Dear Denisonian‚
I hope this spring brings you healing and optimism after a long and challenging year. I know for me, seeing family and friends again — as well as simple things like flowers blooming in my yard — are lifting my spirits. It makes me think of when the spring colors finally returned to Chapel Walk after many a wintery day. Remember that?
Recalling happier moments helped push me through the pandemic, and included among those moments were two 2019 visits to Denison.
During my first visit, I volunteered to share my expertise with students, something many alumni do. I gave lectures on economic policy and research, and I met with women studying economics. The Economics Department at Denison, and especially my senior thesis adviser, Sohrab Behdad, prepared me well for my career path. Now it’s my turn to pay it forward to the next generation of Denisonians.
My second trip to campus was with four sorority sisters, some of whom had not been back in years. The campus was in full autumn splendor. We saw many old familiar sights and took in some new ones. Since that time together, we have tried a few Zoom calls, but there’s nothing like being together on campus. I can’t wait to see them — and Denison — again soon.
While many faced extreme challenges and lost loved ones during the pandemic, my heart still goes out to the Denison students who had their college experience disrupted in so many ways. I applaud the administration and staff for successfully keeping students on campus all year, and especially the professors, who continued to find new and effective ways to teach and mentor their students.
The coming year will bring new and different challenges to our college. Now, more than ever, is an excellent time for alumni to pay it forward.
Claudia Foster Sahm ’98
Member, Alumni Council
