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DEN I S O N M AG A ZI N E Denison University 100 West College Street Granville, Ohio 43023

ISSUE 1 | 2026

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DENISON’S MOST AMBITIOUS CAMPAIGN YET SETS A COURSE FOR THE FUTURE. PLUS STUDENTS, ALUMS LOOK FORWARD TO A NEW FINANCE MAJOR

Denison Magazine 26.01. Covers and Spine.indd 1

ISSUE 1 | 2026

Together, there is no stopping What We Can Be. LEARN MORE

12/11/25 5:01 PM

Opening shot Denison alumni had plenty to cheer about as the Big Red beat Ohio Wesleyan 35–20 on Oct. 4, 2025, during Big Red Weekend.

SEE THE LATEST VIEWS FROM THE HILL:

Photo: Jace Delgado

26 42

ON THE COVER The Mitchell Center shines in celebration of Denison’s new campaign, What We Can Be. COVER PHOTO BY AU TUM N THEO DOR E

WHAT WE CAN BE Denison’s most ambitious campaign yet charts an aspirational course for the college.

SUPPLYING THE DEMAND UNIVERSAL INSIGHTS Driven by student interest, a new finance major launches this spring.

Professor Dan Homan’s research shines new light on black holes.

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Because of publishing deadlines, we’re bound to be a bit behind. Please email us with anything we’ve missed at denmag@denison.edu.

30 34 37 & 62 CLASS NOTES 70 IN MEMORIAM

DRIVING FORWARD

Take a tour of Denison’s past and future on a revitalized Presidents’ Drive.

A WIN-WIN-WIN

New microinternship program pairs first- and second-year students with participating alums.

AI INNOVATORS

Denison blazes a trail other institutions are following.

6 THE COMMENTS SECTION 8 HILLSIDE CHAT

President Weinberg on Denison’s exciting next chapter.

46 ATHLETICS

Women’s water polo is set to make a splash.

60 THE OFFICE

LOUD AND CLEAR

LEANING IN

The im-press-ive office of Professor Ron Abram.

Students are voicing strong support for a new opera ensemble.

New Athletic Director Matt Tanney looks to build upon a Big Red record of excellence.

96 LAST WORD

DENISON MAGAZINE

Recalling a special day on a Big Red baseball diamond.

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The comments section There’s nothing better than hearing from Denisonians. Send us your thoughts, questions, and brilliant story ideas: denmag@denison. edu. We may reprint part or all of your letters in this section.

MORE CAPTIONS

C L I M B I N G M T. D E N I S O N

I was saddened to read of the passing of Bill Dennis

I always enjoy reading Denison Magazine. Your

in your latest issue. Tom Reed’s thoughtful piece, In

most recent issue arrived a few days ago. I’m

Memoriam, was fitting and well done. I never had

writing to suggest more captions to accompany the

a class with Bill, but I did get to know him and to

photographs. It’s frustrating not to know more about

develop an extraordinary respect for him during our

what we’re seeing. Who’s the instructor on page 18?

successful climb of Mt. Denison in 1978.

Who are those interesting people on pages 60 and 61? Please consider how many of us can be further engaged by reading captions when we may not have time to read the entire article. Chris Halabi ’76

THESE NOTEWORTHY MESSAGES ROLLED IN AFTER ISSUE 2, 2025:

Thanks for the feedback, Chris. In the last issue, Lori Robbins, our head of AI strategy, is featured in the photo on page 18. The photos on pages 60 and 61 The 1978 summit group

This got me thinking that it’s getting close to 50 years! Is it time to start thinking about a retrospective? The school launched three expeditions to its namesake mountain, each building on the experiences of the previous one(s).

showed 2025 President’s Medalists Annabelle Rose Calderon ’25, Noah Lucas Chartier ’25, Gabriel James Donnelly ’25, Jacob Eppley ’25, Madeline Goodman ’25, Sophia Grace Hwang ’25, Jaylon Tyree Jackson ’25, Kerstyn Wendland Johnson ’25, Gavin Henry Jones ’25, and Elizabeth Louise Lyon ’25. You’ll see many more photo captions in the following pages. —Editor

As you no doubt know, Professors Bill Dennis and Allen Parchem were behind the first two, in 1977 and 1978. Although Parchem was unable to accompany the 1978 climb, we named an unnamed peak after him. Then Chris Dickey ’03 organized a successful return to the mountain in 2007, after which Seth Blaustein ’09 produced a superb video, “The Hill Beyond the Hill,” telling the story of the three expeditions together, and of their significance and relevance to Nearly 30 years after the first climb, Denisonians returned to Mt. Denison in 2007. PHOTO FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Taylor Nissi ’08, Chris Dickey ’03, Richard Soaper ’78, Dick McClenhan ’76.

the educational mission of the school. I don’t know if the university has an archival copy of this, but it can be found in six parts on YouTube. I highly recommend watching it. In addition to enjoying it in its own right, it may also serve as a

MORE CAPTIONS, PLEASE

Enjoyed another great issue. I wish it came out more frequently. A couple of suggestions. The staffers, who no doubt know Denison inside and out, sometimes think that the readers do as well. For example, on page 56, who is standing next to Carney-DeBord? Who is standing between her and Adam on page 57? Who is the individual top right on page 55? On page 31, who is who in the picture upper left? Too bad that you didn’t have time for the alumni to add their favorite David O. Woodward story. Keep up the excellent work. Robert Huestis ’66 Thanks for writing, Robert. In the last issue, on page 31, Aaron Cole ’00 and Thomas Richner ’97 stand together in the Trumbull Aquatics Center. On page 55, Nan Carney-Debord ’80 is featured in the top right

good starting place for thinking about the editorial

in a photo from her college years. On page 56, Carney-

focus of a forthcoming Denison Magazine piece.

Debord is standing next to Abigail Pringle ’96. On page

Rick Wiggin ’70

57, Carney-Debord and President Adam Weinberg are standing with Kate Hinshaw ’24. Happy to report that we've added more photo captions in this issue. —Editor

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W H O WA S B E T H E D E N ?

Pleased to hear about the generous donation from alumni David Reese and the renaming of an administrative building to Reese House in honor of his gift. The article in the recent Denison Magazine mentions the administrative building was formally D ATA G O D S , BE KIND

Many years ago, I

known as Beth Eden. Just curious to know who Beth Eden was, and whether she will be honored in another way? Thanks for any information. Anne (Gehron) Holloway ’81

became the only Denisonian to ever partake of and complete the then offered 3-2 Denison and Duke bachelor of science, master of forestry program. The long-term biologic management and economic decision-making involved in forest assets is a very data-driven discipline. I gave up my senior year at

Reese House was originally constructed as the home for Denison’s presidents and their families, and it served that purpose from 1903 until 1969, according to History Professor Emeritus Wally Chessman (1919-2011). Denison’s 10th President

Denison to get the liberal arts and science mix I felt

Emory W. Hunt, his wife Elizabeth, and their three

was appropriate for a forest-based career. It has served

children were the first to reside there in 1903. Our

me very well over my working years. I hope the new data science center and curriculum will accomplish this needed combo without the need

family who adopted the unofficial moniker “Beth Eden,” which stuck for more than a century! A letter written by President Hunt’s daughter,

be qualifying for a Denison bachelor of science degree,

Helen, in 1971 indicates the

is a question that came to my mind. In recent years

name might have derived from

students has been rather low for a world that is ever more thirsty for not just data but comprehendible and properly-

the church in which the Hunts were married, Beth Eden Baptist Church in Waltham, Massachusetts. Helen wrote,

targeted data for fact-based accurate decision making.

“Mother was always very fond

May the data gods be kind to Denison in this endeavor!

of the name,” which, freely

Richard Seale ’63

– ANNE (GEHRON) HOLLOWAY ’81

records indicate that it was President Hunt and his

to give up a senior year at Denison! Will participants

the number of Denison bachelor of science-oriented

“Just curious to know who Beth Eden was, and whether she will be honored in another way?”

translated, means “pleasant house.” “Father always called

The new data science center will house our computer science and data analytics departments, both of which offer bachelor of science degrees. Data analytics is one of our fastest growing programs at Denison, but the

mother ‘Beth,’” she added. “So far as we know, there wasn’t anything ‘official’ about it.” —Editor

bigger picture here is the integration of data literacy across Denison’s entire curriculum. Denison knows data analytics is most effectively learned in a liberal arts setting. As President Weinberg says, “a liberal arts ABOVE: Former President Emory W. Hunt’s daughter, Helen, provided some background on Reese House’s original name in a letter dated Feb. 8, 1971.

background gives data analytics its soul.” —Editor

LEFT: Reese House, formerly known as Beth Eden, was originally constructed as the home for Denison’s presidents and their families, serving this purpose from 1903 until 1969.

DENISON MAGAZINE

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Hillside Chat Adam S. Weinberg, President

Denison’s next chapter

love being the president of Denison! I am proud of the life-shaping education we provide our students. I am grateful to share our campus with amazing college students who embrace the wonderful values and attributes of Denisonians. And I sit in awe of the faculty and staff who care about and catalyze our students. Recently, a student wrote me: “Coming from a low-income background with little support, my opportunities felt limited. High school was bleak and often depressing. After high school, I needed a place with resources, guidance, and mentorship. Denison has provided career coaching, academic mentorship, and support for international programs. Denison’s unique commitment to post-graduate preparation and community has shaped my college experience in profound ways. Because of these resources, I’ve been able to grow not only as a student but as a person with the confidence to step into new opportunities. For that, I am deeply grateful.” The student goes on to talk about all the ways they have been involved across the campus, the wide range of people who have mentored them, and the excitement for next semester when they will study abroad and then stay abroad for a summer internship.

“What We Can Be is about investing in students while they are here, and long after they leave.”

Thanks to incredible early support from the Denison community, we’ve already raised more than $240 million toward our $400 million campaign goal. We will not only meet this goal, but we will surpass it. Denison is launching this campaign from a position of strength, building on our momentum and rising reputation, but it’s worth noting that it comes as higher education faces several challenges. Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the workplace and the way we deliver education; state and federal regulations are shifting; our competitive landscape is changing; and the era of name, image, and likeness has created disadvantages for Division III colleges. To add to this, there are fewer students seeking a college degree today, overall. We’re not immune to the impact of these conditions, but we’re uniquely positioned to meet the moment. More than anything, these challenges underline the importance of this work. What We Can Be is a movement to ensure that Denison continues to lead with creativity and expand the college’s impact beyond four years on The Hill. These investments will fuel our ability to pursue opportunity, respond to students’ evolving needs, and secure Denison’s future for generations to come.

WHAT WE CAN BE INVESTS IN FIVE

Every day, students tell me stories about ESSENTIAL CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES: the ways a Denison education unlocks the potential of students to be the architects First, everything begins with affordability. of their own lives. Denison is among just 80 colleges — out of roughly Recently, we announced the launch of the most 4,000 nationwide — that meet students’ full demonambitious fundraising effort in the university’s strated financial need. That’s remarkable progress, history: What We Can Be, which you’ll read more but we must go further to ensure that cost is never a about in the following pages. barrier to a Denison education. What We Can Be is Denison’s roadmap for the future. Our goal is to position Denison as a national Second, we are deeply focused leader in delivering a truly life-shaping liberal on academic excellence. arts education defined by exceptional experiences, Denison continues to lead with academic proproven career outcomes, and strong relationships. grams that are rigorous, relevant, and future-facing. We aim to be a college known for its total commit- From arts and humanities to data analytics, and ment to students and admired for the ways they global commerce, and now with our newest major in f lourish on campus and then launch quickly and finance (which you will read about in this issue), our successfully into their lives and careers. curriculum evolves to address the needs of today’s students, families, and employers.

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Third, we are expanding career preparation. We’re proud that Denison was ranked No. 2 in the nation for career services this past year, but we’re not stopping there. What We Can Be will strengthen career preparation through the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration, where every student gets the personalized guidance and real-world experience that leads to a meaningful and successful life after graduation, and support as they make early career pivots. Fourth, enriching our campus experience. We are investing in the vibrant residential community that makes Denison a true living-learning env ironment. This mea ns investing in t hings like student organizations, athletics, facilities, and wellness programs. We were recently ranked nationally No. 2 for having the happiest students by The Princeton Review. And finally, engaging our alumni network. This campaign will strengthen alumni engagement, building bridges across cities, industries, and generations. Denison isn’t a four-year experience; it’s a lifelong community, and our alumni are at the center of what makes it great. What We Can Be is about investing in students while they are here, and long after they leave. It’s about believing in the power of a Denison education to launch meaningful lives and careers and build lifelong relationships. Every contribution, whether it’s mentoring a student, sharing an internship, hiring a graduate, providing feedback, attending a regional event, or making a contribution to our annual fund, supports this vision and helps ensure that Denison thrives. We deeply appreciate your support and encouragement. As you read through the following pages and have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Join President Weinberg and fellow Denisonians as we celebrate a defining moment — the launch of a campaign that champions opportunity, learning, and the unstoppable spirit of What We Can Be.

Campaign Launch Events Jan. 26

March 24

Jan. 27

March 31

S A R A SOTA

TA M PA

WA S H I N G TO N , D.C .

Jan. 28

April 21

B O N ITA S PR I N G S

Feb. 23

V E RO B E ACH ALUMNI.DENIS ON.EDU/ UP COMING-EVENTS DENISON MAGAZINE

CH A R LOT TE

CH I C AG O

ABOVE: For Tori Robbie ’27, a data analytics major from Canfield, Ohio, Denison is where her confidence and optimism have taken root.

BY THEODORE DECKER

s Denison prepared for the October launch of Three years later, she admits that she still doesn’t its new campaign, What We Can Be, Tori answer with 100% certainty when someone asks her, Robbie ’27 sat on a bench in one of her “So, what do you want to be?” favorite campus spots, under the trellises on But the difference, to Robbie, is a big one. Reese~Shackelford Common. The question no longer feels overwhelming, or In the mind of Robbie, a data analytics major from limiting. In her three years on The Hill, Robbie has Canfield, Ohio, What We Can Be takes the form of a come to realize that she is not boxed in. That with her question, and a very personal one: hard work, her ambition, and her curiosity, the many possibilities in front of her don’t feel unattainable. The W H AT C A N I B E ? challenges don’t look insurmountable. When she was an exceptional but disillusioned high That change in confidence — that sense of optimism school student, questions like this loomed. She had little — would never have come about without Denison. support and few resources. But she did have agency. She “I get all these opportunities that I never would have had began looking for answers. otherwise,” Robbie said. “If I had stayed in Canfield and She found Denison. didn’t go to Denison, none of this would have happened.”

Photos: James Schuller

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DENISON HA S EMBARKED ON IT S MOS T AMBITIOUS FU N D R A I S I N G C A M PA I G N Y E T, B U I L D I N G O N T H E COLLEGE ’ S CON S IDER ABLE MOMENTUM AND BOLD VIS ION FOR THE FUTURE .

A MILESTONE MOMENT FOR DENISON

Building on its growing momentum as one of the nation’s preeminent liberal arts colleges, Denison has launched a call to invest in students like Robbie, in future students, in alumni, and in the next chapter of the college’s storied history. The campaign goal is to raise $400 million to advance the university’s focus on meeting the demonstrated financial need of ever y student and launching them quick ly and successfully into lives, careers, and an alumni network that is second to none. The theme, What We Can Be, distills into four words a bold vision: to position Denison as a national leader in delivering a life-shaping liberal arts education, one that is def ined by exceptional experiences, proven career outcomes, and meaningful relationships.

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MEMBERS OF THE CAMPAIGN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PHOTO FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Billie Handa, associate vice president and campaign director; Nicholas C. Covey ’04; James L. Anderson ’85, co-chair; Matt Harrington ’84; Jeryl D. Hayes ’04; Dana Hart ’76, co-chair; William C. Mulligan ’76; Marcus R. Colwell ’84; Stephen R. Polk ’78, co-chair; Adam Weinberg, president; Greg Bader, vice president of institutional advancement. NOT PICTURED: Campaign Executive Committee honorary chairs Sharon Martin ’65, David ’62 and Weezie Reese, Don ’54 and Teckie ’56 Shackelford, and Jonathan ’89 and Natalie Silverstein; co-chairs Daniel Brickman ’80 and Suzanne B. Kriscunas ’72; and committee member Lauren S. Haarlow ’90. DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

“Our donors have always believed in the power of education to transform lives.” – GREG BADER

WHAT WE CAN BE STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

“Denison’s enduring commitment is to prepare students not only to launch quickly and succeed, but to lead and thrive in a changing world,” said President Adam Weinberg. “What We Can Be gets to the heart of what makes Denison extraordinary: an education that unlocks endless possibilities and enables students to become the architects of their own lives. These investments will fuel our ability to pursue opportunity, meet students’ evolving needs, and continue our momentum for decades ahead.” More than $2 40 million was raised during the campaign’s leadership phase, reflecting solid support and belief in this vision for the future. The campaign aims to build upon the tremendous gains of the previous one, Unlocking Potential, which expanded access, launched innovative programs, and reimagined the liberal arts. That campaign supported strategic goals in six critical areas: scholarships for students; robust support for faculty and curricula; development of an industrychanging approach to career exploration; enrichment and enhancement of the performing arts; wellness and co-curricular learning in residence communities; and ongoing support for the college’s annual fund. The goal for Unlocking Potential was set at $225 million, and the generosity of more than 19,000 donors

▶ Donors funded 70 new named scholarships. ▶ New majors, such as data analytics; global commerce, and health, exercise, and sport studies, were introduced, driven by the desires of students and the needs of today’s employers. ▶ Academically enriching opportunities, such as Summer Scholars research and Denison Seminars, were bolstered. Summer internship stipends nearly doubled. ▶ Innovative career-readiness programs were created through a gift from the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation. Today, the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration is consistently ranked among the top programs in the nation. ▶ The world-class Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts was unveiled, housing facilities, including Sharon Martin Hall, Thorsen Dance Studio, and Hylbert Family Studio Theater. ▶ The construction of facilities and creation of programs enhancing student life, including the Ann & Thomas Hoaglin Wellness Center, Silverstein Hall, the sweeping Douthit Hall library renovation, and the Knetzer Family Institute geared toward Denison’s student-athletes.

ACCESS & AFFORDABILITY

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

CAREER LAUNCH

ENHANCING STUDENT LIFE

ALUMNI NETWORK

Opening doors for exceptional students.

Staying at the forefront of liberal arts education.

Making career-shaping opportunities possible for all.

Enriching every moment on The Hill.

Strengthening a lifelong community for a thriving Denison.

led the college to surpass it by nearly $20 million. Leaders of the What We Can Be campaign are confident Denisonians will come through again. “Denison alumni, and the Denison family as a whole, have always stepped up, even in challenging times,” said Greg Bader, vice president for institutional advancement. “Our donors have always believed in the power of education to transform lives. We have just had our third record-breaking fundraising year in the history of the college, with over $60 million raised. “Denison is an institution people know, trust, and want to make an investment in,” Bader said. AN EARNED TRUST

That trust, Bader said, has been earned by Denison’s leadership, which has proven visionary in charting a course for the college, as well as careful stewards of its finances and donor funds raised in previous campaigns.

