More about Reese House
The land where Reese House stands was first acquired in 1889 from Fletcher O. Marsh, professor of mathematics and acting president of the university from 1873-1875. The Marsh house was torn down and the new home, or “President’s Mansion,” was built in 1901. The first president to live in the house, Emory W. Hunt (1901-1912), unofficially named the house “Beth Eden” after the Massachusetts church where he and his wife were married. The name was made official when the house was converted into the Admission center in the early 1970s.
Following a renovation and expansion in 2023, the former president’s home now houses the Office of the President and several members of the college’s senior staff. The main entrance is now conveniently located on the adjoining parking circle. A new wing that references the house's traditional architecture is linked to the original building by a modern glass structure.
In 2025, in recognition of a $7 million gift from David Reese ’62 and his wife, Weezie, to help ensure that a life-shaping Denison education remains accessible for all admitted students, Denison renamed the administrative building Reese House in honor of David’s late father, Everett David Reese.
The Reese family’s commitment to Denison runs deep. Since their first gift to the college nearly 50 years ago, David and Weezie Reese have consistently supported the college’s strategic priorities, including investments in the arts, campus facilities, athletics, financial aid, and more. In addition to Reese House, the Reese name can be seen across campus in places such as the Reese Memorial Garden, Reese~Shackelford Common, and the Martha “Gay” Reese Lobby.
Directory
View the departments, offices, programs, services, and faculty with offices located in Reese House.
See Denison A-to-Z »
