I serve as the Director of Engagement Programs for Alumni & Family Engagement and am thrilled to be leading Denison’s efforts to engage our families. I’ve spent the past four years at Denison in the Knowlton Center, and this summer, transitioned to the Alumni & Family Engagement team. I am also the proud parent of a Denison sophomore!
It has been a great start to the 2025-2026 school year, with lots of exciting events and opportunities for students to connect with each other and with faculty and staff, punctuated by Family Weekend, held Sept. 26 through 28, where over 1,100 family members visited campus!
Parents and families are crucial partners in the successful journeys of our students. I look forward to working with you to ensure your student is making the most of their Denison experience, both inside and outside the classroom. I am here to be a resource for you and your family, and I look forward to getting to know you this year and beyond. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. Go Big Red!
As your student continues their fall semester, consider asking:
Have you connected with your professors or gone to office hours?
Are you taking care of yourself — sleeping enough, eating well, staying active?
How are you feeling emotionally? Any stress or anxiety about school or other things?
Have you explored the Granville area and Columbus?
Highlights from The Hill
Denison’s rise continues with latest national recognition
Denison has risen to No. 34 among national liberal arts colleges — and now ranks No. 1 in Ohio! With stronger marks in undergraduate teaching, career services, and student value, the university is accelerating its upward trajectory. Learn more about Denison’s latest climb in the rankings and how they’re shaping your student’s journey.
Families flock to The Hill
Students and families enjoyed sunny skies and a packed schedule with plenty of things to do during this year’s Family Weekend festivities. From tennis tournaments, to theatre productions, to standing-room-only AI lectures, see how families enjoyed the weekend on campus.
You can relive the weekend in photos. Be sure to save the date for Family Weekend 2026, happening Sept. 25 through Sept. 27, 2026!
More than 130 students presented summer research and artistic work at two fall campus symposiums, covering disciplines from chemistry to visual arts. Read more about the expansive research opportunities afforded to students and the Fall Symposium. Students interested in participating in Summer Scholars should begin discussing potential projects with a professor now, as applications are due in late January.
First, second, and third year students were invited to attend an information session on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. in Burton Morgan, Room 115. Ask your student if this is something they would like to explore.
Denison named a ‘dream school’ in new best-selling book
Best-selling author Jeffrey Selingo spotlighted Denison as one of just 75 colleges doing higher education right, and he launched his latest book at Denison Edge, Denison’s career hub in downtown Columbus, Ohio. He praises our emphasis on career readiness, meaningful relationships, and data analysis across a liberal arts construct, demonstrating what he defines as a “hidden value.” Learn more about the factors that play into Denison being named a dream school.
Fall programs at the Knowlton Center
There are still a few Denison Edge fall programs open for registration! Explore AI (and get DenAI access), finance, marketing, business, analytics, logistics, and more! Taught by industry experts, these programs complement classes, internships, and early career goals while building skills for today’s evolving workplace. Encourage your student to explore!
Key dates to keep in mind
Study abroad and off-campus study
Students interested in studying abroad during the 2026-2027 academic year will want to keep the following deadlines in mind:
Nov. 14 — Last day to open an off-campus study application
Nov. 20 — Off-campus study application submission deadline
Please note that there are no exceptions to these timelines, as the process is extensive. Please visit the Global Programs page for more details, and encourage your student to write globalprograms@denison.edu with questions.
Big Red express: Airport shuttle service
Denison University coordinates group shuttle service for our academic breaks. Shuttles cost $20 each way. Students are sent an email with information on signing up directly from WhatToDU approximately one month before the first shuttle.
Fall break shuttle schedule:
Oct. 15: Denison to CMH (John Glenn International Airport) 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.
Oct. 16: Denison to CMH (John Glenn International Airport) 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.
Oct. 19: CMH (John Glenn International Airport) to Denison 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m., and 11 p.m.
Thanksgiving break shuttle schedule:
Nov. 20: Denison to CMH (John Glenn International Airport) 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.
Nov. 21: Denison to CMH (John Glenn International Airport) 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.
Nov. 22: Denison to CMH (John Glenn International Airport) 6 a.m., 9 a.m.
Oct. 16-17: Fall break Nov. 22: Residence halls close for Thanksgiving break Nov. 30: Residence halls reopen following Thanksgiving break Dec. 12: Fall semester classes end Dec. 13-18: Study days and final exams Dec. 19: Residence halls close for winter break
Join us at a Denison event near you!
These events are an opportunity for families, friends, and alums to connect with Denisonians in their region. Mark your calendars if you live near one of the locations below, and visit our upcoming events page for the latest information.
Oct. 19: Welcome to the City: Los Angeles Oct. 22: Welcome to the City: Denver
Oct. 28: Defying Gravity: Wicked Across Page Stage, and Screen (virtual)
Nov. 6: Share, Lift, Lead: How to Help a Grieving Friend (virtual)
Nov. 13: Welcome to the City: Columbus
Nov. 13: Welcome to the City: Indianapolis
Nov. 18: Campaign Celebration — Denison in New York
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