Giving Societies

In honor of Denison’s founding year, the 1831 Society recognizes alumni, parents, and friends whose lifetime giving of $1 million or more has made an extraordinary impact on the college.

Richard Temple was the first Black man to graduate from Denison. He graduated in 1884, less than 20 years after the Civil War ended. Your support of Denison strengthens our ability to sustain students who are “firsts” from all kinds of backgrounds.

In 1899, Grace Lyon was the first woman to graduate from Denison. Her education was possible thanks to funding by John D. Rockefeller, a member of Denison’s Board of Trustees. Your support of Denison connects you to a long line of philanthropists, like Rockefeller, who believe in the power of a liberal arts education.

Blair Knapp was Denison’s 14th president. He believed in his students’ talents, and expected them to persevere to fulfill their potential. Your support of Denison strengthens our ability to sustain educators who, like President Knapp, are committed to excellence across the liberal arts and sciences.

Denison benefactor Eliam Barney was an educator and an entrepreneur. He established an academy in Dayton, and he built and operated a successful sawmill. Your support of Denison strengthens our ability to sustain students who, like Eliam Barney, are lifelong learners and entrepreneurs.

Denison benefactor Ambrose Swasey was a member of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He invented astronomical instruments and designed some of the most powerful and accurate telescopes of his day. Your support of Denison strengthens our ability to sustain people who, like Ambrose Swasey, are committed to excellence across the arts and sciences.

In 1906, Bessie Jones was the first Black woman to graduate from Denison. Your support of Denison strengthens our ability to sustain students who are “firsts” from all kinds of backgrounds.

Denison’s Big Red Society recognizes young alums in class years from one to 10 years beyond Denison. Included are donors eight to 10 years out who give $500 per year, those four to seven years out who give $250 annually, and alums one to three years out who give $100. The Big Red Society recognizes all current student donors who give any amount.

The Harris-Tight-Huffman Society honors alumni and friends of Denison who have included the college in their estate or other deferred gift plans. The society is named in honor of three distinguished Denisonians who graduated in the early 20th century: Dr. Laura C. Harris 1916, Dexter J. Tight 1912, and William P. Huffman 1911. These individuals were outstanding leaders in their professional lives, and their planned gifts ensured the long-term well-being of Denison.