Campaign Leaders

Meet the Campaign Co-Chairs — passionate advocates whose energy, vision, and love for Denison are powering this effort forward.

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Dear Friends,

It is a true honor to serve as campaign leaders in this milestone moment in our University’s history.

What We Can Be is a campaign rooted in belief — in the power of a Denison education, in the strength of our community, and in the potential of our students and faculty to lead and shape the future.

Your belief and generosity power this campaign. To our fellow alums, families, and friends — thank you. Thank you for standing with Denison, for championing our vision, and for helping us lead with confidence and purpose.

Together, we will ensure Denison continues to prepare students not just for successful careers, but for lives filled with meaning, impact, and joy.

With deep appreciation,
What We Can Be Campaign Executive Committee

Co-Chairs

Sharon Martin ’65
David ’62 & Weezie Reese
Jonathan ’89 & Natalie Silverstein
Don ’54 & Teckie ’56 Shackelford

Co-Chairs

James L. Anderson ’85
Dana Hart ’76
Suzanne B. Kriscunas ’72
Stephen R. Polk ’78

Executive Committee

Daniel (Dan) Brickman ’80
Marcus R. Colwell ’84
Nicholas (Nic) C. Covey ’04
Lauren S. Haarlow ’90
Matt Harrington ’84
Jeryl D. Hayes ’04
William C. (Bill) Mulligan ’76

James Anderson ’85

Denison Trustee
SVP-Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing (retired)
WarnerMedia and CNN, Worldwide
Atlanta, Ga.

“Because of Denison, I will continue to make sure others have the same opportunities I had.”

James Anderson ’85, a proud first-generation college graduate from Baltimore, knows the life-changing power of access to higher education. A theater major, James gained critical skills in listening, thinking, and contributing — abilities that shaped a successful communications and media career launched by a junior-year internship at Broadway Video, producer of Saturday Night Live.

Passionate about expanding opportunity, he champions affordability and career exploration so that all talented students can thrive without burdensome debt. A lifelong advocate for community, James continues to give back to the university that gave him his start.

Dana Hart ’76

Denison Life Trustee
Executive, Teacher (Retired)
CBS, Ethical Culture Fieldston School
New York, N.Y.

“Philanthropy isn’t just financial; it’s foundational. It builds a competitive, forward-thinking institution without sacrificing core values. A strong, invested alumni body isn’t optional; it’s essential to the success of our students and our college.”

Dana Hart ’76 embodies the lifelong power of a liberal arts education. After earning her Denison degree in psychology and biology, she rose at CBS to become a top executive in audience research. Driven by a passion for learning and service, she pivoted to education, earning teaching credentials from Columbia and building a successful science-teaching career at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York City until her retirement in 2015.

For more than 30 years, Dana has been a steadfast leader for Denison — serving as president of the New York Alumni Club, trustee and vice-chair of the Board, reunion leader, and volunteer in numerous capacities. Her generosity has strengthened the Annual Fund, fueled campaigns, and advanced projects, including the Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts and classroom technology upgrades.

Suzanne “Suzy” B. Kriscunas ’72

Denison Trustee
Founding Partner (Retired)
The Riverside Company
Dallas, Texas

“Because of Denison, I will continue to look at ways to contribute to the success of the next generation and give back in any way that I can.”

Suzy Kriscunas ’72 has excelled in private equity investing, crediting her Denison education for the confidence and problem-solving skills that fueled her success. A French major turned finance leader, she exemplifies the adaptability of a liberal arts graduate. As a trustee and philanthropic leader, Suzy champions access to Denison for talented students from all backgrounds, supporting financial aid, career programs, and study abroad. She engages personally with scholarship recipients, offering mentorship and encouragement. Guided by her passion for Denison’s mission and belief in the liberal arts, Suzy works to prepare students for success in an increasingly complex, interconnected world.

Stephen Polk ’78, P’17

Denison Trustee
CEO
Highgate, LLC
Birmingham, Mich.

“Because of Denison, I can reflect on the changes and challenges I see in the world and help improve what I see going on around me.”

Stephen Polk ’78, P’17 is a business leader, philanthropist, and advocate for education’s transformative power. A Denison University biology graduate, he credits his liberal arts experience with honing critical thinking, adaptability, and curiosity. After a career in data-driven industries, he champions integrating data analytics and global perspectives into liberal arts. As a Denison trustee, he supports academic innovation, career preparation, and access to life-changing opportunities like study abroad. Inspired by his own and his son Ryan’s ’17 Denison experiences, Stephen is dedicated to ensuring the University remains a leader in innovation for future generations.