email : Webview : September Alumni Update

ALUMNI UPDATE

Campus Briefs

A video update from President Adam Weinberg

In his latest message to alums, President Weinberg shares exciting news from The Hill and highlights upcoming events you won’t want to miss.

President Weinberg's Update to Alums - September 2023

Now on the Orientation Schedule: Free Speech and ChatGPT

First-year students make connections before classes begin

Denison is reimagining first-year orientation, so much so that this vital part of onboarding new students is part of the strategic plan for the Division of Student Life.

Gone are the days of just signing up for classes and attending a mixer. Instead, orientation has become an opportunity to set the tone for the next four years by quickly building meaningful relationships, asking hard questions, listening to and learning from others, and more — all hallmarks of a high-quality liberal arts education.

Over the last couple of years, working with Braver Angels, Denison has begun incorporating a structured debate into first-year orientation. This program is paying dividends, with more than 80% of students saying it caused them to reevaluate their previous positions and helped them to understand others’ views better.

Read more about this innovative orientation program in a recent Inside Higher Ed feature and a past edition of Denison Magazine.

Additionally, this year, 230 students took advantage of another impactful program called Pre-Orientation, or Pre-O for short. During action-packed three-day outings, students get to know each other while they explore a variety of themes, including creating art, learning the principles of design thinking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Denison is expanding these initiatives, with the goal of every student benefiting from early connections and feelings of belonging as they begin their time at Denison.

Nominate a Classmate for the Alumni Citation

As part of Reunion, Denison confers the Alumni Citation, the highest honor bestowed upon its graduates.

Nominate a deserving friend or classmate by completing this online form or contacting Executive Director of Alumni & Family Engagement Sallie Sistare at sistares@denison.edu or 740-587-8656.

Selection is based on exemplary professional achievement, extraordinary service to the community, and continuing engagement with the college.

The deadline for nominations is Sept. 20. Submit a nomination for a deserving classmate today! Learn more about past recipients as you consider potential candidates for this honor.

Unlocking Potential

A look at two Summer Scholars projects

At the heart of the Summer Scholars program is the opportunity to take what’s learned in the classroom and apply it to independent study. Endowed funds annually support about 120 students across all disciplines. The student-mentor bond is an important facet of Summer Scholars, which provides students a chance to work with professors in one-on-one and small-group settings and serves as a gateway to other opportunities. Explore how two Denison students spent their summer in the stories below.

Caroline Lopez ’25 and professor Dave Goodwin

Student research makes a splash in Raccoon Creek

Caroline Lopez ’25, an English literature and Earth sciences major, spent her summer conducting research in Raccoon Creek with Professor Dave Goodwin. Learn more about her research.

Mel Wienandt ’26 paints a mural at the new Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Newark, Ohio

An art student finds her footing in 981 square feet

Mel Wienandt ’26, a studio art major, had the unique opportunity to plan and paint a vibrant mural in Newark’s new Habitat for Humanity ReStore, with the guidance of associate professor Keith Spencer. The mural was dedicated in July. “This is a project I've always wanted,” she says. “It took a lot to get here.” Read more about her artistic journey.

Engage With Denisonians

ReMix: Denison Entrepreneurship Summit

Sept. 20 - 22
Granville, Ohio

All creative problem-solvers, innovators, and entrepreneurs are invited back to The Hill for a dynamic summit centered on re-fueling your passions and igniting your personal growth. Learn more and register.

Fall Presidential Receptions

6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 11
San Francisco | Register Now

6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12
Palo Alto, Calif. | Register Now

6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 13
Denver | Register Now

6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14
Columbus, Ohio | Register Now

We’re bringing our “fair college on the hill” to you! Connect with area Denisonians, members of the Board of Trustees, and President Adam Weinberg at these receptions, where you will learn more about what’s in store for Denison. Winter and spring events will be announced soon.

The Path to a Net-Zero America: Turing Back the Clock on Climate Change

Lisska Center Minds Wide Open Series Presents The Path to a Net-Zero America: Turning Back the Clock on Climate Change

8 p.m., Sept. 27
Virtual via Zoom

Join us for a virtual conversation with energy and climate expert Dr. Jesse Jenkins, who will share research foundations for a transition to a zero-carbon environmental policy and discuss the implications of economy-wide decarbonization efforts.
Learn more and register.

Big Red Weekend

Sept. 29 - Oct. 1
Granville, Ohio

Return to Granville for Big Red Weekend — a time when Denison truly shines as alums, students, parents, faculty, and staff celebrate all things Denison.

View the schedule and register today!

But wait, there’s more!

See what’s coming up, and find more ways to connect with other Denisonians on the Upcoming Events webpage.

Arts at Denison

collectif9 will be the first performance of this year's Vail Series.

Vail Series begins 45th season

The Vail Series proudly presents a season of world-renowned artists and incredible rising stars to perform in Swasey Chapel and the Eisner Center. Learn more about this year’s line-up.

Are you interested in the arts?

Alums Making an Impact

Paige Robnett ’14

Hometown: Berkley, Mich.
Majors: Women’s Studies and Communication
Occupation: Leadership Coach and DEI Consultant with Robnett Consulting LLC

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Denison?

I played varsity women’s basketball and was a sister in Kappa Alpha Theta. I also helped out with June-O, Aug-O, and the D-Day Concert.

Since graduation, how have you stayed connected with Denison?

I have served as a LeaderShape Facilitator, and I am currently serving on the ReMix Planning Committee.

What has been most rewarding about your volunteer experience?

As a Denison student, I could have never imagined I would be able to start my own business. I’m looking forward to sharing resources and lessons learned with current students so they can see entrepreneurship as a viable career path.

What would you tell an alum who is considering volunteering for Denison?

My favorite part of volunteering has been reconnecting with former classmates. It’s been a joy to re-discover how supportive and generous the Denison community is.

What is your favorite Denison memory?

I met my best friend during June-O. She started a dance party in Smith Hall the first night I met her. She’s been one of my favorite humans ever since. Last weekend, I gave a speech at her wedding about how one person can change the course of your entire life. Love you, Skarlyn!

Explore Volunteer Opportunities

Hundreds of Denison alums have answered the call, offering guidance and advice to Denison students and fellow alums. Thank you for demonstrating the power of the Denison network!

If you want to help
Keep an eye on your inbox for messages from ask@denison.edu. Questions are matched to those alums best suited to help.

If you have a question
Ask away at ask.denison.edu. Ask a Denisonian is a resource for students and alums alike.

“This experience was brief but extremely effective, as I was able to have my questions answered and connect with someone in my field of interest who has already been in my shoes.”
— Denison Student

“It was great — I loved talking to a Denison student about their career goals!”
— Denison Alum

Share your stories with us at alumni@denison.edu.

GO BIG RED!

ATHLETICS NEWS

SHOP DENISON GEAR

THE DENISON DIFFERENCE

Manage your preferences | Opt out using TrueRemove®
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

Denison University 100 West College Street
Granville, OH | 43023 US

This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.