The successes of the Unlocking Potential campaign stand as proof. That campaign concluded in 2020 with more than $243 million raised. Some of the results:

Others have taken notice. The latest college rankings from U.S. News & World Report named Denison the No. 4 most innovative national liberal arts college and moved the college up to No. 34 among national liberal arts colleges — up 21 places since 2016 — and No. 1 in Ohio. Among the 2,400 four-year colleges and universities in the U.S., Denison ranked No. 2 for best career services, No. 2 for happiest students, and No. 4 for best classroom experience in rankings released by The Princeton Review. The gains keep coming. K ienzle-Hylber t Stadium — a state-of-the-ar t lacrosse and soccer facility with a multi-use synthetic turf field, press box, permanent bleachers, lighting, and scoreboard — was dedicated in spring 2024. In 2025, Big Red student-athletes achieved arguably the g reatest year in Denison’s athletics histor y, including two NCAA national championships.

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The college also broke ground on a new center for data and innovation, a first-of-its-kind campus hub devoted to integrating data across the curriculum and Suz y K r iscu nas ’ 72 , a accelerating Denison’s leadership in developing a model Denison trustee and co-chair of for AI in learning and career preparation. the campaign executive committee, And building on its success in launching popular s a id t r u s t e e s t a l k a b out t he i r majors, Denison approved the creation of a finance major, interactions with current students, marveling how the set to launch in 2026. latest Denisonians are “accomplished across the board.” “The last campaign, and the strategic elements that it “If there’s anything that has deepened my appreciation hit — expanding on the arts, really digging into careers, for what Denison can do, it is seeing the students and looking at additional majors to expand our offerings, talking to them and hearing their experiences,” she said. and addressing the mental health side of what goes on “These are students who have taken advantage of the at any college campus — was really successful,” said power of ‘and’ at Denison. It’s really quite unique, and Lauren S. Haarlow ’90, a Denison trustee and member it’s a wonderful investment we’re making.” of the campaign executive committee. “But I think we’re just scratching the surface of our potential. People I T B E G I N S W I T H A F F O R DA B I L I T Y understand that something is happening at Denison right Bolstered by the successes of the Unlocking Potential now. We need to continue to level up.” campaign, Denison is now one of only 80 colleges, out of roughly 4,000 U.S. institutions, to meet students’ full LEVELING UP demonstrated need. What We Can Be seeks to go further. What We Can Be doubles down on five key priorities: “Everything begins with affordability,” Weinberg said access and affordability, academic excellence, career at the campaign launch. “Together, we can ensure that launch, enhancing student life, and the alumni network. cost is never a barrier to a Denison education.” “These are the priorities that the president, the board, Abigail Pringle ’96, P’25, a Denison trustee, often and our community feel we need to achieve, to continue ref lects on her personal growth at Denison and how to improve the student experience here, invest in that it shaped her life. She spent more than two decades in experience, launch students successfully post-college, various roles at Wendy’s, including a year as its U.S. and maintain our commitments after college,” Bader said. president, and credits her successes to many of the things “The resources and the philanthropic dollars that are she learned on The Hill. going to be provided by this campaign will help our “I think of the transformation I went through as a students embrace the whole Denison experience,” he said. student, becoming an adult, figuring out my own volition “They will be successful, they will learn, they will grow, — what I believed in, my values,” she said. “Denison and they will add to the community while they are here, facilitated that in a really powerful way.” in their own way.” For Pringle’s husband, David, his college decision was DENISON MAGAZINE

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Denison alumni and friends learn more about What We Can Be at an event in the fall.

“Together, we can ensure that cost is never a barrier to a Denison education.” –ADAM WEINBERG

“I don’t think Denison has it in its DNA to follow. It needs to lead.” –ABIGAIL PRINGLE ‘96

TOP: Abigail Pringle ‘96 addresses the audience at a 2024 ReMix + Women event that brings together alumni and current students. BOTTOM: Suzanne and Gary Baker say an endowed scholarship is a win-win.

largely driven by cost. Now, the couple want to help ensure that no accepted students have to turn down a Denison education because of cost. “We just made a major contribution to the campaign, and it was all about helping students and families who feel they cannot afford something as special as Denison,” Pringle said. “This campaign is important right now because it will allow Denison to continue to lead,” she said. “I don’t think Denison has it in its DNA to follow. It needs to lead.” Professor Emeritus Gary Baker came to Denison in 1989 to teach German. He had been a first-generation college student, and his wife said his personal experience drove them to start an endowed scholarship. “His parents didn’t really know what college was,” said Suzanne Baker, who worked in Denison’s education department for 26 years as an instructor and a field service coordinator. “They weren’t able to support me monetarily because

they didn’t have the means,” Gary Baker said. Suzanne Baker turned and spoke directly to her husband. “You grew into the person you are because of Denison, the resources, the professional development,” she told him. “Denison saw your potential, just like you saw your students’ potential. I think that is why Denison is so dear to your heart.” Gary Baker couldn’t disagree. “I would love to see student debt obliterated — gone,” he said. “An endowed scholarship is a win-win. It funds the student, and the money comes right back to the institution. That’s why we just keep putting our couple bucks in there every year and growing it.” AN EASY ‘YES’

Jeryl Hayes ’04 was in the thick of her college search when her high school advisor suggested giving Denison a look. She did, and what she found changed her life. “Sometimes you make decisions at 17 that are boneheaded and terrible,” she said, laughing. “And then sometimes you make some pretty amazing decisions that impact the rest of your life. Choosing Denison was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” She was one in a long line of driven Denison students: involved in student government, a resident advisor (RA), performed in Lady’s Night Out, a DJ for the college radio station, an intramural athlete. For her, lasting relationships — with classmates like Nic Covey ’04, with faculty, and staff — are at the heart of Denison. It’s why this campaign’s goal of markedly increasing alumni engagement of all kinds is important to her. Denison’s alumni network is a tremendous asset that

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goes beyond financial support. It takes the form of mentorships, intern opportunities, and professional wisdom volunteered at events like ReMix. “Our alumni are living testaments to what a Denison education can do,” said Hayes, a Denison trustee and member of the campaign executive committee. “Denisonians really love helping other Denisonians. “Denison invested in me as a student and as a young alum,” she said. “So whatever they ask of me, it’s an easy, ‘yes.’” Covey, also on the campaign executive committee, agreed with Hayes, his onetime RA in Stone Hall. “My everyday experience of the world has been made richer by the way Denison prepared me to engage with the world,” he said. “Giving to Denison is a way for my wife, Meghan, and me to diversify our philanthropic support across a lot of different areas that we are passionate about, because we know within a class of Denisonians, there will be people who do incredible things for their communities, for the environment, for the sciences, for the arts. “A gift to Denison is almost a portfolio play across all the things that make life worth living and make the world great,” he said.

Jeryl Hayes and Nic Covey are members of the Class of 2004. Hayes was Covey’s RA in Stone Hall their senior year.

WRITING THE NEXT CHAPTER FOR TORI ROBBIE , AND DENISON

So how does Tori Robbie fit into all of this? And her classmates, and future Denisonians? Robbie is the winner of a QuestBridge scholarship, me, why can’t I help other people fund themselves? Even awarded to high-performing high school students from if I don’t have that money, I can help find people who do. low-income backgrounds. It covers her full four years at “This is a way, logistically, that I can give back in a Denison. Without it, she wouldn’t be here. meaningful manner,” she said. Thanks to Denison’s commitment that all students She doesn’t get overly philosophical about all this, should have the chance to study abroad, she is spending though. She sees her curiosity through a pragmatic lens. her spring 2026 semester in Australia. “I just want to figure out what I like and what I don’t She is a data analytics major, one of those innovative like,” she said. “I’m not one of the people who was like, majors introduced during the last campaign. ‘I’ve wanted to be a doctor since the age of five,’ or ‘I have When she isn’t working 20 hours a week at a local a parent that I want to follow in their footsteps.’ I don’t Raising Cane’s restaurant, she is putting in hours at the really have that. It’s more or less, let me try out all these Knowlton Center for Career Exploration, where she different things. What works will stick, and what doesn’t works and has received guidance on everything from won’t. I’m trying to explore every option I can. Denison internships to possible career paths. She has found encourages me to do that.” mentors there and in her academic department. Last Listen to her talk about this, and you hear shades of summer she took part in a microinternship to write a stories told since the founding of Denison. It is that tale film grant proposal for an animation studio founded by of personal but profound transformation, shared by the Denison alum Tom Richner ’97, a storyboard artist for likes of Jeryl Hayes, Abigail Pringle, Nic Covey — just a The Simpsons. few names from an alumni network 40,000 strong. Robbie is a first-year fellow who helps new students on “Com i ng to Den ison has promoted me bei ng campus and, with like-minded peers, belongs to the i ndependent a nd f i nd i ng mysel f, hav i ng t hese Denison Grant-Writing Group, in which students assist opportunities to learn who I am as a person,” Robbie local nonprofits with their grant submissions. says. “It’s just opened a lot of doors, being a student While she may still not have nailed down a career, at Denison. there may be something to this grant writing, she said. “I’m a completely different person because I was It strikes a chord within her. able to go here,” she said. “Denison has been the “Being at Denison, I’m fully funded,” she said. “If I was stepping stone.” able to accomplish my dreams through people funding DENISON MAGAZINE

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“I’m a completely different person because I was able to go here.” – TORI ROBBIE ’27,

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ACCESS & AFFORDAB ILIT Y

OPENING DOORS FOR EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS.

Intelligence, ability, creativity, ambition, and curiosity exist in roughly equal measure in young people from every walk of life. Opportunity, however, does not. Affordability equals opportunity — the opportunity to participate fully in the four-year Denison experience, to succeed professionally, and to thrive personally. Like all universities, Denison grapples with the rising cost of delivering a college education. Even as the university does its best to contain costs, it must increase opportunity. For the price of tuition, students can access a world of learning — including study abroad, internships, research, and seminars — at little to no additional cost. Supporting this campaign makes the entire student experience more accessible. Growing our endowment for need-based aid ensures that once admitted, students can participate fully in all that Denison offers without financial barriers. Scholarships for academic

excellence and leadership enhance recruitment, while targeted aid helps keep students enrolled during unexpected hardships. This campaign priority will enable the college to meet the demonstrated financial need of each and every student. Generations of achievement have proven that opportunity knows no limits when lives launch at Denison. Because an investment in a Denisonian is not just an investment in an individual, it is an investment in society. What could yield a better return?

“Scholarships ensure people from all walks of life populate this community and make it the rich, engaging, social fabric that it is.” — LAUREN HAARLOW ’90, Trustee and campaign executive committee member

MEETING 100% OF ACCEPTED STUDENTS’ DEMONSTRATED NEED A year ago, while taking drink orders at a Sips Cafe pop-up event, Alexia Christenson ’28 spoke to parents of prospective students. As they waited for their orders, some asked her if she thought Denison provided good value for the money. “I told them I think it’s very affordable for what we paid,” Christenson said. “The Knowlton Center for Career Exploration services alone were invaluable for the price, as well as the attention that’s paid to students here.” Denison pledges to meet 100 percent of accepted students’ demonstrated financial needs. Christenson, a double major in economics and data analytics, is among many students who have benefited from grants and scholarships. Last year, she wrote letters of thanks to Carole Sutter Greenhaus ’77 and Scott Greenhaus, whose endowed scholarship fund is in memory of Michelle Berry Szollisi ’77. When Christenson goes home to Grove City, Ohio, she happily endorses her university. “I have talked to students from my high school and told them what a good school Denison is, and how affordable it can be,” she said. Christenson is thriving on The Hill. With the help of Red Frame Lab, she and classmate Madison Kessler ’28 founded Sips Cafe, located on the ground floor of Slayter Hall. Opening this past fall, Sips is a student-run, late-night, non-alcoholic drink spot on campus. Sips serves uniquely crafted sodas and other flavored drinks ranging from lemonade to matcha to fizz drinks. Students enjoy the creative drinks from Sips Cafe, located in Slayter Hall.

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A LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO EXPANDING STUDENT ACCESS Teckie Shackelford ’56 was raised by a father who believed one of the greatest things about making money was giving it away. It’s that generosity that has burnished the legacies of Teckie and Don ’54, a life trustee, Shackelford at Denison. The family’s benevolence is evident in support of multiple projects, including Reese~Shackelford Common, the spacious lobby inside the Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts, the president’s residence, and the Martha Grace Reese Miller Garden in honor of Teckie’s mother. But giving students affordable access to a liberal arts education is what has made the Shackelfords beloved in the eyes of generations of Denisonians. More than 340 students have earned full or partial scholarships in their name since 1994. In 2023, the Shackelfords solidified plans to create a $21 million endowment for students coming from Columbus, Ohio, to Denison. Overall, the family funds four Denison scholarship programs. “I’m staggered by the number of students the Shackelfords have helped,” said Adam Mallinger ’02, a scholarship recipient. “Think about the lives they have touched and multiply that by the generation to come. They have put a lot of goodwill out into the world.” Mallinger and other scholarship recipients, many of

whom remain in contact with the family, said the financial support is only a fraction of what endears the Shackelfords to so many Denisonians. It’s the investment of time, mentorship, and ingenuity that former students mention when discussing Teckie and Don. Mallinger, the writer of Superman & Lois, works in Hollywood, and when it comes to the Shackelfords, he references one of its greatest films. “It’s like at the end of It’s a Wonderful Life,” Mallinger says. “All the townspeople are telling George Bailey what he did for them over the years.”

Teckie and Don Shackelford have supported more than 340 students through their scholarship endowments on The Hill. Read the full story from our 2022-2023 spring issue

MAKING THE ENTIRE STUDENT EXPERIENCE MORE ACCESSIBLE Caroline Cavalier ’26 already shouldered an impressive weight of commitments before becoming a department fellow in computer science and politics and public affairs as a senior. She has a full course load, competes for the women’s swimming and diving team and presides over the International Affairs Association Club. But the double major sees her responsibilities as a department fellow as a way of giving back to a university that’s afforded her opportunities to pursue a dream career in the federal government. “Those two departments have given me so much and allowed me to be successful at Denison,” Cavalier said. Thanks to the generosity of Denison’s alumni and friends, these life-shaping experiences are available to all students, from all backgrounds and financial circumstances and included the cost of tuition. As a sophomore, Cavalier spent 10 days in Washington, D.C., as part of the university’s Grand Strategy program. Cavalier visited the U.S. State Department, Congress, the DENISON MAGAZINE

Pentagon, and think tanks. Through those connections, she’s interned for the federal government and also worked virtually with Tunisian engineering students as part of a student federal service internship. “Those opportunities wouldn’t have been made possible w ithout the liberal ar ts education I’ve received,” Cavalier said. “I love the fact Denison wants you to take your interests and run with them.” The university has funded the International Affairs Association Club that she founded, sending a group of students to Chicago for a conference and paying for guest speakers to come to campus. Cavalier, who received a scholarship to attend Denison, also lauds the life skills she’s learned being a part of the swimming and diving program. “It’s been foundational in def ining my Denison experience,” she said. “It’s taught me the importance of developing time management, setting goals, and having the grit to reach those goals.”

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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

STAYING AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE LIBERAL ARTS. Denison evolves to meet the moment, whether that means pioneering new approaches to teaching, adopting transformative technologies, or creating experiential opportunities that connect learning to the world beyond The Hill. The university’s growing list of accolades, rising national reputation, and success in launching students into thriving careers all point to what this commitment makes possible. Its momentum is fueled by a deep belief in the enduring value of a liberal arts education — one that spans disciplines, sparks creativity, and cultivates critical thinkers — as well as by powerful partnerships with employers and a faculty dedicated to academic rigor, relevance, and excellence. The next chapter of Denison’s story builds on that foundation. With the rise of Knobel Hall and the King Center for Data and Innovation, Denison is poised to become the first liberal arts college with a campus hub devoted to integrating data across the curriculum, a bold step that reinforces the university’s leadership and imagination. To continue to be the college that sets the pace for innovation, Denison must provide an education that blends the liberal arts, entrepreneurial thinking, and practical experience in ways that expand the bounds of what is possible. That’s what this campaign priority is all about. Preparing students for a rapidly changing world means continually evolving what and how the university teaches while remaining true to its liberal arts core.

“Denison leads in adaptation to change in higher education.” — STEPHEN POLK ’78, P ’17, Trustee and co-chair of the campaign executive committee

CREATING NEW CAREER-CENTERED PATHS ALIGNED WITH MARKET NEEDS Denison has always leaned into — and proven the worth of — academic innovation. In 2016, Denison added a financial economics concentration and unveiled three new majors: data analytics, global commerce, and health, exercise, and sport studies (HESS). All three majors are deeply interdisciplinary, a hallmark of the education students receive at Denison. And all three rank among Denison’s top 10 majors for graduates in recent years. Since then, Denison also added applied math, and journalism to its roster of majors. And faculty and students prove the value of innovation at Denison every day with The Reporting Project, a real-time newsgathering operation they have grown into a trusted source of information across Licking County, even as traditional news outlets have foundered. Most recently, in September 2025, faculty approved a new finance major that answers a growing demand from prospective and current students. These career paths are adapted to demands of a rapidly changing world, yet grounded in the academic bedrock that has always made a Denison degree so valuable. “The landscape of higher education is changing quickly, and yet Denison continues to distinguish itself in remarkable ways,” said Stephen Polk ’78, a trustee and co-chair of the Denison campaign. “The evidence is clear in our enrollment, in our outcomes, and just as importantly, in the confidence and preparedness of our students.”

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PROVIDING STUDENTS ACCESS TO PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS, MENTORSHIP

An architectural rendering of Knobel Hall and King Center for Data and Innovation, now rising on campus and expected to be completed in fall 2026.

PROGRAMMING DATA LITERACY THROUGHOUT THE CURRICULUM Evidence of Denison’s serious commitment to data literacy is clearly visible on campus. The sweeping renovation and expansion of Doane Hall, one of the most prominent and historic buildings on campus, positions Denison to be the first liberal arts college with a hub devoted to integrating data across the curriculum and will further cement the college’s reputation as an innovator in the liberal arts. The new building, now known as Knobel Hall and the King Center for Data and Innovation, will profoundly impact the experience of faculty across the college and every Denison student, and one that hinged upon the generosity of donors who have committed more than $30.5 million to see this vision realized. “Knobel Hall is a powerful new intellectual nexus for our campus, a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary teaching and learning,” Provost Kim Coplin ’85 said. “The new King Center will infuse real-world problem-solving across the curriculum, exposing students to data study from every angle to make them more competitive for top internships and jobs. “The Knobel Hall project reminds us that when we invest in our academic spaces, and the programs and people who bring them to life, we invest in the minds and lives of future leaders,” Coplin said.

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Denison is, at its core, a place built upon meaningful relationships, and nowhere is that more evident than in the relationships between students and faculty. “There’s this open dialogue between professors and students, and it really makes students feel at home and comfortable,” said Gabe Donnelly ’25, a President’s Medalist who majored in history, minored in music performance, and sang with Denison ensembles and the a capella group, The Hilltoppers. Now he is pursuing a master’s degree in musicology at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. Students can delve into independent and original research with the close mentorship of faculty through Denison’s Summer Scholars program, coordinated through the Lisska Center for Intellectual Engagement. The college also brings visiting artists to The Hill and has launched an executive-in-residence program. That new venture brings accomplished industr y leaders to campus to deepen the connection between academic learning, career preparation, and professional experience and insights. Through sustained engagement with executives from a variety of backgrounds, students in every major have access to industry expertise and mentorship.

