A Message from Alumni Council
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Dear Denisonian‚
The month of February in my home state of Indiana is typically a time of longing for the return of warmer temperatures. Across our nation, it’s also Black History Month, our recurring opportunity to reflect on African Americans’ sacrifices, contributions, and achievements to the United States and the globe. Those reflections include acknowledging and understanding some very painful pieces of our national story which influence the world we experience today.
Denison has its own African American history, from its first Black student, William Ambler Meredith, in 1882, to the BSU’s founding in 1969, the protests of 1988, and the through-line across those years, a long list of accomplished Black graduates. I encourage all of my fellow alumni of every heritage and origin to find opportunities to inform your understanding of Denison and America through the lens of Black History Month.
It’s not lost on me that we live in a time where mere exposure to the African American narrative thread of our national story deeply upsets and divides some of us. But in reality, the way we wrestle with race, justice, and equity on campus and in America is ongoing proof that our diversity as a nation is among our greatest strengths.
America has the longest experience as the world’s first multiracial, multiethnic, political, economic, and security union, meaning we have the longest experience in creating all the rules, institutions, regulations, norms, procedures, and more that make such deep connectivity possible among our 50 member states — all of whom have distinct identities and a multitude of ethnicities and origins.
In a society that intermixes all the world’s populations, is there a better example of this phenomenon on the planet than the United States? Black History Month reminds us of the tremendous national asset generated by our diversity, embodied not only in the diversity of citizens born on our soil but also in the rules we have created to make our differences possible and profitable and harmonious.
So, experience Black History Month not only as an opportunity to understand our incredible history as a college and a country but also embrace it as proof of how we have been an influence on the planet as a nation and a guide to what we can achieve together in creating the next Denisonian American century.
Aaron Laramore ’88
Alumni Council Member-at-Large
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University releases plan to ensure all students benefit equally from its educational mission
Last month, Denison released Denison Forward: Our Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Antiracism (IDEA). This plan is the culmination of a multi-year, collaborative process of candid and critical self-reflection.
The document recognizes the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion achievements and addresses places where Denison has fallen short. “Denison Forward is a thoughtful, inclusive, and data-driven approach to understanding the road behind us and carving out a better path ahead,” says President Adam Weinberg.
Among other information, the document provides an analysis of the current landscape at Denison, insights gained during the committee process, an action plan, and a framework for measurement and reporting.
Francisco Javier López-Martín, associate professor of Spanish and acting associate provost for diversity, explained, “Investing, promoting, and engaging in diversity and inclusion help us learn new perspectives, explore different archives of knowledge, understand ‘difference’ and, ultimately, embrace the complexities of our world.”
In short, this comprehensive campus-wide plan for action and change will foster a university where everyone sees themselves as belonging and supports Denison’s mission.
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Strong learning/career partnership = success
It is no secret that rapidly advancing technologies are transforming today’s career landscape. This generation of “technology natives” would seem to be a natural fit to fill the jobs created by the evolution. Yet, data indicates unemployment levels continue to rise for young people.
In search of answers, a recent Bain & Company article looks at the underlying causes of this disparity and found a powerful solution: career-connected learning. The article cites Denison University as a prime example of how a college can connect academic learning and skill-building experiences that launch students successfully.
Denison’s integrative model is a classroom-to-career framework synthesizing academics, co-curricular learning, career exploration, internships, and profession-specific skill-building. Each student personalizes their experience through faculty mentors and advisors, career coaches, and a network of alumni and industry experts.
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LGBTQ+ life at Denison
12:30 p.m., Friday, March 4 — Hear from Denison faculty, staff, and students as they share information about LGBTQ+ life on campus.
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7:30 p.m., Monday, March 21, 2022 — The Global Studies Seminar presents this discussion with Mónica Ayala-Martínez, associate professor of modern languages and Latin American and Caribbean studies at Denison.
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Ethics of data: privacy, algorithms, and the good life
2 p.m., Wednesday, March 23 — Philosophy Professor Sam Cowling and Data Analytics Professor Mike Brady discuss how issues of privacy in the collection and curation of data present ethical dilemmas in our work and life.
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But wait, there’s more!
You can always see what’s coming up, find more ways to connect with other Denisonians, and view past virtual events by visiting our Virtual Alumni Engagement page.
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Call for Alumni Council nominations
Alumni Council’s mission statement charges the council to be a diverse, representative body that serves as a conduit between the university and the broader alumni body. To further that mission, the council is always looking for potential new council members. Candidates can be alumni who have been actively engaged over the years or previously unengaged alumni looking for a way to become more involved.
If you think that might be you, we would love to hear from you!
The Alumni Council Nominating Committee meets each spring to consider prospective members. The primary criteria include a willingness to be engaged with the university and alumni events and bring a diverse (in every sense of the word!) voice to our council table. If you are interested in being considered to serve on the Alumni Council, or if you would like to learn more about what the position entails, please email Josh Williams, president of the Alumni Council.
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The alumni survey is almost here!
What do you love most about being a member of Denison’s alumni community? What would you like to change or improve? We want to hear your feedback and ideas, so don’t miss participating in the upcoming alumni survey. Your candid feedback will be an important tool to help us create the programming and communications that matter to you. Look for the survey in your email in March.
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Alison Stine ’00 offers praise for Joe Burrow’s Appalachia
Giving back is a way of life that Bengals QB Joe Burrow learned as he grew up in Southeastern Ohio, says fellow Appalachian Alison Stine. Read more in Salon.
Professor Ching-chu Hu named director of Vail Arts Series
Denison University announces Professor Ching-chu Hu has been named director of the much-admired Vail Series. Read the full story.
Nannette Maciejunes ’75 retires from Columbus Museum of Art
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From 2015: Bancroft House rooted in anti-slavery and the Underground Railroad
Constructed in 1834, the Bancroft House at 555 North Pearl Street hides a wealth of history behind its rough ashlar façade. The house is named for its builder and first owner, Ashley Azariah Bancroft, an active abolitionist. The Ohio State Anti-Slavery Society met for the first time in his home. Read more from The Denisonian.
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