Keynote Speaker

Each year at Commencement, through the conferral of honorary degrees, Denison University recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their field.

Mark Malloch-Brown

This year, Mark Malloch-Brown, president of Open Society Foundations and former deputy secretary general of the U.N., will deliver the keynote address at Denison University’s 182nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 13. At the ceremony, Malloch-Brown also will be recognized with the conferring of an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

Malloch-Brown has worked to advance human rights, justice, and development for more than four decades in a variety of roles: with the United Nations, the World Bank, and as a British government minister, as well as with a range of civil society groups and businesses. His distinguished career in international affairs includes service as deputy secretary general of the United Nations under Kofi Annan, heading the United Nations Development Programme, directing external affairs at the World Bank, and working as a British government minister.

Spotlights

Commencement ’23: moments and memories from an unforgettable ceremony

Presidential hugs, ceremonial cap-tossing, a magical student speaker. On May 13, we celebrated the hard work of more than 500 graduates.

Class of 2023 in the shape of 23 on a lawn

The great Senior Send Off!

At Denison, seniors get the run of campus during their final days on The Hill. Follow along as we share their stories.

Eight memorable hours: Commencement Day starts with the sunrise

It’s a day filled with scenes of emotion, soaring achievement, hard work, words of wisdom and long goodbyes. And a few pancakes.

Student holding a graduation cap with a '2020' tattoo on their arm

Class of 2020 returns, ready to celebrate and heal

"The community, the learning, the professors, the people ... It’s what has made more than 300 of us want to come back on some random weekend in June.”