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“The project reminds us that when we invest in our academic spaces, and the programs and people who bring them to life, we invest in the minds and lives of future leaders.” —PROVOST KIM COPLIN ’85

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Gabe Donnelly ’25 (below, right) says the connections that form on The Hill — between students, and with faculty — are deep and invaluable.

CAREER LAUNCH

MAKING CAREER-SHAPING OPPORTUNITIES POSSIBLE FOR ALL. The world of work is changing rapidly. To be successful in today ’s work force, students must graduate with the skills, knowledge, experiences, and network to sustain them through multiple careers. This means preparing for today’s jobs as well as jobs that haven’t been imagined yet. Denison’s commitment is to see that students not only receive an exceptional, rigorous education, but also a thorough grounding in career exploration and preparation, with hands-on opportunities to testdrive careers and acquire the skills today’s employers demand. Created through the generosity of donors, the nationally recognized Knowlton Center for Career Exploration has built a comprehensive careers ecosystem for students and alumni to launch, pivot, and accelerate careers . Through the Knowlton C e n t e r, e ve r y s t u d e n t r e c e i ve s p e r s o n a l i z e d guidance, internship support, and a clear path toward professional life. Building on Knowlton’s impressive success, this campaign priority expands funding for internships, immersive career programs, and graduate school preparation . It also ensures that career launch opportunities will continue to appear in our classrooms, in partnership with our faculty.

“What sets the career exploration at Denison apart from other schools is strategy. The Knowlton Center is already thinking about your success before you even get here.” — JAMES ANDERSON ’85, Trustee and campaign executive committee member

Cole Shegan Siniawski ’26 landed an internship with PNC Bank and was later offered a full-time position.

EXPLORING INTERESTS THROUGH HIGH-IMPACT CAREER EXPERIENCES In the fall of 2024, Cole Shegan Siniawski ’26 leaned heavily into the resources that have made Denison No. 2 for best career services among all U.S. colleges and universities. Knowlton Center for Career Exploration advisors tutored him on preparing a resume, writing cover letters, and answering questions in an interview. “They were the main source for helping me land my internship,” said Shegan Siniawski, a data analytics and economics double major. The student’s initiative and the university’s expertise in career development led PNC Bank — headquartered in Shegan Siniawski’s hometown of Pittsburgh — to offer him a summer internship in quantitative analytics. He worked in the retail lending department, writing analysis in the form of visualizations and dashboards. A role perfectly suited to his skillset. “I love putting visualizations together because they convey a story,” he said. “Good visualizations help drive insight, and can be easily interpreted regardless of someone’s technical background.” Shegan Siniawski remains in contact with the K nowlton Center, but he no longer requires assistance in landing his first job after graduation. His PNC Bank internship was so successful the company offered him a full-time position in its asset liability management program starting in the summer of 2026. “Cole has been a joy to work with,” said Blake Gooch, assistant director of the technology, data, and science learning community at the Knowlton Center. “He asks good questions, and applies his insights, which will continue to work to his advantage in the future.”

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SUPPORTING GRAD SCHOOL AND LICENSING TEST PREP Life Trustee Steve Matteucci ’78 understands Denison students are lifelong learners, and often that comes with a price. Thanks to his generous gift, Denison can provide its current undergraduate students and recent graduates with free preparatory courses for a host of graduate-level admissions exams, including the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT. The partnership between the university and global education ser vices provider Kaplan, f unded by Matteucci’s gift, also offers access to courses for many professional licensures and certifications. Denison students and alums within five years of graduation have free access to a full suite of test prep courses for the next three years.

CAREER-SHAPING OPPORTUNITIES HELP GRADUATES LAND DREAM JOBS Ellie Blasko ’23, a piano prodigy since grade school, appeared destined for a music conservatory far from her Ohio roots. But acting on a request from her mother, Blasko made a visit to Denison to see what a liberal arts education could offer. Denison prides itself on providing career-shaping opportunities, and Blasko embodies that promise. Even before graduating as a triple major (piano performance, global commerce, art history/visual culture) she had landed a dream job as a brand ambassador for Steinway & Sons, the famed maker of pianos, in Beverly Hills. “Being able to do more than just piano has made me a way, way better pianist,” she said. “I’m really happy that I chose to come to Denison.” Eschewing the narrow path of a music conservatory, Blasko immersed herself in the Denison experience. She worked as a collections intern at the Denison museum and as a senior docent and arts coordinator with the Office of Admission. She threw discus for the track team and performed with various musical ensembles. She learned Mandarin Chinese. She joined the college chapter of Habitat of Humanity, the Mortar Board College National Honor Society, and the Delta Delta Delta Fraternity for Women. During her final semester, Blasko even performed with the bluegrass ensemble, playing the upright bass, while still excelling on the piano under the tutelage of Sun Min Kim, an associate professor of music. “That’s the power of a liberal arts education,” Kim said. “Let’s say you’re a piano student and you want to branch out to bluegrass — that’s frowned upon at a music conservatory. Here we actually welcome that because we believe in collaboration.” DENISON MAGAZINE

“We wanted to make this available to all our students,” said Melanie Murphy, the university’s executive director of the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration. “These test prep packages go for $2,000, $3,000, $4,000 apiece. Not many schools offer this.” As of November 2025, more than 100 students or alumni had already engaged in 126 courses. Prior to Matteucci’s gift, the total would typically be 15 students in each academic year. This partnership is designed to enhance the job readiness and marketability of college students by pairing the traditional four-year degree with Kaplan’s educational programs. It enables students to complete their degrees while earning industr y-recognized credentials valued by employers.

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Ellie Blasko ’23 immersed herself in the Denison experience and eventually secured her dream job.

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E N HANCING STU DE NT LIFE

ENRICHING EVERY MOMENT ON THE HILL.

Learning extends beyond the classroom at Denison. It fills every corner of campus: in friendships formed over late-night conversations, teams that push one another toward greatness, performances that move audiences, and quiet moments of reflection in a red Adirondack chair. Enhancing the student experience is about creating the conditions for every student to flourish; to build confidence, find balance, and grow into the person they are meant to become. When students are supported in every dimension of their experience — intellectual, social, emotional, and physical — they leave The Hill ready to launch and lead meaningful lives. Denison students lead clubs, perform on stage, compete on

athletic teams, serve as wellness ambassadors, volunteer in our community, and launch ventures . Through these experiences, they learn to collaborate, persevere, and take ownership of their future. This campaign priority focuses on strengthening the firstyear experience, expanding wellness initiatives, enhancing athletics, developing spaces, and funding programs that help students connect, build resilience, and grow in confidence.

“I just love that Denison spirit. Students follow their curiosity and explore multiple paths.” — NIC COVEY ’04, Campaign executive committee member

FACILITATING UNPRECEDENTED ATHLETICS SUCCESS WITH TOP COACHING TALENT, FACILITIES

The men’s tennis team was one of two Big Red teams to celebrate NCAA championships in 2025. The men’s swimming team captured its sixth national title earlier in the year.

Dave Jonas ’78 swelled with pride watching the live stream of his alma mater win the NCAA Division III men’s tennis title on May 22, 2025. “Several of my former Denison tennis teammates were watching the match, and we were texting back and forth,” said Jonas, a two-time team MVP and NCAA qualifier. “We were elated.” Players, coaches, and athletic administrators receive much of the credit for on-field success. But remarkable academic years like 2024-25, which saw the Big Red win two national titles in tennis and swimming and diving and record four other NCAA top-8 finishes, don’t happen without the selfless contributions of donors making gifts to the athletic program. Jonas, a lawyer, former government official and retired Marine Corps officer, is a prime example. His generosity helped fuel the rise of the men’s tennis program under coach David Schilling ’89 the past six years. “We couldn’t achieve what we have without donors like Dave Jonas,” Schilling said. “His contributions have been irreplaceable.” Jonas’ gifts have enabled the program to beef up its schedule, pay for recruiting trips, and hire an outside data analytics firm that’s usually only affordable to Division I tennis programs. His benevolence will continue after Jonas is gone. He has stipulated the tennis program is to receive a $3 million gift after his death. “David Schilling engages the alumni and makes them feel a part of what’s going on,” Jonas said. “It’s been fantastic watching their steady rise to No. 1.”

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EXPANDING FIRST-YEAR ORIENTATION TO BUILD PEER-TO-PEER CONNECTIONS Fiona Kogan ’26 recalls feelings of anxiety and homesickness the day after her Induction ceremony in 2022. She also remembers how quickly they evaporated as she joined new classmates for one of Denison’s offcampus orientation trips. “I immediately began to relax,” Kogan said. “You start to think, ‘I can do this, everything is going to be all right.’ It’s not just about making friends, it’s about getting students to feel comfortable.” This year, there were 17 adventures offered to 531 students in the Class of 2029 by the Denison FirstYear Experience office. The trips, provided at no cost, involved a wide range of options — from whitewater rafting in West Virginia to exploring caves in Kentucky, to connecting with alumni in Cleveland. Each trip included members of Denison’s faculty and staff as well as student team leaders. Kogan enjoyed her first-year orientation trip so much she’s volunteered to be one of the student team leaders the past three years. Denison used to provide a limited number of offcampus excursions. The First-Year Experience office found that students who went on the trips often transitioned with greater ease into campus life because they had spent several days making friends on the road. Four years ago, university leaders began discussing ways to expand the program — and they have, thanks to donor support. With first-year participation now mandatory, except for fall-sports varsity athletes, the numbers have more than doubled since 2023.

DELIVERING ACCESS TO TOP RESOURCES FOR HOLISTIC WELLNESS Raising four children, R ichard and Cali Smith Cali Smith said. “It’s such an important part of campus.” appreciate the importance of quality health care. It’s Beyond providing medical services, the Smiths love why they made a gift to support the Ann and Thomas Hoaglin’s emphasis on mental wellness. William and Hoaglin Wellness Center. Mary Smith ’23 were on campus during the pandemic, The facility, opened in 2022, is home to medical and and the family witnessed the psychological strain Covid counseling services where students can see a primary had on some students. care provider, mental health clinician, psychiatrist, or “We’re cognizant of mental-health issues that students nutritionist. encounter,” said Richard Smith, whose daughter, Gwyn Cali Smith was pleased with the care their son, ’29, is a first-year student. “We thought Hoaglin’s focus on William Smith ’22, received at Denison’s previous it was an extremely good idea and we wanted to back it.” medical facility in Whisler Hall when he was diagnosed The parents’ generosity, which also includes support with mono. She also understood why the campus needed of athletics and The Reporting Project, has become a larger and more comprehensive wellness center. contagious within the family. William and Mary now The Hoaglin Center not only established a hub for donate to their alma mater. health and wellness-centered activities on campus, “We live in Granville, but it wasn’t until William took it also expanded these services through Denison’s his campus visit that we fully understood the gift we partnership with Ohio State University Wexner Medical have in our backyard,” Cali Smith said. “That’s why it’s Center, one of the region’s leading health systems. important for us to give.” “Why would we not help the new wellness center?” DENISON MAGAZINE

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First-year students had the option of 17 off-campus orientation experiences designed to help them build connections. Some toured the Columbus Crew stadium, while others went go-karting.

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ALUM NI N ET WORK FOR LIFE

STRENGTHENING A LIFELONG COMMUNITY FOR A THRIVING DENISON. Denison is not just a place — it’s a lifelong network that grows stronger with every graduating class. Nearly 40,000 alumni

graduation, offering alumni access to advising, events, and a robust professional network. From reimagined reunions to regional gatherings, the goal is

around the world carry The Hill with them, forming a community

simple: to keep the Denison experience alive and evolving long

that spans time zones, industries, and generations.

after Commencement. Supporting this campaign priority helps

Enhancing the alumni experience means deepening those

sustain a powerful, purpose-driven community for life.

connections and creating new ways for Denisonians to learn, collaborate, and give back to one another and to the college. New initiatives are expanding opportunities for professional networking, mentoring, and lifelong learning. Collaborations with the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration will extend Denison’s signature approach to career readiness beyond

“It doesn’t matter if we went to Denison at the same time, we have a lifelong connection to each other and to Denison.” — JERYL HAYES ’04

CONNECTIONS AND CAREER SUPPORT AFTER GRADUATION “I truly believe we have one of the best alumni groups anywhere.” – RILEY BEL BRUNO ’22

Denison’s willingness to educate, mentor, and connect doesn’t end when a student walks across the stage at Commencement. Riley Bel Bruno ’22 can attest to that, having made a successful career pivot in 2024. Bel Bruno spent nearly two years in sales before wanting to transition into marketing. She reconnected with the K nowlton Center for Career Exploration, where she worked part-time as a senior peer coach, for guidance. A career coach encouraged her to tap into Denison’s vast alumni network and engage those with marketing experience. She spoke to about 65 people during her factfinding mission, including Andrew Knerr ’10, a director for product marketing at American Express in New York. “I learned how important and fun informational interviews can be,” Bel Bruno said. “I started getting into a groove and asking creative questions like ‘What podcasts do you listen to?’” Knerr connected Bel Bruno with some colleagues, and in the summer of 2024 she landed a position as a marketing operations analyst. A year later, American Express made her a senior analyst in customer growth marketing. “Everyone has been so incredibly willing to help,” Bel Bruno said. “I truly believe we have one of the best alumni groups anywhere.”

Riley Bel Bruno ’22 reconnected with the Knowlton Center to help with a career transition.

Natalie Zaravella Gerlach ’20 developed a program in which students make annual visits to the JPMorganChase office in Columbus.

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REIMAGINING THE WAY WE CONNECT WITH OUR ALUMNI COMMUNITY

ENHANCING THE VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE AND STUDENT SUCCESS

Natalie Zaravella Gerlach ’20 had barely left Denison when she began exploring ways to give back. “I credit Denison for giving me the foundation to start the next phase of my life both professionally and personally,” said Gerlach, a JPMorganChase project manager on the corporate location management team. Several years ago, Gerlach teamed with the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration to develop a program in which 25 students make annual visits to the JPMorganChase office in Columbus, Ohio. The students hear from Denison alums working for the company and meet with recruiters. These visits have led to a significant number of internships and job opportunities. “Natalie has really advocated for Denison at JPMorganChase,” said Jessica Hall, an industry partnership director at the Knowlton Center. “She connects with students and comes back to campus for panels.” Gerlach, a double major in global commerce and economics, was honored by the university during Big Red Weekend 2025. She was among the first 12 recipients of the Young Alumni Impact Award, which recognizes early career achievements, community service and continued commitment to the college. The former All-American swimmer, who married her college sweetheart, Eric Gerlach ’20, said the global commerce department and Knowlton Center played vital roles in helping her land summer internships. The JPMorganChase career track that she and Hall created is Gerlach’s way of saying thanks to Denison, while also developing a talent pipeline for her company, which has offices across the nation. “It’s important to stay connected to my alma mater, and hope that some other students can have great experiences like the ones I enjoyed,” she said.

Charlotte Mattimoe ’23 says you never know who might be seated next to you at a ReMix gathering. In Mattimoe’s case, it was her future employer. Denison is renowned for successful alums willing to help students in their career search. ReMix: Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Disruption is a keystone event in which alums from various industries and backgrounds return to campus annually to offer career-shaping advice. In fall 2022, Mattimoe and her friend found two open seats next to Kevin Chase ’92, a chief development officer at Vanguard Renewables in Massachusetts. Mattimoe and Chase struck up a conversation about their time at Denison. It turned out his daughter, Madison Chase ’28, planned to attend the university and play for the women’s lacrosse team for which Mattimoe was a manager. “It was a happy coincidence,” said Mattimoe, who majored in biology and minored in mathematics. “His company sounded really interesting, and he essentially told me he’d love to mentor me with the idea of potentially working at Vanguard.” In spring 2023, Mattimoe received a call from Vanguard, a leader in the nation’s organic waste-to-renewable energy movement, and Chase walked her through the interview process. A few months later, she was hired full-time in the company’s operations department. Bringing the story full circle, Mattimoe has since returned to campus to participate in a ReMix event to speak with current students. “Denison students are hard-working people, and it’s why they are in demand,” Mattimoe said. “That ReMix event in 2022 helped launch my career.”

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LEFT TO RIGHT: Nelson Griggs ’93, president of NASDAQ, at a recent Denison campaign kickoff event in New York City. Ali Gakenheimer ‘20 was among the gathered alums. Denison alums and current students came together for the NYC festivities.

SC AN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALUMNI NET WORK FOR LIFE .

BY TO M R EED

SU PPLYIN G THE DEM AND DENISON CREATES NEXT-GEN FINANCE MAJOR, ENRICHED BY THE LIBERAL ARTS

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THE UNIVERSITY’S ABILITY TO PUT ITS F U T U R E - F O C U S E D S TA M P O N M A J O R S H A S P R O V E N H I G H LY S U C C E S S F U L . IT LOOKS TO DO THE SAME WITH ITS NEW FINANCE MAJOR.

ssociate Professor Jessica Bean knew business-minded Denison students would be delighted with the creation of a dedicated finance major. There had been growing interest in more coursework in the rapidly expanding field. What Bean, the chair of the economics department, had not anticipated was the feedback from alumni working in the f inancial sector. Since the general faculty approved the new major in September 2025, Bean and others in the Economics Department have received congratulator y emails, phone calls, and offers of assistance. “The alums are coming out of the woodwork with excitement for what we’re doing here,” Bean said. “I’m getting random emails f rom people ask ing, ‘What can I do?’ or, ‘Can I come visit your class?’ The engagement has been terrif ic. I have never had as many meetings with alumni.” The glowing response from students and alumni alike is a testament to the hard work of the entire Economics Department to make the new major a reality. Professors listened to feedback, recognized trends, marshalled their resources, and built a dynamic finance major from existing and newly created classes. It’s another example of Denison staying at the forefront of higher education while remaining true to its liberal arts mission and values. “This will give us the opportunity to be a leader in the finance space at liberal arts institutions,” said Associate Professor Emily Marshall ’10, director of quantitative initiatives. “The finance major will have the technical aspects students need to succeed in a highly quantitative field, but taught in our own innovative way.” Denison previously offered a financial concentration within economics, but elevated it to major status after more than a year of research, curriculum building, and the addition of a third professor to teach financial courses. The university saw significant opportunities to spark student interest and boost career placements and internships in the diverse field. Finance involves money management in areas such DENISON MAGAZINE

as investing, saving, borrowing, and budgeting to achieve financial goals. Its popularity as a major is driven by an increased demand for financial expertise, high earning potential, and the industry’s rapid evolution with new technology. In 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated the financial sector will experience a faster rate of job growth than the average of all occupations over the next 10 years. Finance is also considered the most appealing and stable sector to work in among 18 to 25 year olds, according to a 2023 report from the CFA Institute, a nonprofit focused on financial education. “Finance has become a bigger part of the macroeconomy; it’s become a bigger part of economic institutions,” Marshall said. “Students realize this, and more of them are interested in it. We’re responding to what the students want, what they want to do, and evolving oppor tunities in the workplace.” Denison is just the t h i r d u n i v e r s it y i n the top-50 liberal arts colleges, as ranked by U. S . Ne ws & Wo rl d Report, to offer finance as a major. The publication recently ranked Denison No. 34 among l ib e r a l a r t s i n s t it u tions, rising 21 places since 2016, and No. 1 in Ohio. Denison is also listed as the No. 4 most innovative national liberal arts college for the second year in a row. Of the universit y’s 80 graduates with an economics degree last year, 25 were enrolled in the finance concentration. However, the two requisite courses were typically only available to juniors and seniors. “I kept hearing two things from students,” said Hyun Woong Park, an associate professor of economics who teaches finance courses. “They wish they could have taken these classes earlier, and they often asked, ‘Are there more finance classes I can take?’” DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

“What finance really did was pull me out of theories and give me a scope for the current world… That’s when the world became more of a complete picture.” – JULIE ZHAO ‘24

Associate Professor Jessica Bean has been Economics Department chair since 2021.

