, faculty, and staff: a visual expression of unity and belonging. Miller’s role in the creation of the piece was pivotal as she worked alongside community members to bring their shared vision to life. “I wanted this mural to reflect the diversity of experiences and voices here at Rollins,” Miller said. “You’ll see elements throughout that represent the students, faculty, and staff who make up this incredible campus.”
Akina-Naomi Kennedy (‘27), a student at Rollins, said, “Being at Rollins has meant a lot to me. It’s given me a space to develop my mental and spiritual health. Seeing this art on the walls fills me with hope for the future. It shows us who we are as a community, and I want everyone to know that even if you don’t see yourself directly represented here, you are a part of this space.”
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