Reunion 2024 unfurled under sunny skies over three glorious days. As they participated in dozens of events, reunion celebrators traversed the entire campus — from East Quad to the Eisner Center.
“We wanted to highlight the entire campus and share all the new and exciting things that are happening at Denison with our alums,” said Sallie Sistare, executive director of alumni and family engagement.
Members of the Class of 1974 showed up in force — theirs was the highest 50th Reunion class attendance in more than two decades — and had The Hill all to themselves as they kicked off celebrations on Thursday. Hundreds more Denisonians buzzed around campus on Friday and Saturday as 15 other classes, friends, and family traveled to Granville.
Hijinks ensue during Saturday’s lunch on East Quad.
Heading down Swasey Chapel Walk during the Parade of Classes.
President Adam Weinberg headlined the Alumni Convocation on Saturday with his State of the College presentation. Among the highlights: Applications have almost tripled over the past decade; the Princeton Review ranked Denison third for career services; U.S. News ranked Big Red the sixth most innovative university; Denison is yet again a top producer of Fulbright Scholars; and the Big Red sent 10 teams — more than a third of Denison’s varsity programs — to NCAA tournaments this year.
At the convocation, 2024 Alumni Citation Award recipients representing remarkable achievements in an array of careers were honored, and representatives from each reunion class presented their class gifts. Afterward, alums lined up for Denison’s famous Parade of Classes and marched to East Quad for a lunch on the lawn.
The three-day event was marked by joy, laughter, and group hugs, as alums floated in and out of dozens of presentations, affinity reunions, and gatherings.
“The energy and excitement was amazing,” Sistare said. “You could feel it.”
Enjoy and download photos of your favorite moments from the weekend.
When Reunion is over, it’s easy to stay connected.
- Become part of an affinity group
- Volunteer by giving career advice, become an admission ambassador, or host a gathering
- Join a Remix event
- Attend Big Red Weekend in November
- Come to Denison Everywhere in January 2025
Highlights from Reunion 2024
- Reunion keynote speaker Steve Lopez, an L.A. Times journalist, author of The Soloist, and parent of Caroline Lopez ’25, who discussed insights from his recent book about retirement. “Mel Brooks is my life coach,” Lopez said. “Creativity keeps him alive.”
- The Denison Museum showcasing some highlights of its collection, including two jewels by two Jules: Brittany Girl by Jules Breton and Girl by the Sea by Jules Lefebvre. Museum director Megan Hancock also unwrapped secrets from the archives during a behind-the-scenes “golden ticket” tour.
- Slayter Pit, the site of late-night study sessions, snacks, and smooches, transforming into a “reunion lounge” filled with ’74-era memorabilia, music, and photos.
- Carl Moellenberg ’74 sharing stories of his unforgettable journey from Wall Street to Broadway producer.
- Professor emerita Gill Miller ’74 reflecting on the history of women’s studies at Denison and inviting professor emerita Joan Straumanis to the stage.
- Professor Fred Porcheddu-Engel ’84 hosting a ghost tour of the Denison cemetery, one of only about a half dozen college cemeteries in existence.
- A Swasey 100th anniversary celebration concert, with appearances by the Hilltoppers and professors Hannah Hurwitz and Sun Min Kim, who performed two compositions by professor Ching-chu Hu. Author Derek Mong ’04, a professor at Wabash College, read from his poems, including one titled “To the study desk at the second floor of the William Howard Doane Library.”
- A panel on careers in entertainment, which included insights from Arnold Angleman ’74, Alex Moffat ’04, and Kirsten Werne Short ’99.
- A new Denison Forever alumni group for stalwart Denisonians who have passed their 50th reunion and continue to enjoy visits to The Hill.
- Gatherings of alumni affinity groups, including athletics, Pride, and WDUB.
- A Friday night welcome back party on A-Quad, with food trucks, inflatables, and an unforgettable fireworks show.
- The 50th Reunion dinner and dance, featuring music by Denisonian rock ’n’ rollers Jack Hire ’74 and Lindsey McCutchan ’88 and their band, Old School.
The official portrait of the Class of 1974 — more than 200 strong.
The 50th Reunion Class of 1974 announces their extraordinary class gift to the college.
Reunion 2024 by the numbers
- Attendance: over 1,100, including more than 200 members of the Class of 1974
- Class of 1974 gift: $6.3 million
- Total gifts from all classes: $12.97 million
- Number of friendships renewed and strengthened: countless
The Hilltoppers hamming it up at the Swasey 100th anniversary concert.