“THE FUTURE WILL BE SHAPED BY PEOPLE WHO CAN THINK BROADLY AND BOLDLY.” — P R E S I D E N T A DA M W E I N B E R G ( 2 0 1 6)

Hyun Woong Park, an associate professor of economics, says the skills students learn in finance courses “can be very flexible and used elsewhere — not just in finance.”

“With finance, it’s interesting to think about how a highly technical major could be done better than a lot of other places in a liberal arts environment.” – EMILY MARSHALL ’10

The new major doubles the number of f inance course requirements. They include: Principles of Finance; Money, Finance, and the Macroeconomy; Corporate Finance; and a senior capstone. Students will now typically start the finance course sequence in their sophomore year. “Waiting to take your first real finance class in your junior year was too late in terms of the internship process, which often starts during your sophomore year,” Bean said. “And then taking the more advanced finance class in your senior year — and often in spring of your senior year — is not actually really helping in a job search.” ‘ B R E A D T H O F K N OW L E D G E ’

The financial economics concentration was added in 2016, a seismic year for the university in terms of curriculum. Denison unveiled three new majors: data analytics, global commerce, and health, exercise, and sport studies (HESS). The university was among the first liberal arts colleges to offer a data analytics major. All three majors are deeply interdisciplinary, a hallmark of a Denison education. All three rank among the university’s top-10 for graduates in recent years. “The future will belong to people who can think across disciplines and who can adapt to change,” President Adam Weinberg said in 2016 as he introduced the new majors and concentrations. “I worry tremendously about national trends to train students narrowly within a field or discipline. The future will be shaped by people who can think broadly and boldly.”

Since 2016, Denison has also added journalism, applied math, and legal studies to its roster of academic prog ra ms. Ma ny of them, in one for m or another, are offered at colleges across the nation, but Denison’s interdisciplinary approach, small class sizes, and outstanding faculty set it apart. “Adam has done an amazing job of taking a really strong liberal arts college and making it stronger,” Bean said. “He identified existing strengths and, in talking with faculty, asked how we could build on those strengths and integrate them into new curriculum.” Like many Denison majors, finance has a distinctly interdisciplinary emphasis. It’s a stand-alone major housed in the economics department, and requires its students to take economics courses. In fact, students in economics, finance, global commerce, data analytics, and philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) all must take introductory classes in macro and microeconomics. “With finance, it’s interesting to think about how a highly technical major could be done better than a lot of other places in a liberal arts environment,” Marshall said, “because our students are getting this breadth of knowledge from so many academic areas.” Bean said finance majors will not focus exclusively on “theories and numbers,” but incorporate the same broadbased learning from across the Denison curriculum. “Finance students will be taught historical backgrounds, social context, critical thinking, and the ethical consideration for applying what they learn,” Bean said.

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DENISON ADDS SPORTS ANALYTICS TO ITS DATA ANALYTICS PORTFOLIO T H E N E W D O M A I N P R O M O T E S T H R E E T R A C K S : H E A LT H A N D H U M A N M O V E M E N T, P E R F O R M A N C E A N A LY T I C S , A N D S P O R T S E C O N O M I C S A N D S O C I E T Y.

ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE

Julie Zhao ’24 is one of f ive Denison graduates working in the Salt Lake City off ice of Goldman Sachs. The Big Red alums meet for lunch and occasionally talk about their time on The Hill. Zhao, who earned degrees in economics and psychology, cherished her Denison experience and says she would have considered finance as a major had it been offered. “What finance really did was pull me out of theories and give me a scope for the current world,” said Zhao, who took the two finance classes offered at the time. “I was able to connect the history of how economics developed and how finance played such an important part. That’s when the world became more of a complete picture.” Zhao is happy current Denison students will have the option to major in finance. First-years and sophomores who are majoring in economics may also switch to finance, Bean said. The university plans to incorporate Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) topics into lessons, Park said, and students will be encouraged to participate in the CFA Research Challenge and the CFA Stock Pitch Challenge. The universit y has nine Bloomberg terminals, which give students access to financial data and real-time analysis. “Finance is what makes the economy grow and work and operate,” Park said. “It’s a signif icant, indispensable part of the economy. The skills that you learn in these finance courses can be very f lexible and used elsewhere — not just in finance.” Zhao, a pr ivate wealth management analyst, believes finance is a perfect fit for Denison. “I can’t say enough good things about how liberal arts impacted me in a positive way,” Zhao said. “I continue to grow, my world continues to expand, and the education never ends. Finance as a major at Denison will give students who are curious and explorative an opportunity to ready themselves for a good career.” DENISON MAGAZINE

The term sports analytics conjures images of Moneyball , datadriven material designed to improve athletic performance, game-day strategy, and talent evaluation. But Professor Dan Homan, director of the data analytics program, said sports analytics has a much broader application, and his department’s newest domain reflects that mission. Sports analytics becomes the eighth domain within the data analytics major. It was approved by the general faculty at its October 2025 meeting. “This domain will not be narrowly focused,” Homan said. “It is focused on many different areas that sports intersect with our lives. ” Students in the sports analytics domain can follow one of three tracks: health and human movement, performance analytics, and sports economics and society. The domain will collaborate with several departments, including mathematics, economics, computer science, and health, exercise and sport studies (HESS). “It shows you how wide the scope for sports analytics is,” Homan said. Data analytics majors are required to declare a domain that applies the skills they’re learning in a real-world context toward a summer experience and a senior independent project. The domain options are: biology, economics, earth & environmental sciences, philosophy, sustainability & environmental studies, physics, psychology, and sports analytics. Students also have the option to build their own domain by submitting an individualized three-to-four-course elective plan that includes one analytics-intensive course. In the past, Homan said some students designed a sports analytics elective domain. “The new domain gives students a concrete path to something they already were working toward,” he said. “It’s now a well-defined path without re-inventing the wheel. I think students who are considering it may now be more willing to make it their domain.” Homan credits Associate Professor of Economics Emily Marshall ’10, the director of quantitative initiatives, for helping develop the domain. The liberal arts approach to data analytics emphasizes a wide range of required courses that easily allow for career pivots within the growing field. Data analytics students use their knowledge to assist departments across campus. HESS has hired students to work on sports-related research. Beau Scott, director of sports performance and head coach of strength and conditioning, employs five data analytics students each year. The university has several high-profile alums working in the field of professional sports analytics, Including: Alex Mysiw ’15, director of analytics for the Columbus Crew; Jill Reiner ’22, hockey research and development analyst for the Toronto Maple Leafs; and Matt Iammarino ’18, football analytics developer for the Tennessee Titans. BY TOM REED

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A RENEWED DRIVE TO A NEW ERA AT DENISON DOANE HALL R E NOVATION CR E ATE D THE OPP ORTU NIT Y TO U P G R ADE PR E SIDE NTS’ DRIVE

t the top of Presidents’ Drive, the newly restored, treelined road up The Hill, a new sign of Denison’s innovation and momentum is taking shape. Construction on Dale and Tina Knobel Hall, formerly Doane Hall, is underway and on schedule to meet an anticipated fall 2026 opening. Denison’s renovation and expansion will transform the space into a state-of-the-art campus hub devoted to integrating data across the curriculum. One of the most prominent and historic buildings on campus, the former Doane Hall has been renamed in recognition of a lead gift from the Sherman Fairchild Foundation to support the building’s renovation, made in honor of President Emeritus Dale Knobel and his wife, Tina. Denisonians Wally Burke ’71 (also a Denison life trustee) and President Emeritus Knobel are members of the foundation. A second lead gift from Emily Hauser King ’63 and Robert E. King will establish the Emily Hauser King and Robert E. King

Center for Data and Innovation, a new addition that anchors the expanded facility. The building will house Denison’s computer science and data analytics departments and serve as a campus-wide resource for courses in applied mathematics, digital humanities, financial economics, and data for political research. Students, faculty, and visitors will enter Knobel Hall and the King Center through the building’s original doors, beneath the iconic sandstone archway. Terrazzo f loors and wood-clad walls will lend a natural touch to high-tech areas. Large windows will flood spaces with light and open expansive views to Swasey Chapel and the Academic Quad. Exterior finishes on the addition will meld with the 1890s brick and sandstone, and the original building’s east exterior wall will be exposed in the new spaces. “This is a defining moment for Denison,” said President Adam Weinberg. “This will help propel Denison graduates

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into successful lives and careers. Every single profession that our students will go into will be impacted by technology, data, large datasets, and artificial intelligence.” Weinberg said the new center will empower Denison graduates to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by data while staying true to the liberal arts tradition that grounds their education. “The liberal arts give the data sciences their heart, their soul, and their greatness,” he said. “Our students will not only master technical skills but also learn to ask the right questions, tell compelling stories, and lead with integrity.” The extensive construction project, which necessitated a 12-week closure of Presidents’ Drive to enable the delivery of construction materials for Knobel Hall, opened new possibilities for Denison’s iconic entrance to campus. Reconstructing Presidents’ Drive involved removing the existing road to a depth of two feet, installing new drainage, building a new stone foundation, and finishing with over eight inches of asphalt. The drive has also been widened to a consistent 20 feet, improving safety and access. Using materials inspired by campus architecture — including red brick, limestone, and blue stone pavers — the reinvigorated entryway feels like a natural extension of The Hill, said Jake Preston, director of physical plant and capital projects. “Presidents’ Drive is embedded in the memories of countless Denisonians,” Preston said. “It’s our visitors’ first experience on campus, we want to restore that first impression and renew that sense of arrival to Denison.”

A novel view of Swasey from Knobel Hall, framed by construction girders for the new addition.

A BOLD NEW ENTR ANCE HARKENS T O D E N I S O N ’ S H I S T O RY

Denison’s campus has continually evolved since its 1831 inception as the Granville Literar y and Theological Institution. In Denison University, 1831-1931: A Centennial History, Denison Professor and Trustee Francis W. Shepardson noted that the main campus grew from “24 acres, nearly half of it being a grove of old forest trees” to the 350-acre campus today, including dozens of beautification projects. Eugene J. Barney, Denison Trustee 1881-1917, was responsible for adding several charming settings on The Hill at his own expense, including Davis Plaza, just south of the Academic Quad overlooking College Street. Barney’s dedication to Denison was a legacy of his father, Eliam E. Barney, a Denison trustee who had been a professor of classics at Granville College before it was renamed Denison University. Though Eliam Barney had moved his family to Dayton, where he had established a successful railroad car manufacturing company, Barney’s son, Eugene, retained his father’s high regard for the college. In addition to numerous beautification projects, Eugene donated Barney-Davis Hall, formerly known as the Barney Memorial Science Hall, to Denison in 1984 in honor of his father, who died in 1880. DENISON MAGAZINE

Aerial view of Knobel Hall and King Center for Data and Innovation.

Hardharts are de rigour while touring the facility.

GRAND ARCHWAYS THE GATEWAYS WERE EMBELLISHED WITH

QUOTATIONS TO “AWAKEN AND STIMULATE THE MINDS OF STUDENTS.”

BURG STREET ENTRANCE • Languages are no more than the keys of sciences • He who despises one • slights the other • ATTRIBUTED TO THE FRENCH PHILOSOPHER JEAN DE LA BRUYERE

• Dost thou love life • Then do not squander time • for that is the stuff life is made of • THIS APHORISM IS ATTRIBUTED TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND FIRST APPEARED IN POOR RICHARD’S ALMANACK.

In 1908, when Denison’s student count of 584 was “the highest number on record,” Barney installed the two familiar grand archways along College Avenue at the Burg Street curve and adjacent to Bryant (then Cleveland) Hall. Barney also had constructed a third, “most elaborate” entrance, at the top of today’s Presidents’ Drive. The new entryway celebrates innovation while paying homage to Barney’s vision. Knobel Hall’s modern glass walls will overlook a green hillside and Presidents’ Drive. Wide stairs, reminiscent of the 1908 entrance, will lead up a gentle slope to terraces where students can learn in an outdoor classroom or enjoy some sunshine between classes. A sidewalk winding around the Denison University wall creates a location for first-year and graduation selfies. Plantings, also heavily used in Barney’s plan, will provide a softening counterpoint to the architecture, as well as year-round color and interest. “Our architects have accomplished something very special on this project,” Preston said. “They approached a beautiful old building with respect and innovation, and created an arrival that will resonate with Denisonians for years to come.”

BRYANT HALL ENTRANCE • The Heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden f light • But they while their companions slept • were toiling upward in the night • FROM HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW’S POEM, THE LADDER OF ST. AUGUSTINE.

• Work • Feed thyself • to thine own powers appeal • nor whine out woes • thine own right hand can heal •

THE FORMER GRAND ENTRANCE, the “Avenue Gate,” as it was called in Shepardson’s book, was in place through 1964, when it was torn down as part of a larger Academic Quad update that included the construction of Fellows Hall and widening the underpass beneath the Chapel Walk bridge to accommodate sidewalks.

Fletcher O. Marsh’s home, now the location of Reese House.

A L O N G A N D W I N D I N G R OA D TO THE TOP OF THE HILL

It’s difficult to imagine visiting Denison without ascending Presidents’ Drive, but when the college first opened for classes, it quite literally wasn’t on the map. Instead, campus was entered via Burg Street through the West Gate entrance, near today’s Shorney Hall. Denison Professor and one-time acting President Fletcher O. Marsh orchestrated the current entrance off Main and College streets in 1867. Marsh’s home was on the site of what is now Reese House. Its location may have spurred him to act on his vision of an elegant, curved entryway to campus. In 1867, he purchased the acreage, surveyed the sinuous road, and donated that land to the college. Denison constructed the drive, and in a shrewd move, Marsh sold the acreage, minus the portion he deeded to Denison, for the original purchase price. His road was quickly adopted as the main entrance to campus.

FROM A POEM TITLED THE PARISH REGISTER WRITTEN BY GEORGE CRABB.

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LEFT: Construction of the Marsh driveway cost $300 in 1867. BELOW: The approach off College Avenue, prior to the addition of the brick pillars and plaza in 1931, to honor the college’s 100th anniversary.

A R OA D BY A N Y O T H E R N A M E

For many years, Marsh’s entryway was named College Avenue. Records surrounding the change to Presidents’ Drive are unclear. Denison Archives places the official name change between 1930 and 1960. On Arbor Day 1931, elms were planted along the drive, and small plaques honoring each president were installed. This may be the source of the road name today, but for several decades until the mid-1960s, maps indicated “Main Drag” was the name of choice.

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Soon, a roadway that has welcomed generations of students, families, faculty, staff, alums, and notable visitors to The Hill will be crowned with a symbol of Denison’s cont i nua l for wa rd-look i ng approach — bridging the liberal arts with cutting-edge technology and preparing students to lead in fields yet to be imagined. A plaque on Presidents’ Drive honoring Denison President Alfred Owen 1879-1886.

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M I C R O I N T E R N S H I P S PAY B I G D IVI D E N DS FO R S T U D E NT S A N D ALUMS . NEW DENISON PROGR AM PAIRS FIRST-YEAR AND SOPHOMORE S T U D E N T S W I T H S H O R T-T E R M PROJEC TS THAT BUILD RE SUME S AND CONFIDENCE .

BY THEODORE DECKER

ttorney Lauren Sabo ’11 values the educational foundation and critical thinking skills that Denison instilled in her. “It’s the perfect background for law and advocacy work,” she said. Always looking for ways to stay connected to the college that helped shape her career, Sabo signed up for a new Denison program that connects younger students with microinternships, most of which are offered by alums working in a wide range of careers, from film production to law. The paid microinternships are typically 40-hour projects. “I work with a lot of young professionals and students in my education law practice, so mentoring a Denison

student through a short-term, hands-on project was a natural fit,” Sabo said. She was paired w ith Nhat Linh Dang ’2 8, a communication and international studies major. Dang spent part of her summer working on the social media accounts and website of Sabo Law LLC, a Columbusbased firm that represents students, families, and educators across Ohio in matters involving special education, disability rights, and juvenile criminal representation. Dang, an international student, was able to work the entire microinternship remotely, while home in Vietnam for the summer. “This experience confirmed for me that I want to pursue a career path where I combine creative strategy with helping organizations and institutions communicate their vision,” Dang said. “It gave me confidence that the skills I’m developing can be applied across multiple pathways.” Denison’s microinternship program is an extension of the college’s philosophy that career readiness is essential for all students, and the path to it should begin early in the college experience.

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INTERNSHIPS

New national rankings show Denison rising in multiple categories, reflecting the college’s growing momentum and affirming its position as the nation’s premier liberal arts college for career preparation. The latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report show that Denison has risen from No. 36 to No. 34 on its list of top national liberal arts colleges, a jump of 21 places since 2016. Denison also climbed to No. 2 for best career services and No. 4 for best classroom experience among all 2,400 four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. in The Princeton Review’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings. The microinternship program began as a pilot with four students during winter break of the 2024-25 school year, said Jessica Hall and Jodi Pavol, directors of industry partnership at the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration. K nowlton e x pa nded t he prog r a m i n su m mer 2 025, when Denison st udents worked on 32 microinternship projects. “The majority of our microinternship projects were hosted by Denison alumni, so the students had the chance to do real-world projects with other Denisonians,” Pavol said. “It’s a win for both of them, and it’s a win for DENISON MAGAZINE

Denison because this is a great way to engage our alumni.” Ask any student, and they’ll tell you that the search for internships can be stressful and highly competitive. Microinternships provide younger students with a competitive edge earlier in their college careers, Pavol said. “We specifically limited the program to first- and second-year students, because we wanted to create an opportunity for students who might be less competitive, simply because they’re younger and they have less experience at that point,” Pavol said. “This helps students get some experience and a connection to an alum who might become a mentor for them. “Through opportunities like this, they have this resume-building experience, they have this connection, they have a project they can talk about and discuss in an interview situation about how they used their skills,” she said. “It really gives them great exposure to what a full internship might be like.” Denison coordinated the program with Parker Dewey, a n on l i ne plat for m t hat pa i r s s t udent s w it h microinternship opportunities. But Denison took the idea further than many colleges by seeking out DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

“This experience confirmed for me that I want to pursue a career path where I combine creative strategy with helping organizations and institutions communicate their vision.” – NHAT LINH DANG ’28

“You can spend a lot of hours on something, and the plug gets pulled on it and it doesn’t see the light of day. But the experience is still valuable.” – TOM RICHNER ’97

Tom Richner ’97 a longtime storyboard artist for The Simpsons calls microinternships a great resource for alums and students alike.

alumni to participate and covering the cost of the paid microinternships. “Any school can tell their students to go on Parker Dewey to find a microinternship, but Denison invested in it so that it was an exclusive program just for Denison students,” Hall said. “This gives us another way to connect students to alumni who want to give back, and Denison really stepped up to fund it.” Interested students could choose from a range of projects offered by various businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations. “They were very diverse in terms of the range of experiences that students had access to,” Pavol said. “The program is perfect for alums who maybe didn’t have quite enough work for a full-blown summer internship but had a great project that a student could do.”

