Dear Families of the Class of 2025,

As graduation approaches, we are filled with excitement for your student’s incredible achievements. This milestone reflects their hard work and growth, and the support you’ve provided every step of the way.

In this newsletter, we’ll share important details about April events leading up to commencement weekend and tips for making the most of this special time. We’re thrilled to celebrate these unforgettable moments with you!

Warm regards,

Julie Tucker ’09
Director of Student, Young Alumni, and Family Engagement

Sara Stasko
Associate Director of Family Engagement & the Denison Professional Network 

Thursday, April 10 at 6 p.m.

Encourage your student to join their classmates, Denison’s Board of Trustees, and Alumni & Family Engagement for a special reception where they will receive their first “Denison Alumni” T-shirt. We’ll also unveil the schedule for Senior Send-Off, their celebratory final few days on campus.

Tuesday, April 15-Wednesday, April 16
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

This is your student’s opportunity to pick up their cap and gown, update their contact information for a chance to win a diploma frame, and connect with campus partners offering resources for life after Denison.

Friday, April 11 at 12:30 p.m.

Denison’s Academic Awards Convocation is a time to honor the outstanding academic achievements of students and faculty.

Saturday, April 26
Women’s game at noon, men’s game at 3 p.m.

Make sure your student doesn’t miss out on one of their final tailgates. With food and that unbeatable Denison spirit in the air, it’s bound to be a blast!

Tuesday, May 13-Friday, May 16

Friday, May 16 at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.  
Swasey Chapel

Friday, May 16, 7-11 p.m.
Reese~Shackelford Common

Saturday, May 17 at 9 a.m.
Location TBD

Saturday, May 17, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.  
Mitchell Center Fieldhouse 

There is no limit to the number of attendees for the Commencement ceremony. This is not a ticketed event.

Most families arrive Thursday evening or Friday morning so that they can take full advantage of Friday and Saturday’s Commencement events.

Denison’s Baccalaureate service is a celebration that provides graduating seniors with an opportunity to reflect with gratitude on their educational experience. Baccalaureate also serves as a blessing for the senior class members as they leave The Hill. The two services are identical and are welcoming to all faiths and backgrounds. They are offered as a convenience considering families’ differing schedules during Commencement.

The Senior Soirée is a social celebration that families are encouraged to attend! Food trucks will be available for you to purchase food and dessert will be provided. Expect music, dancing, and fireworks later that night.

All graduates must move out of their residence hall rooms by 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 17.

Encourage your student to be a part of the Class of 2025 legacy! No matter the size, your student’s gift makes a difference at Denison. Share the SCLC giving page with your student. 

Your student’s time at Denison has been filled with friendships, discoveries, and moments that shaped who they are. The experiences they’ve had on The Hill will stay with them long after they cross the Commencement stage. Now, it’s time to celebrate! Make a gift by April 30, and we’ll include your name in the Commencement program — a heartfelt way to honor your student’s journey and your family’s connection to our college community. Make your gift today and leave a lasting legacy in celebration of your student and the Class of 2025!

This year, we’re featuring a colorful display of pinwheels on campus. We will plant one for each donor, symbolizing the collective impact we make when we come together! Every donation — big or small — helps fuel scholarships, student programs, and academic excellence. Make your Day of Giving gift early!

For additional details, including FAQs, please visit the Commencement 2025 page.