Partnering to support your student’s success
AUGUST 2024

Dear Sophomore and Junior Families,

We hope you have been enjoying your summer! We are excited to welcome your student back to campus in a couple of weeks.

As a reminder, our monthly Denison Family Guides aim to keep you informed about resources and opportunities for your students to engage in. We hope that you can help reinforce the messages we share with your student. We also share opportunities for you to engage — whether through a reception in a city near you, a virtual event, or an event on-campus. Families are a vital part of the Denison community, and we hope to see you at our events, both in Granville and beyond.

We look forward to reconnecting with you throughout the year, and we hope to see you on campus at Family Weekend (Sept. 27 - 29).

Julie Tucker ‘09
Director of Family Engagement

Sarah Jovanelli
Associate Director of Family Engagement

P.S. As you’re moving your student back to campus, Cherry Valley Hotel offers a Move-In Discount promo code “Move2024” between August 13 - 28 which will give you 20% off published rates.

Photos (top to bottom):
Jason Chen ’26, Kiara Zamot ’26, Avery Butler ’26, Danny McKay ’26.

From transformative experiences through the Denison Internship Program to cutting-edge research facilitated by the Lisska Center for Intellectual Engagement, many Denison students embraced summer opportunities to enhance their academic and professional journeys. Highlighted below are some remarkable experiences from our rising sophomores and juniors.

Jason Chen ’26 spent his summer as a DAAD-RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) intern in Germany. The Lisska Center supports Denisonians applying for the DAAD-RISE along with 30+ other nationally competitive fellowships.

Kiara Zamot ’26 interned at the HQ of Morningstar Inc., a Fortune 500 fintech company based in Chicago, under the Deal Design team. She conducts price point analysis, manages client deals, and general deal analysis.

Avery Butler ’26 interned for the Ticket Operations team at the Chicago Sky (WNBA). Her primary responsibilities this summer included collaborating with their sales department by helping organize and distribute large group ticket sales, advising customers on mobile ticketing issues, and supporting the organization by building rapport with season ticket holders and players.

Eliza Scoggin ’26 was in Washington, D.C., with The Fund for American Studies (TFAS), an academic internship program. She is currently interning with Developing Radio Partners (DRP), a media development nonprofit partnering with community radio stations in African countries to disseminate reliable news and train youth journalists.

Danny McKay ’26 interned in the House of Representatives in Washington D.C. with Congressman Troy Balderson who represents the 12th district of Ohio.

Valentina Mendoza Cruz ’27 spent a month at the University of Exeter as a participant in the Fulbright UK Summer Institute on Global Sustainability. The Lisska Center supports Denisonians applying for Fulbright UK Summer Institutes. 

Denison’s Beyond The Hill series this summer was a chance for area Denisonians to focus on career development and connection in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Chicago for two days at the end of June. The first evening featured fun city excursions: New York Mets vs. Yankees at Citi Field, Topgolf in Washington, D.C., and a river boat cruise in Chicago. During the second day, current students and young alums participated in interactive workshops designed to expand their network and intentionally design the next part of their career. Career coaches from the Knowlton Center were also available in-person to have a 1-1 appointment to discuss career paths.

President Weinberg shares great advice for the Class of 2028, a good reminder for all students regardless of class year. Embrace new experiences, build meaningful relationships, and stay curious. President Weinberg’s welcome letter offers essential advice to thrive. Read President Weinberg's Letter.

After an extensive dining services evaluation process that included students, faculty, and staff, Harvest Table Culinary Group has been selected as Denison’s new hospitality partner. When students arrive on campus this fall, they will begin to experience enhancements to the quality and accessibility of the food, residential and retail updates, technology like Grubhub, and more late-night options, all of which will continue to evolve over the coming months. 

Presidential Receptions are an opportunity for families, alums, and friends to connect with President Weinberg and others in their region. Mark your calendar if you live near one of our receptions and check out our upcoming events page for the latest information.
Sept. 5: Seattle
Sept. 6: Portland, Oregon