The microinternship he arranged felt serendipitous to Tori Robbie ’27, who had recently taken a course on — and an interest in — grant writing while at Denison. She and Richner worked on the grant proposal for several weeks. “I wasn’t shocked at all that she would do a great job,” Richner said. “But she really went above and beyond.” The project didn’t go exactly as planned; Ohio froze the grants they were seeking before awarding any money. But Richner is optimistic the state will reopen the grants, and they can eventually submit their proposal. “It sounds like it was a temporary pause,” he said. Even that setback provided a learning opportunity for Robbie. “You can spend a lot of hours on something, and the plug gets pulled on it and it doesn’t see the light of day,” Richner said. “But the experience is still valuable.” Robbie said she gleaned insights into writing and the grant application process. “It can be difficult, but at the same time rewarding as you figure it out,” she said. At Sabo Law, Dang helped manage the firm’s social media accounts and update the appearance of its website. “Linh came in eager to learn, asked thoughtful questions, and contributed meaningfully to ongoing projects,” Sabo said. “As an alum, it was deeply rewarding to see how Denison continues to produce Tom Richner ’97, a longtime storyboard artist for The students who are not only bright but curious, reflective, Simpsons, sought an intern to draft a grant proposal for and community-minded.” a short film project in the works at Cap City Studios, his Dang said the project aligned with much of what she Columbus-based animation production studio. was learning in classes at Denison and introduced her to “This really is a neat program,” Richner said. “It’s a the practice of law, something she knew little about. great resource for a company looking for some help, and I “I built a really good connection with Lauren,” she said. love that they’re paid internships for students to do some “As a sophomore, I’m still working on my resume for work and make some money. Hopefully it’s a program bigger internships. These opportunities help me to gain that can continue to grow.” a lot of experience.” Sabo called the microinternship “a wonderful balance — manageable in scope for both sides but still impactful and meaningful. “I’d definitely participate again and encourage other alumni employers to do the same,” she said. “Denison’s continued investment in connecting students with alumni through programs like this is exactly what sets it apart. It’s not just about building resumes — it’s about fostering real mentorship and professional curiosity.”

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THE FUTURE OF AI IS HERE AS HIGHER EDUC ATION GRAPPLES WITH THE IMPACT OF AI, DENISON IS AT WORK BLAZING A NEW TR AIL

s AI imposes a generational shift in how people live, learn, and work, Denison — informed by its vast network of alumni and employers, as well as several years of preparation to its advantage — is embracing the technology as a valuable tool for teaching and preparing students for careers. “AI is reshaping how students arrive prepared to learn, how they expect to be taught, and what they need to know, including the need to develop new forms of digital fluency,” said President Adam Weinberg. Having spent years focused on the intersection of academic innovation and workforce readiness, Denison, he said, is uniquely suited for this moment. Technologists predict thriving in the age of AI is less about mastering a single technology and more about cultivating the intellectual agility, ethical grounding, and DENISON MAGAZINE

creative confidence to connect ideas across disciplines and adapt as technology evolves. That’s the essence of a liberal arts education. Still, the moment demands an evolved approach for higher education. Every student, regardless of major, should graduate fully competent in analyzing and presenting data. This is Denison’s aim, which is supported by the fall 2026 opening of the Emily Hauser King and Robert E. King Center for Data and Innovation, through routine faculty engagement and pedagogical experimentation, as well as leading broader conversations with its higher education peers. “We are teaching students how to think critically about AI, use it ethically, and apply it creatively and strategically,” Provost Kim Coplin ’85 said. DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

“We are teaching students how to think critically about AI, use it ethically, and apply it creatively and strategically.” – PROVOST KIM COPLIN

BY GINNY SHARKEY

comprehensive and nuanced, rather than just complete?” and, “Is it objective?” Denison faculty have the freedom to decide if and how they use AI. “We’re not telling our faculty to use AI in every class,” Thompson said. “We have to experiment, to be brave, try different things, and share with each other.” “We have to put it all out there.” L E A D E R S H I P I N H I G H E R E D U C AT I O N

Kristi Wellington-Baker, Amazon Web Services Higher Education Strategy (left) with Denison Vice President and Chief Information Officer Liv Gjestvang.

“Used well, AI can complement critical thinking and intellectual curiosity, and support the growth of our own workforce.” – LIV GJESTVANG

A H E A D O F T H E C U RV E

At Denison, faculty members are embracing AI with equal parts innovation and careful deliberation, continually experimenting and discovering new opportunities. “We’ve been working on this for a couple of years, and we are way ahead of the curve,” said Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Biology Jeff Thompson. At a recent higher education leadership conference, Thompson was both “heartened and dismayed” to find that most of his peers at other colleges were just beginning to think about AI or “bogged down in ‘how we police it.’” Denison, he said, has progressed to a deeper and more nuanced — as well as practical — level of discussion. This fall, the faculty held a symposium to share their collective insights and approaches to teaching and learning using new AI tools and technology. Symposium presentations offered a window into some of the many ways professors innovate their classes through AI. They ranged across natural and social sciences, humanities, and the arts, from prompt engineering to using AI for data analysis and visualizing literary text. The AI strategies are compiled in a new online faculty resource, Denison’s Faculty Handbook: Integrating AI in Teaching and Learning. In her session, titled “Steal My Idea: How to reinvent the traditional essay with AI,” Malliga Och, associate professor of politics and public affairs, offered a new way to engage students in writing assignments. She says that by asking students to evaluate an AI definition of a key concept, they can “demonstrate their knowledge of key concepts while learning about AI weaknesses.” Och suggested using large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and shared an AI analysis rubric and a list of questions for students to ask when reading AI-created content, such as “Is the information

As Denison continues to experiment with various AI approaches on campus, it’s also leading conversations, alongside its industry partners, for its higher education peers. Partnering with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Denison invited a select group of higher education institutions to participate in an AI Certified Futures Summit in October. Representatives from Bates, Bowdoin, Davidson, Penn State, Williams, as well as other colleges and universities attended the three-day event, where they discussed how to structure secure AI platforms, AI strategies for higher education, and AI certification programs for their campuses. “The higher education mission is even more important with the advent of AI,” said Liv Gjestvang, Denison vice president and chief information officer. “Used well, AI can complement critical thinking and intellectual curiosity, and support the growth of our own workforce.” Keynote speaker Kristi Wellington-Baker, who leads AWS’ Higher Education Strategy, discussed the many ways leaders in higher education and AI can partner on campus innovation. “AI strategies can be integrated to increase digital literacy and experiential learning, to help students access financial aid, prepare them for careers, and more,” Wellington-Baker said. Denison is partnering with AWS to create a custom AI platform, DenAI. Faculty and students are testing a pilot model that gives them secure access to generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude through a single interface. “The pilot allows us to develop some guide rails and expectations when using AI,” said Heath Hase, Denison’s senior director of innovation and technology. “We can learn what works, and our community can access higher models at a significant cost savings.” Other ways Denison is powering forward include student and staff certification programs in AI and a partnership with the Ohio Supercomputer Center that supports faculty research with high-performance computing resources.

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“AI is not just a technical tool,” Gjestvang said. “It’s challenging us to ask deeper human questions and foster new creativity. We are preparing our students for meaningful lives and careers in a future with very fast-paced technology innovation.” A I ’ S I M PAC T O N C A R E E R S E RV I C E S

Denison’s employers and alumni, who have helped inform and calibrate its career services approach for years, are communicating their needs clearly. “Employers are saying they don’t want robots,” Melanie Murphy, executive director of the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration, said. “They want to know employees can be trusted with sensitive information and can use AI ethically.” The Knowlton Center team is using AI to help students explore careers based on what they discover about themselves, Murphy said. “It’s igniting them, not telling them what to do, by giving them ideas they never thought about before.” Denison Edge, the college’s Columbus-based hub for learning workplace skills, offers certifications in AI. Red Frame Lab teaches design-thinking skills used by AI industry leaders to student entrepreneurs and student business consultants. In a new AI student ambassador program offered by Lori Robbins, who leads Denison’s AI strategies, students learn AI skills they can teach their peers and take into local workplaces, helping those businesses advance in the technology. She is also planning an AI summer camp for area students and their parents.

Matt Kretchmar, professor of computer science, is eager to partner with the King Center for a variety of supplementary skills on data, computation, coding, mathematics, and AI to help prepare students for more advanced classroom pedagogy, citing this example. “Students in my statistics course could receive supplementary training in the King Center on using AI as a technical assistant to program spreadsheets,” he said. “This would allow them to go deeper into statistical concepts.” Kretchmar is looking forward to ways the King Center can provide immediate advantages for student/faculty research projects, which often require technological skills beyond classroom learning. “Students can receive technical assistance on analyzing their datasets. For example, a student could partner with the Center to perform clustering analysis on their data to look for patterns,” he said. “The King Center will be a great resource for this.” “The life-changing benefits students will reap from the technological innovations made possible by Knobel Hall and the King Center will help propel Denison graduates into successful lives and careers,” said Weinberg. “Every single profession that our students will go into will be impacted by technology, data, large datasets, and artificial intelligence.”

“We’ve been working on this for a couple of years, and we are way ahead of the curve.” – JEFF THOMPSON

I N T E G R AT I N G DATA L I T E R AC Y

The historic Doane Administration Building is being renovated and expanded to create a center that will create a state-of-the-art home for data, technology, and innovation on Denison’s campus. The building is being renamed Dale and Tina Knobel Hall, in recognition of a lead gift from the Sherman Fairchild Foundation to support the building’s renovation, made in honor of President Emeritus Dale Knobel and his wife, Tina. The Emily Hauser King and Robert E. King Center for Data and Innovation is a new addition that will anchor the expanded facility. The building will house Denison’s computer science and data analytics departments and serve as a campus-wide resource for courses in applied mathematics, digital humanities, financial economics, and data for political research.

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AI Futures Summit attendees discussed how to structure secure AI platforms, AI strategies for higher education, and AI certification programs for their campuses.

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Highlights from The Hill DENISON RISES IN RANKINGS

A VIBRANT ARTS SCENE

The latest college rankings from U.S. News & World Report have placed Denison No. 34 among national liberal arts colleges — up 21 places since 2016 — and No. 1 in Ohio. Denison also secured its place as the No. 4 most innovative national liberal arts college for the second year and climbed 20 places to No. 29 for best undergraduate teaching. Denison also improved in the best value, social mobility, and first-year experience categories. These improvements mirror Denison’s rise in Princeton Review’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings, released in August. Among all 2,400 four-year colleges and universities in the U.S., Denison climbed to No. 2 for best career services, No. 2 for happiest students, No. 4 for best classroom experience, No. 6 for best quality of life, and No. 7 for students who love their college.

Denison’s fall arts season filled the Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts and campus performance spaces with an impressive mix of marquee performances and student showcases. The Vail Series headlined the semester with appearances by acclaimed singer-songwriter Gabriel Kahane and the internationally celebrated ensemble Les Arts Florissants, featuring violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte. M(otherhood)s, an exhibition at the Denison Museum shaped in collaboration with Denison faculty and students, brought together more than a millennium of art, poetry, and film to explore the many ways mothering takes form across cultures and generations. Student artists also took center stage, with the theatre department’s production of Rules for Living and the dance program’s original concert, Rare Birds, both earning strong campus and community audiences. The season also featured standout performances from the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and the music theatre program’s production of Lucky Stiff, rounding out a semester that celebrated both professional artistry and student creativity.

DENISON NAMED ‘DREAM SCHOOL’

Best-selling author Jeffrey Selingo — whose award-winning writing on higher education has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post — has named Denison an institution that gets higher education right in his new book Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You. Selingo lauds Denison’s focus on relationship building and investment in data analysis across disciplines. The college’s commitment to career-readiness within a liberal arts construct makes it a clear “hidden value,” he writes. At a book launch party hosted by Denison in September, Selingo said Denison “had all the elements of a dream school. It’s all happening here.” Dream School debuted at No. 7 on The New York Times Bestseller List.

CAREER EXPO DRAWS BIG BRANDS Denison’s third Big Red Career Expo in September, designed to connect students with the nation’s top employers and graduate schools, was its biggest yet, reflecting the college’s growing reputation as the nation’s premier liberal arts college for career preparation. Participating employers have increased to more than 50, including: Google, Oracle, McKinsey & Company, Bath & Body Works, Chipotle, Warner Bros. Discovery, Edelman, Bank of America, Cardinal Health, Nationwide, Ford, and regional and emerging organizations. New for 2025, an internship showcase highlighted students who completed internships over the summer and shared candid advice, from how they landed their roles to the projects they worked on.

NEW AWARD FOR YOUNG ALUMS Recipients of a new award that recognizes early career accomplishments, community service, and continued commitment to the college were honored at a luncheon during Big Red Weekend in October. The first 12 recipients of the Young Alumni Impact Award were The 2025 Denison Young Alumni Impact Award recipients: celebrated for their post-grad- • Andrea Karl Byrum ’14 • Emily Lamm ’16 uate contributions across a wide • Alexandra (Allie) Colina ’14 • Kate Ramsdell ’16 range of disciplines, including • Max Curtin ’21 • Laine Ratzer ’20 cancer research, investment • Natalie Zaravella Gerlach ’20 • Olivia Van Goor ’19 banking, jazz music, and arti- • Matthew Godley ’16 • John Wilson ’14 ficial intelligence. • Imani Holmes ’19 • Abigail Zofchak ’17

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EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVES ON THE HILL Denison is partnering with seasoned executives to provide career perspectives that complement students’ education on The Hill. The college’s new executive-in-residence program features leaders from various industries who mentor, educate, and collaborate with students, sharing insights gained through their experiences navigating complex business challenges. Denison’s inaugural executives-in-residence include: • JOHN FARACI ’72, RETIRED CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF INTERNATIONAL PAPER AND CURRENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF U.S. STEEL • OYAUMA GARRISON ’96, CEO, MARYHAVEN • DAVID HIRSH, CO-FOUNDER & CEO, ATRIUM CORP. • DONNA JAMES, PRESIDENT AND CEO, LARDON & ASSOCIATES LLC, AND CHAIRWOMAN OF THE BOARD FOR VICTORIA’S SECRET & CO. • JONATHAN RAMSDEN, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CFAO, BIG LOTS, INC., AND FORMER CFO AND THEN COO OF ABERCROMBIE & FITCH • ILARIA RAWLINS ’92, FOUNDER, PRESIDENT, AND CEO, FORTUNA BANK.

JENNIFER GARNER ’94 MADE A SURPRISE VISIT TO THE HILL IN OCTOBER TO CONNECT WITH THEATRE STUDENTS IN THE DEPARTMENT WHERE IT ALL BEGAN FOR HER. JENNIFER IS PICTURED WITH WITH MARK EVANS BRYAN ’96, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND CHAIR OF THEATRE AND DANCE.

REDISCOVER HOW DENISON STILL FEELS LIKE HOME. J U N E 11-13 , 2 0 2 6 A 50th Reunion celebration for the Class of 1976

J U N E 12-14 Celebrating the Classes of 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1986, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2016, and 2021

J U N E 12-13 Denison Forever, a dedicated program for all post-50th classes

DENISON ROLLS OUT NEW TURF Denison’s football and field hockey teams competed on a “firmer and faster” home field this past fall. The university installed new synthetic turf at Deeds Field-Piper Stadium in June 2025. Besides the new synthetic surface, the biggest change is the addition of shock padding beneath the turf. The shock padding, also installed at Kienzle-Hylbert Stadium, is a safety feature designed to soften impact. Last resurfaced in 2015, the Deeds turf installation was part of ongoing facility maintenance efforts, as the previous surface was due for replacement due to age and condition. This spring, the lacrosse teams will practice at both Kienzle-Hylbert and Deeds, allowing both squads to train simultaneously after classes and avoid one having to wait later in the evening to practice.

Registration opens in January. Early bird registration ends March 31

DENISON.EDU/REUNION

PROFESSOR SHEDS NEW LIGHT ON BLACK HOLES P

BY GINNY SHARKEY Photos: Brooke LaValley

opular lore has it that nothing can escape a black hole. Dan Homan knows better — at least for material very near the black hole. He studies the high-energy particles and radio waves that emanate from these cosmic gravity wells to gain a deeper understanding of them and their role in the universe. Homan conducts research on distant, active galaxies by recording and analyzing radio and magnetic waves. The galaxies are billions of light-years away — and they are huge. “Our galaxy is considered large,” said Homan. “But next to these, ours would seem tiny. These can be 10 to 100 times as big.” Only a very small percentage of galaxies are considered extremely “bright.” They emit high levels of energy that Homan can observe by tapping into a global network of radio telescopes. By linking the collected information, astronomers have essentially built a telescope the size of the Earth. “We can look into the very heart of distant galaxies and really see what’s going on,” he said. Homan and fellow scientists believe supermassive black holes are generating strong magnetic fields at the centers of these extremely bright galaxies. These fields are created when objects “fall” into the black

New research indicates that black holes may be the elusive source of notoriously difficultto-trace neutrinos.

hole. “As things fall into the center, they have to give up some of their energy,” Homan said. “Every time something falls in, something else has to carry away some of that energy.” That explains the phenomenon scientists call “jets,” powerful streams of plasma, with high-energy particles oscillating in magnetic fields spurting away from black holes. By tracking a jet’s bright center over time, Homan and his team can measure rates of flow. And what they see sometimes defies the laws of physics. Jets can appear to be flowing at a rate 30 or more times faster than the speed of light. Yet a fundamental principle of Einstein’s theory of special relativity states that nothing travels faster than the speed of light. What’s happening? Homan said what we are seeing is a cosmic version of the Doppler effect. Similar to how we experience the loud noise of a train barreling towards us, only to fade as it moves away, a jet’s speed can appear to be faster or slower depending on our point of view in relation to the direction of the jet. It’s really a matter of geometry, Homan said. Like the roar of an incoming train, “we’re receiving the signals faster than they were emitted, because we’re staring down the ‘throat’ of the jet.”

