It has been a unique and challenging semester, but also successful thanks to the dedication and commitment of students, faculty and staff. In true Denisonian spirit, you came together and made sacrifices to protect the health and safety of our campus community. We invite all students, faculty and staff to join us for two special events to celebrate and appreciate the close of fall semester:
Monday, November 16, Swasey Chapel at 12:15 p.m.: Join together outside of Swasey Chapel for a short ceremony including remarks from VP of Student Development Alex Miller and Rev. Timothy Carpenter as well as a performance from Tehillah. Cookies and hot cocoa will be served and the event will conclude with the ringing of the Swasey Chapel bells. It is fitting that in honor of your commitment and in appreciation of your efforts this semester, we resurrect a campus tradition of the Swasey Chapel bell ringing. The bells will be rung to signify our communal acts of sacrifice and togetherness, and our collective support of one another during this time. The tradition will now be honored at the close of each semester.
Historically, bell ringing was a campus tradition to celebrate and highlight togetherness marking the conclusion of the semester. The bells were also rung on historic moments, like to signify the start of D-Day. Today, bells are rung approximately three times a day, at 9:20 a.m., 11:20 a.m., and 4:20 p.m., as able. The Swasey Bell Ringers Society is a semi-secret society of students who are responsible for the weekday ringing while classes are in session. This is a voluntary group of students who are selected by audition. Their mission is to keep the traditions of the bells alive.
Friday, November 20, Reese-Shackelford Commons Tent 8 am to 12 p.m.: To celebrate the last day of classes, we invite all members of the community for donuts and coffee in the tent outside of Slayter. We encourage everyone to join us and spend a few minutes not only enjoying breakfast together but also appreciating one another. Donuts and coffee will also be provided for staff who work 2nd and 3rd shifts (donuts will be delivered to the primary offices/buildings of those employees).
