“We’re hoping that a lively tailgate will add to the excitement,” said Heather Maciejunes, associate director of signature events. “Some students will have never seen a Denison home football game or tailgate before. Since our alums will also be attending, it will make for a great day of celebrating Denison.”
And what’s a celebration without food? Saturday’s tailgate will bring together local favorites like Burrito Bus, D’s Dogs, Zaki Grill, and more as the Big Red take on the Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops.
Reunions that go beyond the usual
From the football field to the a cappella stage, alumni affinity groups are reuniting all across campus — and many are marking milestone moments.
The Denison Ice Hockey program is celebrating 70 years on the ice. Competing at the top level of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (Division II), the team now plays in one of the country’s most competitive conferences, the Tri-State Collegiate Hockey League. On Friday, Oct. 3, hockey alums will have chances to reunite over a game of golf, hit the ice, and see today’s Big Red hockey team in action as they compete against the Miami University Redhawks.
“Having the chance to gather as teammates has been incredibly meaningful,” said Bill Eaton ’84. “I was so moved when an alum shared with me at a previous hockey reunion that reuniting with hockey alums had filled a hole that he had been carrying for 35 years.”
The Black Alumni Association (BAA) is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Created after the formation of Denison’s Black Student Union in 1969, the BAA has remained a driving force for connection.
Also joining the celebration: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., honoring 40 years on campus, and Ladies’ Night Out, Denison’s iconic a cappella group, celebrating 45 years of harmony, sisterhood, and tradition.
“Preparing for Ladies’ Night Out’s milestone reunion this fall has brought our alumni community even closer together,” said Hillary Dorwart ‘04. “We’ve bridged together the generations of singers, shared old albums, and supported the release of newer LNO recordings. We’re excited to join the current members for a song during our time together. It’s a small way we can relive the best part of our Denison days.”
Returning to The Hill for the first time
For some alums, Big Red Weekend will be the first time they return to campus since graduation.
Denison’s most recent grads, from the Classes of 2022-2025, are invited to take part in the Young Alumni Reunion. They’ll have the chance to network, meet up with cherished professors, and relive the best parts of student life, only now as alums (and even better, no homework).
Building a stronger Denison together
Volunteers play a critical role in Denison’s future, and the college plans to celebrate them during Big Red Weekend.
The Volunteer Summit on Friday, Oct. 3, will feature interactive panels, networking, and new ways to get involved. It wraps with an exclusive tour of the transformed Doane Hall, the future home of Denison’s center for data sciences.
“Volunteers are critical to Denison’s continued success,” said Sallie Sistare, associate vice president for Institutional Advancement. “We’re thrilled to bring our volunteer community together for learning, connection, and impact.”
Celebrating inspiring Denisonians
The Varsity D Association will continue its proud tradition of honoring remarkable former student-athletes, during Big Red Weekend. This year’s recipients range from the Classes of 1964 to 2014, with the varsity sports of basketball, track & field, softball, swimming, baseball, field hockey, soccer, and tennis represented. Read more about this year’s honorees and register for the Hall of Fame dinner on Friday, Oct. 3.
New this year: Denison will host a reception to celebrate young alums who have already demonstrated incredible accomplishments and promise in their early careers. The college will share additional details about the Young Alumni Impact Awards and the selected honorees soon.
Ready to come home?
Don’t miss out on all the action! Registration for Big Red Weekend will be open until Sept. 27, with many à la carte options to keep registration completely customizable.