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MAPPING THE “EYE OF SAURON” Homan and his team track a jet’s movement by stacking maps of the data. The resulting image of one particular jet, Blazar PKS 1424+240, is stunning. “I was blown away by it,” said Homan. “My colleague calls it the ‘Eye of Sauron.’” The journey to Sauron wasn’t easy in The Lord of the Rings . That’s also true in astrophysics. Jet maps are generated by using data assembled over decades. Stitched together from multiple telescopes, the data is rife with small errors. Before it can be used, the data has to be cleaned by running it through an algorithm. That algorithm was developed at Denison, with the help of physics major Jaelyn Roth ’23, who worked on the project over two summers as a research scholar. Today, Roth is a doctoral student studying astrophysics at Vanderbilt University. Contributing to current research is one of the benefits of Denison’s small faculty-to-student ratio and robust research opportunities. “Denison students are still working on this, answering new questions,” said Homan. Roth is listed as a co-author on a paper with Homan that shares the new technique with the community. Homan and his team have recently used the technique to help reveal hidden details in PKS 1424+240. FROM BLACK HOLES TO NEUTRINOS Homan’s latest published research applies these theories to observations of neutrinos. Neutrinos are abundant fundamental particles, but they are hard to find. With no electric charge and little mass, they are difficult to observe and measure. As neutrinos pass through Earth, the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctic can map them. Their paths seem to point straight back to massive black holes. This could be a verification of their source. However, nothing is quite that simple in astrophysics. Observations of PKS 1424+240, a jet that produces high rates of neutrinos and creates gamma rays, suggest it is relatively slow. “However, the opposite should be true,” said Homan. “Much higher speeds should be needed to generate these particles and waves.” This ef fec t is called the Doppler Fac tor Crisis . Homan’s research shows that, once again, geometry holds the answer. This time, we’re seeing the train traveling straight toward us — we’re not seeing much movement, but the decibels are screechingly high. The stacked image of the jet expands like a cone over time, and we’re looking right down into its center as it DENISON MAGAZINE

moves toward us. “We know this because we can now see magnetic field lines in almost perfect circles,” Homan said. He says this near-perfect coincidence explains why scientists previously estimated speeds for this jet that were too slow to produce high-energy particles: hence the Doppler Factor Crisis. Because Homan and his collaborators can now stack these images over time, our view today tells a new story. “We now estimate its Doppler factor to be a whopping 30,” said Homan. “That would make PKS 1424+240 one of the most powerful galaxies in the sky — easily capable of producing the high-energy gamma-rays and neutrinos.“ SCIENCE IS A LONG GAME Homan is one of the founders and leaders of the MOJAVE project, a multi-decade program that has been monitoring the polarization and total intensity of jets generated by supermassive black holes since 2002. MOJAVE is run by an international team that has produced dozens of papers now highly cited in the scientific community.

“A long-term project gives you benefits you don’t get in a single experiment,” Homan said. “As we went on, everything we found raised a new question.” Over the years, many of Homan’s students have gained valuable experience by collaborating on the project. “It’s so good for students to be involved in cutting-edge research,” said Homan. True to form, this most recent paper has been published, and the work on MOJAVE continues. “Right now we’re looking at a way to measure the speed of jets over time by using more advanced data analytics techniques,” said Homan, who directs Denison’s data analytics program in addition to teaching physics. MOJAVE’s previous research was based on people looking at and interpreting maps, which is labor-intensive and subject to human bias. Homan’s new data analytics approach requires minimal human intervention. He’s excited by the results thus far. “The algorithm seems to be working and may already be detecting new information,” he said. DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

LEFT: Physics Professor Dan Homan conducts research on distant, active galaxies by recording and analyzing radio and magnetic waves. ABOVE: Homan and fellow scientists studied a time series of jet maps to develop their theory.

“It was important to me to be able to take this old, antiquated art form down off the pedestal, to hand it to the students and say, ‘No, this is for you.’” – EMILY NOËL

BY T H EODO RE D EC KER Photos: Brooke LaValley

enison Voice Instructor Emily Noël had an idea, but she wasn’t sure how many of her students would go for it. Inspired by their vocal talents, Noël suggested starting an opera ensemble in the 2024-25 school year. “I thought three people might sign up,” she said. “Maybe five, tops.” She was delighted when 15 students signed up. Nine were then seniors, members of the Class of 2025. Together, they delved into an art form that some view as challenging and inaccessible. Over the course of the workshop-style class, which culminated in a reimagined and contemporary performance of the classic opera Dido and Aeneas, they showcased the timelessness of operatic storytelling and created enough buzz to sustain the ensemble through the 2025-26 school year. “Professor Noël’s class opened the f loodgates,” Maisey Frederick ’25 said. “After we put on that show, I had people coming up to me saying, ‘How do I do this? This is so cool! How can I be a part of this?’” “There is that stereotype of opera being inaccessible, and I think that stems from the fact that opera, historically, used to be inaccessible,” said Frederick, who majored in biolog y and minored in music performance at Denison. “Opera is often seen as an exclusive and intimidating art form, something to be viewed in a large hall from a distance,” Noël said. “It was important to me to be able to take this old, antiquated art form down off the pedestal, to hand it to the students and say, ‘No, this is for you.’” Last summer, Noël went to France for six weeks of professional development, serving as assistant director for a production of Carmen in the Festival Opéra Bastide. When she returned, she found interest in the ensemble hadn’t waned. At the start of the Fall 2025 semester, she had 16 students sign up for the workshop. She has teamed up with Associate Professor of Music Sun Min Kim to teach it. A CHORUS OF DENISON The pair decided to focus on Mozart’s comic operas and to incorporate a research component that situates STUDENTS ENTHUSIthe works within a historical and cultural context. “Opera, especially Mozart’s operas, is one of my favorite ASTICALLY JOINED genres of music,” Kim said. “I once took the ‘Mozart’s comic INSTRUCTOR operas’ class in graduate school and fell in love with its expressivity, humor, and the beauty of the music.” Noël had first floated the idea of starting an ensemble to Megan Barker ’25. A double major in English and music performance while at Denison, Barker is now working toward her master’s degree in opera performance at the elite Mannes School of Music in New York. “Her operatic training here prepared her well enough that she won a lead role in an opera in her first semester (at Mannes),” Noël said. Encouraged by Barker’s endorsement of an ensemble, Noël got started and connected with 14 other interested students.

RISING

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“I was really intrigued,” said Gabe Donnelly ’25, a President’s Medalist who majored in history, minored in music performance, and sang in Chamber Singers and the a cappella group, The Hilltoppers. He is now pursuing his master’s degree in musicology at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, where he earned a place in the CCM Chamber Choir, the Conservatory’s most selective vocal ensemble. Elizabeth Lyon ’25, another President’s Medalist who played on the women’s varsity golf team, saw a link between opera and athletics. Her voice grew exponentially while training at Denison, she said, to the point that she started singing the national anthem at campus events. She is currently enrolled in a post-baccalaureate program in developmental biology, cell biology, and regenerative medicine at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. She eventually plans to enter an MD or Ph.D. program. “I discovered how much overlap there was,” she said. “I used to lack a lot of confidence. Music helped me gain that confidence, and I saw that in my golf game too. I have songs that I sing in my head when I’m in between shots.” Of the 16 students who signed up for the second ensemble in the 2025-26 school year, only two knew enough about the genre to list a favorite opera, Noël said. “At the star t of the semester, I polled the class about their experience with opera,” she said. “Only a few students knew much about it. Most just said, ‘This is something I’d like to explore.’” Among them is Lev Hund ’27. Hund, an environmental studies major with a music minor, has had a long interest in theater and has held leading roles in various musicals since transferring to Denison in his first year. Opera seemed like a golden opportunity to challenge himself with another style of performance. “It’s a really fun way to sing,” he said. “I’ve noticed my voice has gotten a lot louder, without pushing too hard or straining.” Maya Sutte ’27, a triple major in psycholog y, women’s and gender studies, and vocal performance, EMILY EMILY NOËL’S NOËL’S INAUGURAL INAUGURAL was part of the first ensemble and didn’t hesitate to sign up again for the second. OPERA OPERA ENSEMBLE. ENSEMBLE. “Now there’s a whole new community of classical singing on campus,” she said. “I find myself really growing as a musiTHE THE SECOND SECOND IS IS EVEN EVEN cian now that this ensemble has started. Opera has been a great MORE MORE POPULAR. POPULAR. way to foster that.” Last fall, the group showcased their talents in a Big Red Weekend performance — complete with gowns, full-length gloves, and in Kim’s case, a tuxedo — at the Granville Center for the Arts. Kim said the ensemble showcases the power of collaboration at Denison, where students and faculty alike are encouraged to pursue disparate interests. “Being in a liberal arts school, I love opportunities to collaborate with other areas within the music department — something that is not possible at a conservatory,” he said. “The Denison mission is to have all these opportunities for students,” Sutte said. “The ability to do anything and everything, that’s the beauty of Denison.”

VOICES VOICES DENISON MAGAZINE

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LEFT TO RIGHT:

Gwen Goodney ’29, Maya Sutte ’27, Andrew Hanson ’26, and Sage Szucs ’28 showcased their talents in a Big Red Weekend performance at the Granville Center for the Arts.

“After we put on that show, I had people coming up to me saying, ‘How do I do this? This is so cool! How can I be a part of this?’” – MAISEY FREDERICK ’25

DENISON TREADS NEW WATER

Students demonstrate Denison’s newest team sport

COACH TIM SHERWOOD LE ADS THE BIG RED INTO ITS NEWEST ADVENTURE — WOMEN’S WATER POLO — DEBUTING AS A CLUB IN 2025 –26 B EFOR E DIVING INTO VARSIT Y PLAY THE NEXT SEASON.

Association. Matt Tanney, associate vice president and director of athletics, said water polo is an excellent addition to a Big Red athletic program that’s evolving into a Division III national power, thanks to its facilities, resources, alumni support, and high academic standards. “The addition of women’s water polo makes a lot of sense for Denison, leveraging the premier aquatics facility in NCAA Division III and a growing number of prospective and current students from locales where the sport is thriving,” Tanney said. “As the roster is built for the 2026-27 academic year, we’ll support the program with aspirations to compete at a championship level.” Denison athletics enjoyed unprecedented success in the 2024-25 campaign. The Big Red captured its 21st North Coast Athletic Conference All-Sports trophy. Highlighted by two national titles in men’s swimming and tennis, Denison also finished 20th in the Division III Learfield Directors’ Cup rankings, which includes more than 400 institutions that sponsor Division III athletics. Tanney said Sherwood, a former head coach of the men’s and women’s program at Grinnell College, has the athletic and academic qualifications to lead Denison into a new chapter of Big Red sports. “Coach Sherwood brings an extensive background in water polo and a firm understanding of the liberal arts environment from his time at Grinnell,” Tanney said. “Tim’s familiarity with the national recruiting landscape will help build a team with

Photos: James Schuller

im Sherwood wasn’t missing out on a second chance to call Denison home. Years ago, the Seattle native applied to Denison because of its strong liberal arts education, but ultimately attended a university with a water polo program. Now, he gets to start one on The Hill. Denison is adding women’s water polo, a fastpaced, action-packed sport, to its varsity athletics lineup for the 2026-27 academic year. The newest Big Red team, which will train and play in the Trumbull Aquatics Center, is assembling a roster to compete as a club sport this school year before transitioning to the varsity level. Sherwood, who boasts more than a decade of coaching experience in the sport, has been named the program’s first coach. “When I saw the opening, I was like, ‘This is exactly where I want to go,’” Sherwood said. “Denison is such a great university, and I know how well they support their athletic programs.” Water polo will become Denison’s 27th varsity sport and a member of the Collegiate Water Polo

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“When I saw the opening, I was like, ‘This is exactly where I want to go.” – TIM SHERWOOD

BY TOM REED

students committed to the holistic, relational athletics experience intrinsic to Denison. I look forward to Coach Sherwood leading water polo on a similar trajectory to our fencing and squash teams, two recent examples of sport additions similarly aligned with the athletics program.” Sherwood spent the last three years as an assistant coach for the Saint Francis University women’s team. In 2025, the Red Flash set school records for wins and goals per game. It also finished with the team’s highestever grade point average (3.72) in the spring of 2025. At Grinnell College, Sherwood was a three-time Heartland Conference MVP as a player (2013-15), while working toward a bachelor’s degree in economics. He was also a member of the varsity swimming and diving team. “As a former Division III athlete myself, I deeply value the mission of Denison, and I hope to build a program that will be successful not only in the water, but in the classroom and on the campus at large,” the coach said. Sherwood has spoken with current Denison students about playing for the club team this spring. Pennsylvania has a handful of club water polo programs, which would make ideal opponents. His primary focus is recruiting for the debut varsity season. It’s a tight turnaround, but Sherwood knows the Trumbull Aquatics Center will be a major attraction for prospective student-athletes. “It’s a top-tier facility, and it would be so even at the Division I level,” Sherwood said. “This will be a huge draw with recruits.” There are more than 100 collegiate women’s water polo programs, including about 20 in Division III. The Collegiate Water Polo Association, which consists of programs in the Eastern part of the country, has nine Division III teams for the 2025-26 season. “Denison has the resources and pedigree to support a national championship caliber water polo program,” Sherwood said. “I’m excited to get started.”

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WATER POLO BASICS Developed in the 19th century, water polo is a team sport that combines skill, tenacity, and stamina.

Each team fields seven players (six outfielders and a goalkeeper), and is allowed substitutes who check in and out of a game like in basketball.

Players are not permitted to touch the bottom of the pool, employing an “eggbeater kick” to tread water. Players move the ball by passing it to a teammate or swimming while pushing it in front of them. Players can hold the ball only with one hand, other than the goalkeeper who can use both hands.

Goals are scored by throwing the ball into the net. A 30-second shot clock ensures end-to-end action. Like in ice hockey, a team can be shorthanded for penalties called by two referees. Games consist of four eight-minute quarters at the college level.

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‘The pressure is the privilege’

NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR MATT TANNEY IS IMPRESSED WITH THE LEVEL OF COMMITMENT HE SEES IN DENISON ATHLETICS AND EMBRACES THE CHANCE TO TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

hile it didn’t represent an official transfer of power, Matt Tanney appreciated the fun-loving gesture.

In May 2025, as Tanney was about to be named Denison’s new associate vice president and director of athletics, he saw Nan CarneyDeBord ’80 at a North Coast Athletic Conference meeting. CarneyDeBord, retiring after 14 years of distinguished service, knew Tanney was inheriting her position and wanted to welcome him to The Hill in a small way.

“Nan handed me this bag with Denison ballcaps, lapel pins, and polos,” said Tanney, who was finishing up his duties as athletic director of Wabash College. “It was very thoughtful. I’m so fortunate to walk into a program that she’s led.” Tanney has devoted much of his life to athletics and the past two decades to the administration of college sports. He knows what it’s like to be a Division III athlete, having played football and basketball at Wabash. Tanney arrived at Denison with 10 years of experience as an athletic director at Western Illinois University and Wabash. DENISON MAGAZINE SPOKE TO TANNEY IN SEPTEMBER ON A VARIETY OF ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT TOPICS: What are your memories of working alongside Nan Carney-DeBord at the conference level? I always enjoyed working with Nan in the NCAC, both as a colleague and friend. She and I usually agreed on league business and conversations, and I think that’s because, philosophically, we each come from similar places in advocating for student-athletes. BY TOM REED

dig deeper, the quality and depth of the coaches, staff, and student-athletes is what’s impressed me the most since I arrived on campus. I am grateful for Nan’s prior leadership in cultivating such a strong culture. What’s on your to-do list this academic year? Relationship-building is the top priority. I spent the summer immersed in one-on-one conversations with coaches, administrators, and faculty and staff across campus and continued into Family Weekend and Big Red Weekend with parents and alumni.

The collective kindness and collegiality I’ve encountered at Denison have wowed me, and those relationships are undoubtedly my top priority. Beyond that, I’ve challenged our coaches and staff to lean into our competitive excellence. We finished last season ranked No. 20 in the Division III Learfield Cup. I’ve asked everyone to think about ways we can push that number higher. The 21 NCAC All-Sports titles are great, but I want our teams to set their sights beyond the league level and continue to elevate Denison on the national stage. We have the infrastructure and talent here to do that, which is super exciting, and embracing that pressure is the privilege of being part of this program. In your first months on the job, what have you learned about Denison that you might not have known as a conference rival? Even independently of the NCAC, external assumptions are out there that because of our traditional, historical levels of success, it’s inevitable that winning will just continue, which could not be further from the truth. It’s earned!

On a recent walk through the Mitchell Center at 6 a.m., there are students in the weight room, the aquatics center, in the gyms, and on the track. There’s such a commitment to excellence here that’s embedded in the culture. And across the board, there’s a level of collaboration among faculty and

PHOTOS BY: Brooke LaValley

Following a year with two NCAA championships, it’s fair to say the athletics program is thriving. When you

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coaches that ensures students are supported in every aspect of their experience. And because everyone is all-in for the students, our teams can really shine in competition. You have worked at multiple universities. What’s your experience in dealing with administrations? I’ve been truly fortunate in my career to work for some smart, strategic presidents, but Adam operates at a different pace. One of my first home competitions in August was a women’s soccer scrimmage at Kienzle-Hylbert Stadium. Adam was already at the field before the match started!

ATHLETICS ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

I’ve never had another president show up so consistently to athletics events, let alone a preseason scrimmage. So it’s unique and special, and undoubtedly a big reason that athletics has achieved so much during his presidency. He’s always present, and you can see that he cares deeply about our student-athletes and the athletics program.

Matt Tanney Tanney, an educator

With the whole of college athletics in a state of flux, what are the biggest challenges facing Division III athletics? We’re in an incredible, historic moment in college athletics. The House settlement approved in June allows Division I programs to pay athletes directly, up to $20 million a year per institution. When the settlement was finalized, it struck me that the Ivy League and Patriot League chose not to participate in the new revenue-sharing model. That’s not to say we’re going to start competing against Ivy and Patriot League programs, but it may signal that we’re probably more closely aligned as it relates to shared commitments to students’ academic and athletic experiences. Division III includes more than 420 athletics programs. It’s a big, big tent, and a large swath of those 420-plus institutions approach athletics with differing priorities, so I’m optimistic that we’ll have an opportunity to re-evaluate what it means to be committed to the core tenets of Division III. It feels like we’re in a moment when we can reaffirm our commitments to students’ academic and athletic experience. I’m excited about that opportunity for Denison. There have been many changes within the NCAC in recent years — schools departing and others coming in — how might this affect Denison going forward? DENISON MAGAZINE

and administrator with 17 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics

The NCAC is not immune to the swirling currents in college athletics, and the departures of Hiram and Allegheny in recent years are the best examples of that movement. We strengthened our position with the addition of John Carroll to the conference, and the addition of Washington University in St. Louis as a football-only member in 2026 is another good step for the league.

and a law degree, joined Denison in May 2025 from his alma mater, Wabash College, where he has served as the athletics director since 2018.

Membership decisions are driven by the presidents, and it’s an evergreen topic. The NCAC has the best commissioner in the country in Keri Alexander Luchowski, so I’m confident that Denison and the NCAC will continue to thoughtfully manage conference affiliations. What’s something people may not know about you? If I’m not in the Mitchell Center or on campus, I’m spending time with my family — wife, Julia, and twin daughters, Lillian and Katelyn. Our daughters are in high school, so maybe we’ll join the ranks of Denisonian parents one day. I also enjoy running and occasionally competing in road races. The trails in and around Granville are excellent, though I’m still adjusting to these hills!

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Isabella Guzman ’26

FALL HIGHLIGHTS

Zarius Eusebe ’26

F IEL D H O C K E Y A ND MEN’S S O C C E R TEAMS REACH NCA A TOURNEYS Beyond several strong team showings , Denison produced some brilliant individual per formances led by record-setting quar terback Tyler Green .

The Big Red qualified two teams, field hockey and men’s soccer, for NCAA tournaments, while sophomore quarterback Tyler Green enjoyed one of the greatest individual seasons in Denison football history.

WOMEN’S SOCCER The Big Red reached the conference tournament final before dropping a 1-0 decision to John Carroll University. Denison went 9-5-5 overall, losing only once on its home field.

These were the highlights of a busy fall sports season. Editor’s note: Not all individual regional and national post-season honors were released before Denison Magazine’s copy deadline.

Sophomore Maryn Zavislak earned NCAC Midfielder of the Year honors and senior Sarah Sallinger was the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year. Six Big Red players were named to the all-NCAC teams.

