Partnering to support your student’s success
DECEMBER 2024

Dear Denison Families, 

November was an exciting month, packed with thrilling (and sometimes nail-biting) sporting events, incredible artistic performances, and high-energy student organization activities. The month has also been full of exams, papers, and a lot of academic work as we near closer to finals. It has been a true joy to cheer on your student as they participated in so many campus events, and it's hard to believe the semester is already drawing to a close.

As we wrap up the semester, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your continued engagement with us — whether at Family Weekend, Big Red Weekend, plays and performances, athletic competitions, regional receptions, career events, or when you connected with prospective students and their families. In short, thank you for all you do for Denison and for being such an integral part of our community.

This month's guide includes helpful information on Winter Break opportunities, airport shuttle services, and upcoming Denison events.

Wishing you and your family a joyful and peaceful holiday season!

Julie Tucker ’09
Director of Family Engagement & the Denison Professional Network

As your student is completing finals and papers these next three weeks, ask them what they are working on. Oftentimes these culminating assignments are what they've been working toward all semester.

Amid all the finals, papers and deadlines, check in to be sure they are prioritizing sleep and taking a little bit of time for themselves—maybe taking in a nearby holiday event, participating in Denison's trip to The Nutcracker, or enjoying next Friday's WinterFest, with skating, crafts, and hot cocoa on campus.

Denison's Winter Break is four weeks long. Discuss with your student how they might like to spend that extended time. While students appreciate those first couple of weeks to rest up, travel, and spend time with family and friends, many also value the opportunity to channel their energies into something enriching, especially as they explore possible paths for their post-Denison future. The Knowlton Center, Red Frame Lab, and Denison Edge have many Winter Break opportunities available to students.

Internships: Students can talk with a career coach in the Knowlton Center to discuss Winter Break internship opportunities or advice on obtaining a job back home over break.

Senior Career Ready Boot Camp, Jan. 15-17, 2025: Students participate in workshops to set them up for success. They spend structured time finding opportunities while preparing and sending out many applications with a team of career coaches right there to support and guide them throughout the process. Application deadline: Dec. 8

Journey Program, Jan. 16-17: We encourage every student to take advantage of the Journey Program, which prompts students to imagine the type of life and career they want to lead post-graduation. The Journey Program helps students to reflect on what career path(s) might interest them, how to create a plan for their desired career path, and how to utilize their time at Denison in the most powerful way possible. Registration closes Dec. 7

Summer Research: Summer Scholars spend five or ten weeks pursuing research or creative work with a faculty mentor. Students receive a stipend and on-campus housing for the duration of their program. Students are invited to submit proposals for projects by Feb. 3. Over break, you could talk with your student about whether this might of interest to them.

Connect with Alumni: Winter Break can be a great time for students to connect virtually or in person with Denison alumni. Encourage your student to leverage the power of Ask a Denisonian to set up an opportunity to connect with an alum over coffee wherever they'll be over the Winter Break. Tapping into the power of Denison's network of 30,000+ alumni, students can ask a question, which is then answered by an alum with experience and background relevant to their ask. This often leads to in-person, Zoom, or phone conversations and expands students' Denison network.

Check out the Knowlton Center page  for more Winter Break opportunities.

Sara Stasko joins us as the Associate Director of Family Engagement & the Denison Professional Network. Sara will support our monthly family newsletters, Summer Welcome Receptions, legacy student celebrations, and Family Weekend programming.

Samantha Keith joins us as the Associate Director of Parent & Family Philanthropy and will work closely with our Family Leadership Council. Denison counts on philanthropy to provide the unique Denison experience. In this role, Sam will assist families in supporting their philanthropic goals to support Denison's philanthropic needs.

If your student needs transportation to the airport for Winter Break, we offer an airport shuttle service for $20 each way. Your student can view available options on WhatToDU, and sign-ups go live one month in advance. Email clic@denison.edu with any questions.

Denison to Columbus Airport

Monday, Dec. 16: 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 17: 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 18: 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 19: 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon., 3 p.m., 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 20: 6 a.m., 9 a.m.

Columbus Airport to Denison

Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025: 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m., 11 p.m.

Missed the Bookstore's Cyber Monday sale? You're in luck: They're offering 20% off through Dec. 19. Check out the selection of Denison apparel, gifts, and more! 

Shop now»