Dear Fellow Denisonians,
With the presidential election only days away, it seemed I should at least acknowledge the concept of our democracy here, as I assume it has been weighing heavily on many of us.
In recent months, and in the context of so much political turbulence, I’ve called to mind Denison’s mission statement more than once.
That remarkable statement reads, “Our purpose is to inspire and educate our students to become autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents and active citizens of a democratic society.” Wow, that’s powerful, isn’t it?
Regardless of our political leanings, we can agree that Denison’s mission statement has never been more relevant than it is today. I thank the gods of liberal arts colleges, whoever they might be, for gently steering me to Granville for my undergraduate upbringing.
It was there I learned to question openly, debate, and even interrogate the world as it was, all the while solving for the world as it could be — if only I had any say in it. And as it turns out, I do have a say in it. We all do.
As the election fast approaches, I hope you, too, can take a moment to reflect on our alma mater’s mission. After all, a democratic society is nothing without its autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents, and active citizens — the ones who not only hold it up but hold it dear.
Vanessa Miller ’04
Vice President
Denison Alumni Council