MEN’S SOCCER The Big Red qualified for the NCAA tournament for the fourth time in five years, winning their first-round matchup against Washington and Lee University. Denison finished the season with a 15-3-3 record, allowing the seniors to make program history. The Class of ’26 won 52 games over four years — the best showing by a group of Denison seniors. The Big Red also were the nation’s top-ranked team for about a month — a first for Denison men’s soccer. Leading goal scorer Kameron Kist, a midfielder, was named first-team All-American, while fellow senior Henri Heyes, a defender, was a fourth-team selection. Overall, six players earned all-conference recognition.

FIELD HOCKEY The Big Red were conference regular season co-champs and won the NCAC tournament for the sixth time with a 2-1 overtime victory against top-seeded Ohio Wesleyan University. Denison qualified for the NCAA tournament, losing in the opening round. Junior Emma Gebhart was the conference’s Player of the Year for a second consecutive season, leading the NCAC in goals (22), assists (nine), and points (53). Junior Tabitha Chandler repeated as conference Defensive Player of the Year. Firstyear Lulu Keil was named NCAC Newcomer of the Year. Overall, four players received all-conference honors.

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JACE DELGADO

BIG RED SPORTS BY TOM REED

Emma Gebhart ’27

Tyler Green ’28

Devon Moore ’28

JACE DELGADO

Hudson Jones ’28

Fiona Martinelli ’27

JOHN WESTFALLS

JACE DELGADO

FOOTBALL Green rewrote the program’s record book with a big assist from junior receiver Grayson Kerscher to help the Big Red to a 6-4 record.

Overall, the Big Red finished the season with a 14-16 record, including 4-3 in the conference play, qualifying for the NCAC tournament for a second consecutive year.

Green followed up his NCAC Newcomer of the Year honor last season with an epic sophomore campaign. His 3,440 passing yards not only set a team record, but was second-best among all Division III quarterbacks during the regular season. Green also established Big Red records for most completions in a season (307), most games with 300-plus yards (nine), most passing yards in a game (519 vs. DePauw), and most pass completions in a game (44 vs. Kenyon). His 30.7 completions per game also was best among Division III quarterbacks.

MEN’S CROSS-COUNTRY First-year Will Jackson

Kerscher, a first-team all-conference selection, ranked second in Division III with 1,239 receiving yards and receiving yards per game (123.9) during the regular season. His 99-yard touchdown catch against DePauw is the longest in school history. Kerscher and Green, a second-team pick, were among eight Big Red to receive all-NCAC honors.

VOLLEYBALL Senior setter Alice Kempf and junior right side Maeve Perry were named second-team all-NCAC. Kempf earned all-conference honors for a third consecutive season, while Perry was named to the team for a second straight year. DENISON MAGAZINE

capped a strong rookie season finishing 39th overall in the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championship, clocking a 26:01.49 on the 8-kilometer course. Senior Oliver DiCerbo was next with 26:34.84, good for 78th place. As a team, the Big Red were 18th overall. Jackson earned second-team all-NCAC honors by finishing 14th in the conference meet with a 26:02.0. Senior Noah Cyr was Denison’s next best finisher, clocking a 26:31.3 for a top-25 showing. Overall, the Big Red came in sixth in the conference meet.

WOMEN’S CROSS-COUNTRY The Big Red finished 18th at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championship — their best showing since placing 17th at the 2022 meet. Firstyear Shaylee Murdough clocked the best time for Denison, 23:28.12, her second-fastest 6-kilometer run of the season, good for 56th place.

Tyler Green ’28 rewrote the football program’s record book with a big assist from junior receiver Grayson Kerscher to help the Big Red to a 6-4 record.

Denison was sixth in the NCAC Championship. Junior Fiona Martinelli led the way, placing 26th overall with a time of 23:52.9. DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

UNCONVENTIONAL COACH, Coach Amanda Daniels has led the Big Red to seven NCAA Sweet Sixteen berths and a Final Four appearance in 12 seasons

“If I could have invented a sport for myself, it would have been lacrosse.” – AMANDA DANIELS

BY TOM REED

AMANDA DANIELS GOT A LATE START IN LACROSSE AND SPENT TIME CREATING CONTENT FOR BULL RIDERS . BUT SHE’S TURNED THE DENISON WOMEN’S PROGR AM INTO A PERENNIAL POWER .

hirty years ago, an impulse buy changed the life of Amanda Daniels. In hindsight, the purchase worked out pretty well for the Denison women’s lacrosse program, too. Daniels ranks among the top Division III coaches in America, having led the Big Red to seven NCAA Sweet Sixteen berths and a Final Four appearance in 12 seasons. She may never have played the sport, had she not had birthday money in her pocket and a curiosity about lacrosse sticks. Daniels already played high school soccer, basketball, and softball, and had run track in junior high. But something about the lacrosse stick in the sporting goods store was irresistible. “I bought it on a whim,” she says. “We didn’t even have girls’ lacrosse at my school at the time. It was just this piece of sporting equipment that I didn’t have.” A year later, her high school added lacrosse as a girls’ varsity sport. A year after that, Daniels tried out for the team as a senior. Her speed, stamina, and hand-eye coordination made her a standout mid-

fielder who helped Le Moyne College earn two trips to the Division I NCAA tournament. “If I could have invented a sport for myself, it would have been lacrosse,” Daniels says. “Taking a chance and playing it has certainly led me down a path I couldn’t have anticipated and love so much.” It’s an unconventional journey that has enhanced the careers of many Big Red athletes.

A PROUD MENTOR Legendary Hamilton College lacrosse coach Patty Kloidt has a confession. After retiring in 2024, she wanted Daniels — who played lacrosse and soccer under Kloidt at Le Moyne and served as her assistant coach on Hamilton’s 2008 NCAA title team — to replace her. “I recruited her to come back to Hamilton,” Kloidt says. “But she’s loyal to Denison.” Daniels’ answer came as no surprise to her mentor. After all, it was Kloidt who encouraged her to apply for the Denison opening in 2013 after five seasons at Morrisville State College. Daniels saw a Big Red program with a tradition of

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UNSTOPPABLE TEAM. success, and a university whose rising academic sional Bull Riders circuit. Daniels wrote scripts for standing afforded it the chance to recruit better radio and television ads and learned how to edit comstudent-athletes. That combination, coupled with mercials. Daniels’ coaching ability, has seen the program trans“They survived without me, but it was a cool experiform into a perennial power. ence,” she says. Denison has qualified for the NCAA tournament Daniels is the sum of her experiences, and she’s in every season under Daniels, with the exception borrowed from her background in new media to of 2020, when the pandemic ended it prematurely. the delight of her Denison athletes. Each year, she The Big Red have won seven conference regu- produces a video for the team’s Senior Day/Family lar-season titles and 10 conference tournament Banquet. It includes senior highlights from their four titles in that time. years in the program as well as funny moments from She’s already the program’s all-time winningest the season. coach with a 153-63 record. She also made a hype video for the Big Red’s first “Amanda understands how to connect with stu- trip to the NCAA tournament with her as coach in dent-athletes,” Kloidt says. “I knew she would be 2014, and Daniels has hinted she might do it again, a good fit at Denison. I have followed her coaching “when the time is right.” career, and I’m super proud of the job she’s done there.” The 2008 Hamilton national championship team still remembers the hype video Daniels created SUM OF HER EXPERIENCES ahead of its NCAA semifinal game. Daniels has loved lacrosse from almost the “Our kids were so amped up after watching it,” moment she picked up the stick in the sporting goods Kloidt says. “It’s a perfect example of how Amanda store. But there was a two-year stretch, after earn- makes the game fun for her players.” ing her master’s degree in new media from Syracuse University in 2004, when another sport occupied her P L A Y E R S ’ P E R S P E C T I V E attention — bull riding. Before becoming a two-time All-American and Talk about bucking the trends. The coach worked before helping lead the Big Red to a 2021 NCAA Final as an account executive for a Colorado advertising Four berth, Casey McTague ’22 was a coveted recruit agency, where she created content for the Profes- looking for the right college. DENISON MAGAZINE

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The Big Red celebrate their Sweet Sixteen win over Franklin & Marshall College in May of 2025.

“Amanda understands how to connect with studentathletes, I knew she would be a good fit at Denison.” – PATTY KLOIDT

“Coach Daniels has this great energy about her. She has a very calm and welcoming presence, and I felt like I was home.” – CASEY MCTAGUE ’22

The midfielder had plenty of options, but one meeting with Daniels ended her search. “Coach Daniels has this great energy about her,” says McTague, a junior accounts executive at Vince, a leading global luxury apparel and accessories brand. “She has a very calm and welcoming presence, and I sensed the same vibe when I met the team. I felt like I was home.” No single coaching style guarantees success, but athletes are often quick to sniff out insincerity. McTague and other former players laud Daniels’ authenticity and her even-handed approach that fosters a fun yet competitive environment. McTague says players can talk to her about any topic and expect an honest answer. “She’s open to feedback, and I always felt supported by her,” McTague says. “That’s not something you always find with coaches. I couldn’t have achieved what I did at Denison without Coach Daniels’ guidance.” Anna DeVuono ’25 is more succinct. “I just felt comfortable in her space,” she says. DeVuono did not become a starter until her senior season, but all through her career at Denison, she appreciated the fact that Daniels made time to meet with her individually. The coach explained to DeVuono what she needed to improve and how she remained a valuable team member. As a senior, DeVuono blossomed into an All-American, leading the Big Red with 80 goals and helping them reach the NCAA Elite Eight in 2025. “Ultimately, it comes down to honest and respectful communication,” Daniels says. “It’s about finding the right balance between how we are communicating our emotions, especially around any disappointment in an outcome or overall level of play. I think it’s

more about learning your team each year and finding the right balance that works for them.” The Big Red have made seven consecutive trips to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen heading into the 2026 season. Last year, they defeated their first top-10 opponent in Daniels’ tenure, No. 5 Franklin & Marshall College, during their NCAA tournament run. Despite nearly 20 years of head-coaching experience, Daniels isn’t one who thinks she has it figured out. She understands the importance of evolving in a profession where, “I get older and the players stay the same age.” Former Denison athletic direc tor Nan Carney-DeBord ’80 sees a coach who, in the era of social media, has adapted to the shifting culture in athletics. “Amanda has a great understanding of the generational differences of student-athletes and what they respond to nowadays,” Carney-DeBord says. “That team is thriving under her leadership.” What hasn’t changed is how Daniels builds relationships. “I think it becomes obvious quickly when you aren’t being true to your values and who you are to the core,” Daniels says. “Trust is so important and being genuine, in my opinion, is at the core of building that trust.”

LEFT: Amanda Daniels and team look on from the sideline. ABOVE: The Big Red have seven Sweet Sixteen berths in Amanda Daniels’ first 12 seasons.

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career right. Denison prides itself on relationships, and some of my best friends still today are from Denison. As I look back on my life and career now, that time at Denison was instrumental in terms of me being who I am today.

‘Denison was transformative for me’ IN A Q& A , THE NE W CHAIR OF THE BOARD O F TRUSTEE S , M ARC B . L AUTENBACH ’ 83 , R EFLEC TS O N DENISO N ’ S IMPAC T O N HIS OWN LIFE AND ON AN EXCITING FUTURE FOR THE UNIVER SIT Y.

arc B. Lautenbach ’83, Denison’s new chair of the Board of Trustees, views his decision to attend Denison as among the best of his life. Lautenbach graduated Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude, from Denison and went on to earn his MBA from The Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. “Denison was transformative for me,” Lautenbach says. “I wouldn’t necessarily say I had the four easiest years at Denison, but I walked out a different person. The experiences I had here gave me the confidence and sense of purpose that have shaped my life and career.” Lautenbach grew up in Toledo, Ohio. His father worked for Owens-Corning Fiberglass, which is headquartered in Toledo. He knew Denison in part because of the company’s long-standing Licking County operations. His family connection to the region and early appreciation for the liberal arts made Denison an ideal fit. Lautenbach, a former president and CEO of Pitney Bowes who also spent 27 years at IBM, has served on the Denison Board of Trustees since 2009. He was vice chairman from 2020 until his appointment as chair in July 2025. “Marc is an incredibly dedicated Denisonian and is a highly experienced leader for our Board and partner for me,” President Adam Weinberg says. “He cares deeply about Denison and is committed to our continued success and momentum.” WHAT HAS DENISON MEANT TO YOU PERSONALLY?

Denison is a remarkable place — whenever you walk on campus, you can feel the positive energy. I left The Hill with a degree of confidence that allowed me to go to a great business school and really start my professional DENISON MAGAZINE

YOU WERE NAMED BOARD CHAIR AT A TIME WHEN U.S. HIGHER EDUCATION FINDS ITSELF AT AN INFLECTION POINT. WHERE DO YOU SEE DENISON IN TERMS OF THIS BROADER LANDSCAPE? HOW IS THE COLLEGE POSITIONED?

Denison is well-positioned to navigate the current moment and to spot new opportunities. We’re in very strong shape. This is due to the incredible talents and commitments of our faculty, our great senior team, and the fantastic students coming to the college. The faculty that we have, the professors, really are the lifeblood of the university. There is so much positive momentum at Denison right now. It makes you feel very good about what we’re doing. YOU SHEPHERDED THE SHIPPING AND TECHNOLOGY FIRM PITNEY BOWES THROUGH THE COVID PANDEMIC, WHICH TURNED THE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN ON ITS HEAD. IS THERE A TAKEAWAY FROM A CHALLENGE LIKE THAT?

Moments of disruption always create opportunities. Job No. 1 for Denison is to consolidate our gains, and Job No. 2 is to inspect the environment and really understand the kinds of opportunities that may be afforded to us that wouldn’t have been possible in a calmer moment. I think Denison has a unique opportunity to distinguish itself and serve as a model for how higher education behaves in this particular moment in time. Society is looking for examples of institutions that they can believe in.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say I had the four easiest years at Denison, but I walked out a different person.” – MARC B. LAUTENBACH ’83

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES AS BOARD CHAIR?

My priorities map what Adam and the rest of this incredible team are doing. The Board is a small part of the total recipe, but it’s a great Board that is very committed to ensuring that Denison is moving forward. Our trajectory over the last decade affirms that Denison already is doing a lot of things right. IS THERE A DEFINING MOMENT FROM YOUR DAYS ON THE HILL?

I studied at the London School of Economics my junior year. For a kid from Ohio, that certainly was a lifechanging experience. But I’d have to say the day of my graduation would be the defining moment. It was then that I realized how profoundly the previous four years had changed me. DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

BY THEODORE DECKER PHOTO BY: James Schuller

IYANNA SANDERS ’26 STEPS INTO A WORLD OF ECONOMICS , FORGING CONNEC TIONS AND EXPLORING NEW HORIZONS IN THE HEART OF SWITZERLAND.

A GLOBAL EXPERIENCE OPENS MINDS & DOORS

his summer, Iyanna Sanders studied abroad in Geneva, Switzerland, something she’d never thought possible before coming to Denison. Sanders flew to Geneva for an immersive introduction into the complex world of international economics, courtesy of a Denison Summer Seminar taught by economics Professors Zarrina Juraqulova and Luis Villanueva.

“I couldn’t believe I was actually going to Switzerland,” Sanders said. “It felt surreal.” Denison Summer Seminars are a short-term take on the semester-long Denison Seminars. Taught on The Hill by a pair of professors, Denison Seminars include visits to locations where students can activate their classroom knowledge. Summer Seminars students have traveled to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to study economics and politics, to Rome to study ancient history, and to England to study literature and geoscience. This is the third Denison Summer Seminar that Juraqulova has developed and offered in collaboration with her colleagues. The support of the Provost’s Office and the Center for Global Programs was instrumental in making this seminar possible and in guiding its development, enabling students to gain meaningful insight into the critical contributions international organizations make to the global community. Juraqulova and Villanueva created their version with several goals in mind. “We wanted our students to get a good understanding of global economic issues, meet people in international organizations, see some of the career possibilities in the field, and build their critical thinking skills,” said Villanueva. As international economists, Juraqulova and Villanueva had plenty of connections to help them assemble their itinerary. They began planning nearly a year ahead. Villanueva, who recently returned to Denison after spending two years with the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Geneva, networked with friends at the World Trade Organization, the Office of Human Rights, and the University of Geneva to set up meetings and tours. One of their first calls was to former Denison Professor Xiao Jiang, now an economist at the ILO. Villanueva and Jiang published together when they were both at Denison. “Xiao did so much,” said Juraqulova. “He played a key role by helping us identify potential speakers and international organizations in Geneva. In addition, he shared his own research on game theory with our students. They found his presentation both interesting and relevant to addressing social issues. His contributions not only enriched the seminar but also opened many new opportunities for us.” G O O D P R E PA R AT I O N L E A D S T O G O O D O U T CO M E S

A double major in economics and women’s & gender studies, Sanders was well-versed in the seminar’s focus on global economics. That wasn’t true for every student. Her classmates were majors in data analytics, physics, global commerce, and sustainability & environmental studies. Prior to the trip to Geneva, Juraqulova and Villanueva assembled the group on campus for two days of intensive reading and discussion on globalization, international trade, and development.

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Data analytics and global commerce double major Tanisha Mandlecha ’27 felt she “got a really good grounding” in economics, politics, and the history of trade. “It was also good to get to know the professors before we spent all that time together,” she said. By the time they boarded the plane, the class was ready for their 10-day blitz of meetings with economists, directors, and foreign service officers at the ILO, the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and other organizations. EMBEDDED IN THE GLOBAL HUB OF I N T E R N AT I O N A L O R G A N I Z AT I O N S

Each day after breakfast, the group hopped aboard public transportation to downtown Geneva, where they met with professionals, toured facilities — often with special access to non-public spaces — and attended lectures. Sanders was fascinated by everything. “We got to see and hear what their jobs entailed, including basic things like making the internet accessible across the world,” she said. “I hadn’t realized that some countries are still without access to cellphones or the internet.” Ava Braham ’27, an economics major from Livingston, Montana, had just written a 10-page paper on how AI could affect the economy for one of her classes. “It was super cool and interesting to connect things I learned at Denison to these international organizations,” she said. “All the students were so intellectually engaged,” said Villanueva. “I received emails from speakers who were impressed with the quality of their questions.” TIME TO EXPLORE AND GET T O K N OW O N E A N O T H E R

After busy mornings, everyone took lunch breaks together, then broke into groups to explore museums and other points of interest. “We wanted the experience to be both educational and culturally broadening,” said Juraqulova. Students had ample free time to sightsee on their own. “Throughout the trip, different groups would hang out together and visit new places,” Sanders said. They implemented a buddy system, learned to navigate local transportation, journeyed through Switzerland, and ventured into France. Many students took a train to the city of Bern, known for, among many things, its local bear population and as the one-time home of Albert Einstein. “It was the oldest and most historic city I’ve ever seen,” Braham said. “We got closer with our professors, too,” said Sanders. “They were always ensuring that we were OK.” BUILDING AN INTERNATIONAL CAREER NETWORK

Back home, many students reached out to their new Geneva-based contacts for career advice. DENISON MAGAZINE

A first-generation student, Sanders is passionate about promoting financial literacy and accessibility to financial tools. “Everyone needs financial literacy to help them understand what’s the best path for them,” she said. In Geneva, she discovered that the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has offices and hands-on projects worldwide that offer internships aligning with her goals. “A lot of them require their interns to have or be working toward a master’s degree,” said Sanders, who is contemplating both a master’s and a doctorate. Hamdan Ashfaq ’26, a physics major in the pre-engineering program, is fluent in French and considering a post-graduate degree in Zurich or Geneva. He contacted a Zurich University professor who advised him to have published research before he applies, “and he even suggested research areas to focus on.” Similarly, Braham reached out to a new contact at the U.N. Council on Trade and Development. “She agreed to be a mentor for me, which will really help when I apply to grad school.” Economics major Karl Svallin ’26 is considering a career the federal government or an international organization. He emailed the IOM assistant secretary, asking how she achieved her position and what steps to take after graduation. “I’m also reaching out to a Denison alum working at the U.S. mission in Geneva for specifics about how he did this,” said Svallin. “The day before we met in Geneva, he was on a call with a student we all knew!”

“We could see the idea of becoming a global citizen solidified with this experience.” – LUIS VILLANUEVA

A S S E S S I N G I M PAC T F U L M O M E N T S

At the end of each day, the group met for debriefing sessions. “Students wrote ref lections every evening,” said Juraqulova. “We talked about the speakers and asked for suggestions. They were all so excited to share their experiences.” From the beginning of their time in Geneva, students began talking about possibilities for a professional life in an international organization, said Villanueva. “We could see the idea of becoming a global citizen solidified with this experience.” The professors were impacted as well. Villanueva is developing a new course on economic policy that will incorporate his two years with the ILO in Geneva. The seminar was an opportunity to meet many of the people whose papers he will use in the classroom. Now he thinks they will be “more willing to speak to us online and be a resource for our students.” For her part, Sanders said one of the biggest gifts was time spent with her fellow students. “Many of us didn’t know each other,” she said. “Coming back, we were really close.” “Going to Switzerland was one of the best experiences of my life,” she said. “It was the first time I went abroad. And it reinforced my idea of what being a Denisonian is — truly caring for others.” DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Bern Cathedral in Bern, Switzerland. Professor Luis Villanueva, Omar Perez ‘27, Karl Svallin ‘26, Mickey McGrory ‘27, Sydney Fang ‘26, and Iyanna Sanders ‘26 in the historical center of Nyon. A small vineyard near the hostel the group stayed at in Nyon, Switzerland. Iyanna Sanders ’26. A view of Bern, Switzerland. Svallin, Perez, Ava Braham ‘27, Hamdan Ashfaq ’26, and McGrory. Perez and Svallin in the main hall of the International Labor Organization (ILO).

BY GINNY SHARKEY

The Office

3rd Floor Bryant Arts Center PROFESSOR RON ABRAM SHARES SOME ‘PRESSING’ DETAILS ABOUT HIS CAMPUS WORKSPACE.

Head to the east side of the third floor of Bryant Arts Center, into the office of Professor of Visual Arts and Queer Studies Ron Abram, and his passion for printmaking, comics, and design becomes immediately clear.

BY THEODORE DECKER Photos: Brooke LaValley

A press 1 stands smack in the middle of the floor. Abram has been making prints, primarily etchings, for more than 40 years. And for the last 31, since coming to Denison in 1995, he’s been teaching students to put their own contemporary spin on art made using age-old techniques such as screenprinting, lithography, woodcut, etching, and bookmaking. Look around his office and you’ll find clues to Abram’s personal tastes and professional life. You might even see his Elvis lunchbox. 2 \ “The first Denison research grant I got in 1996 was to go to Graceland,” Abram says. “I used to have a whole kitchen that was all Elvis stuff.” If he is dressed in black — which is often — it is not a statement of his mood, but rather a practical fashion choice when working with ink and printing.

Long drawers on one wall 3 hold decades worth of work, including his very first print 4 , an “obsessively drawn” self-portrait he made in 1981, when he was 19 years old. Shelves hold artistic texts on printmaking, collage techniques, design, drawing, and illustration, as well as a collection of comics and graphic novels, including work by his friend, cartoonist Charles Burns 5 . Circular copper plates 6 on a shelf opposite the door represent to his “Wrangler” series of wrestling cowboy etchings. Atop a nearby cabinet are votive candles from another of his exhibitions. They feature prints of Walter Mercado, a Puerto Rican astrologer and flamboyant performer whom Abram recalls with fondness from his childhood (his mother is Puerto Rican). Abram describes him as “a Puerto Rican Liberace,” and there’s an insight here. To Abram, Mercado was a larger-than-life example of bold individuality. That is essential for any artist, he always tells his students. So when they stop by his office, he wants them to see their professor just as he is. “And,” Abram says, “ it encourages them to do the same.”

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Dick Bodorff ’71 of Easton, Maryland, was appointed by Gov. Wes Moore to serve as chairman of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission.

1960s

1960 Jim Adams of Lebanon, Ohio, reports that after 50 years as a courtroom litigator, he retired from what is now a 700-person law firm with offices in nine states. His wife of 65 years, Judith Hauser Adams ’61, died in January 2025, but Adams notes proudly that his three children and three grandchildren, have all lived their own college years, at alma maters that include Bowdoin, Northwestern, University of Colorado-Denver, Cornell, Depaul, and St. Andrews-Scotland. Lonnie Rogers of Delray Beach, Florida, has written a book, The Forensic Revolution, in which he details the unexpected transformation of his genealogy website, GEDmatch, from a hobbyist platform into a revolutionary crime-fighting tool for solving cold cases. You can find it on Amazon. 1963 Kirie Werrenrath Roth of Santa Monica, California, reports that she and her husband, Bob, were victims of the devastating Pacific Palisades fire that raged for most of January 2025. “We had to evacuate with 20 minutes notice, exiting the fire-threatened areas on narrow back roads along with thousands of others,” she writes. “Our entire neighborhood was burned to dust and rubble. We are looking to resettle in the Santa Monica area to be close to our grandchildren. Our current housing is temporary, but we are making the best of the unexpected change in the direction of our lives.” 1965 Bruce Cumings of Chicago, was honored with the 2025 Award for Distinguished Contributions to Asian Studies by the Association for Asian Studies. Doris Farrington writes that she is a permanent resident in Italy, where she has dual citizenship and where her daughter, son-in-law, and three granddaughters also live. She tries to visit the U.S. every year or two to visit her siblings, but she admits the long trip is getting harder to make. “I feel fortunate to live in a very beautiful country with wonderful weather and outstanding food, not to mention national health care,” she writes. “I have lived most of my adult life here and consider it my second home.” 1967 John Brunsman of Bellevue, Washington, served in Vietnam in the Special Forces after graduating from Denison. After the service, he attended the Cleveland School of Podiatry and practiced over 40 years, opening up three surgical centers. Through Rotary International, he built a clinic in Mozambique, and he and his wife, Susan, traveled worldwide

facilitating clinics, including overseeing polio distributions in Ethiopia. His hobbies included being a pilot, fishing, boating, traveling, and cycling. He — sometimes with Susan — cycled 29 times across their state of Washington as a fundraiser. “His wife is writing this, because John always remains humble, generous, and grateful,” she shares. 1969 Chris Campbell of Traverse City, Michigan, was among the honorees at a State Bar of Michigan celebration for those who have practiced law for 50 years. He remains in active practice at the legal aid office, where he has served for over 30 years. He says it is a privilege to still be working and to make the commute by bicycle. Gordon Hammerle of Adrian, Michigan, retired after teaching psychology, either full- or part-time, since 1974. He taught at Denison, Adrian College, and Siena Heights University.

1970s

1971 Dick Bodorff of Easton, Maryland, was appointed by Gov. Wes Moore to serve as chairman of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission. The Commission oversees Maryland Public Television, a network of six PBS television stations that serves Maryland, Washington, D.C., and surrounding states. The network is the sixth largest PBS operation by revenue in the United States. Ann Hagedorn of Ripley, Ohio, was elected to be a member of the Society of American Historians, “in recognition of the narrative power and scholarly distinction of her historical work.” An award-winning author and a former staff writer for The Wall Street Journal, Hagedorn is now under contract with Simon & Schuster for her seventh narrative nonfiction book. Her latest book, Sleeper Agent: The Atomic Spy In America Who Got Away, was an Edgar Awards finalist in 2022. She says that she is immensely honored to be an SAH fellow; she notes that Denison alum William Tuttle ’59, a highly-respected historian and author now living in Lawrence, Kansas, is also a member. 1972 Richard Brunk writes that he moved to Texas for seminary two weeks after graduation and was ordained a Lutheran pastor, serving churches all over Texas. He has volunteered as a chaplain for the Dallas Police Department and for Lubbock General Hospital, and served as a U.S. Army chaplain in the National Guard, Reserves, active duty, and Texas State Guard for over 30 years. He received a Purple Heart in Iraq in 2005, spent considerable time recuperating from wounds, and spent his last five years of active duty preparing chaplains and soldiers to deploy to combat, then helping them reintegrate upon return. “My focus was on resiliency, trauma recovery, and suicide prevention,” he writes. He retired from full-time parish work and completed his Doctor of Ministry from the Institute of Lutheran Theology in 2024. “My dissertation was on ministry in Belize, Central

#DENISONPROUD ISSUE 1 2026

America, where I have been living approximately one third of the time,” he says. “Most recently, I am mentoring student pastors and assisting congregations seeking new pastors.” He and his wife, Kathy, live in Caldwell, Texas. Beth Newman has moved quite a bit south, from Seabright, Nova Scotia, to St. Augustine, Florida, to be nearer to family. She is still exercising and taking photographs. Visitors, she says, are welcomed. Rick Peyser of Underhill, Vermont, received the John Kelley Simpson Award for Outstanding Achievement & Impact from the New Hampton School Alumni Association. The award recognizes New Hampton alumni who have made significant contributions in their fields and left a lasting impact on their communities. Peyser, a 1968 graduate of the school, served as director of social advocacy and coffee community outreach for Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, where he worked for 27 years. He also was the senior relationship manager for Coffee & Cocoa at Lutheran World Relief, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lasting solutions to poverty, injustice, and human suffering. Peyser was active in many trade organizations and in worldwide efforts to improve the quality of life for coffee farmers, their families, and communities. Barb Atkinson Seely, of St. Louis, and reports that she and Denison buddies, Sue Smitley, Kathy Brandfass Wilson, Kathy Mangan, and Kami Menten Gentithes met up on Cape Cod in May for food, drink, and fun. Melissa Rohde Reed couldn’t make it and was missed. The reunion was at least their fifth, and they look forward to many more.

1973 William Decker of Portland, Oregon, is a Regents Professor of English and American Studies (emeritus) at Oklahoma State University. Ted Gulyas shares that he had the chance to attend some of the 2025 Reunion presentations this past June. The first provided an inside look at the development of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, courtesy of Paul Clark ’75, who began work with the hallowed hall in 1993. The second was a panel discussion about the state of college athletics. Both, Gulyas says, were “entertaining and informative.” DENISON MAGAZINE

1974 Jim Parsons reports that after 20 happy years together, he and Lynne Considine Nieman made it official and were married in Chicago on Janu. 19, 2025. 1975 Polly Pitt Whiteside of Wellesley Hills, Mass., is self-employed as clerk of the works for her business, Estate Clearing. 1976 Carley Evans of Summerville, South Carolina, just published her 18th novel and first in the occult/horror genre, The Vampyre’s Witching Hour: Descent into Darkness. The book was inspired by events in “the year without a summer,” 1816, when Lord Byron and friends competed to see who could write the best occult tale. She notes, “Mary Shelley won, of course, with her story of Frankenstein.”

& Class Notes 1 972-1 978

1977 Jim Bickel of Dublin, Ohio, writes that he went to see the Cubs play the Reds in Cincinnati on May 23, 2025, and was pleasantly surprised to discover it was a night at Great American Ballpark honoring classmate Owen Wrassman. The event celebrated Wrassman’s more than 25 years of leadership and service to the Reds Community Fund. Bickel reports that Wrassman threw out the first pitch and delivered a perfect sinker for a strike. The Cubs, he notes, scored 11 runs in the game’s final three innings for the win. Carolyn Kubasta Grenfell of Medina, Ohio, shares that a group of friends from first-floor Shorney met up in September 2025 at the home of Pete and Jeanne Sokol for a long-overdue reunion. They spent the week taking in New Jersey’s sites, with a day trip into New York City. The picture is from Mt. Mitchell Overlook Park, the local 9/11 Memorial. “We happened to be there on 9/11,” Grenfell writes. “Friends for over 52 years!” Left to right: Laura Johnson Studders, Jeanne Lehman Sokol, Carolyn Kubasta Grenfell, Mary Fossum, Kati Weigel Ball, and Lesley Miller Wyckoff. 1978 Sally Schade Bowman and her husband moved from Indiana to Wilmington, North Carolina, in fall 2024, and they are enjoying life in the South. She traveled to Kenya and Tanzania in August and enjoyed a visit with Kim Cooper Dobson and her husband last winter. She also reports that she lives down the street from another Denison alum, Jane Balkey Thompson ’83. David Jonas of Alexandria, Virginia, a former tennis team captain at Denison, attended the 70th anniversary reunion of the tennis team with teammates, including Dick Lombard ’80, Todd Lemke ’81, Brad Burton ’80, and Flip Goodspeed ’83. Jonas also played matches with current team members, Kael Shah ’26 and team captain Colin Gramley ’25. Shah beat Jonas 6-0, 6-0, while Gramley beat Jonas 6-0, 6-1. Jonas states that “both results are under protest with Coach Schilling, and that in any event he did not DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

& Class Notes 1978-1986

want to wear them out before a big match.” He says with all seriousness that it was an honor to play tennis with both of the young Denisonians, especially with another team captain 48 years after graduation. Lombard called it “a great weekend of watching the future National Champions, reminiscing, and lots of laughter.“ The 2025 team secured the D-III championship shortly after the team reunion last spring. Charlotte Reynolds Merrell reports that Denison connections are alive and well. “Fifty-one years ago we met on the 4th floor of Shorney. We lived together sophomore year in Beaver. Such fun to reconnect after all these years, hosted by Nancy in Skaneateles, New York. Most of us are enjoying retired life, helping out with grandkids and traveling.” From left to right: Lyn McCandless Hopkins, Nancy Breece Mion, Liza Johnson Love, Sally Vockel Poling, Sara “Tunie” Hamel, Charlotte Reynolds Merrell, and Jane Lowry.

1980s

1980 Heidi Holtz reports that after 34 years in Syracuse, New York, and a career in marketing, development, the arts, and philanthropy, she moved to central Connecticut to spend more time with the grandbabies and continue her work helping nonprofits build capacity and nurture new leaders, especially board members. She bought a house on a lake, has a dream dog, and travels — a lot (to India and Nepal in 2024; Bermuda, Portugal, and Spain in 2025; Greece, Albania, and northern Macedonia in 2026). 1982 Steven Vita of Chicago, is the author of the poetry collection, The Heart of Tents, of which literary scholar Bruno Vercier writes, “These poems are at the same time simple and subtle — like life itself … life and death lie at the heart of these very striking poems, which sometimes remind me of Japanese poetry, but which also unmistakably belong to the tradition of the best American poetry. And yet this voice is deeply original, disturbing, moving.”

Carol Mason ’86 (CENTER)

1983 Sam Marquis of Louisville, Colorado, has published his 12th book, this one about his ninth-great-grandfather, the swashbuckling privateer, Capt. William Kidd. Captain Kidd: A True Story of Treasure and Betrayal was released on May 13, 2025 by Simon & Schuster and casts new light on one of history’s most infamous figures. Marquis, a professional hydrogeologist by day, is the author of historical fiction and nonfiction books that have been Denver Post and Amazon bestsellers and received multiple national book awards in both fiction and non-fiction categories (Kirkus Reviews and Foreword Reviews Book of the Year, American Book Fest and USA Best Book, Readers’ Favorite, Colorado Book Awards).

Scott McNett of St. Louis, reports that six alums and Alpha Tau Omega brothers and their spouses — three of whom are alums — got together in Bend, Oregon, in June 2025. The gathered alums included Jeff Glover, Josh Buchman, Keith Cable, Michael Stern, Richard Thalhimer, Scott McNett, Julie Ashworth Glover ’82, Tracey Curtis Buchman, and Sally Brennan Cable ’84. Jeff’s dog, Waldo, a Denisonian at heart, was also in the mix.

Amy Pence of Pine Lake, Georgia, published her fifth book of poetry, We Travel Towards It, with Serving House Books. The collection navigates the climate crisis in the way it impacted Pence — a 90-foot oak tree crushed her house after Hurricane Irma. The poems trace how cataclysmic events call everything into question: relationships, the death of loved ones, and how we live our lives. Kristin VandenBrul moved to northern Tuscany in 2024 and extends an invitation to all Denisonians. She and her business partner, Marietta Nollen, purchased a villa with six holiday rental apartments and have hosted guests from all over the world. The villa, Spino Secco, is 40 minutes from Cinque Terre in a lovely village surrounded by mountains. “Please come stay with us!” she writes. 1984 Ellen Rooney has published a new book, Memory Acting: Memory Technique for Actors, through Kendall Hunt/Innovative Ink Publishing. The textbook offers performing artists effective memorization approaches based on modern neuroscience. Rooney earned her doctorate in theater from Bowling Green State University and currently works at Cleveland State University, in the School of Film and Media Arts. 1985 Spencer Bolgard of Chestertown, New York, became CEO of Charge Enterprises in March 2025. Charge Enterprises is a group of companies creating the connectivity infrastructure of the future. 1986 Carol Mason of Lexington, Kentucky, reports that she proudly wore her 1986 President’s Medal (left) during the 2025 commencement ceremonies of the University of Kentucky, where she holds the Otis A. Singletary Chair in the Humanities. In August 2025, University of California Press published her fourth book, From the Clinics to the Capitol: How Opposing Abortion Became Insurrectionary.

#DENISONPROUD ISSUE 1 2026

Katy Brady Reichert of Wilmette, Illinois, writes to reflect on a friend group known by its members as “The Council.” “It’s the kind of friendship that doesn’t come around every day,” she writes. “A bond so strong it transcends time, geography, and life’s inevitable ups and downs. For us, a group of nine women, this connection was forged more than 40 years ago atop the Denison Hill. Back then, we were just a group of curious students, brimming with the crackling energy of youthful ambition, and the world seemed full of limitless possibilities. A collision of people at just the right moment in that remarkable place.” The “council” members include Tricia Cronin Malloch Brown, Katy Brady Reichert, Maggie Kane Burton, Susie Walton Catlin, Hayley Makin Budd, Gail Jennings Jenkins, Julie Dennis Maxwell, Laura Schacht Bilicic, and Peggy Wilson Hersam. Through the years, Reichert continues, “we’ve made it a priority to stay connected, no matter where life has taken us. Our reunions span the globe, from Mardi Gras in Europe to ski hills in the Rockies, to a spousal knighting in London, Oktoberfest in Germany and beach benders in California. Though we’re spread out from Atlanta to Chattanooga, New York to Connecticut, Rhode Island to Chicago, and even London, we’re still the same group we were 43 years ago. Even our nicknames have stood the test of time. In a full-circle moment, four of us have even sent our kids to Denison, where Council 2.0 is thriving.”

1988 Zach Martin writes that he and his wife, Laurel ’89, were elated by the Denison turnout at the wedding of their daughter, Isabella, at the family home in Blue Hill, Maine. Among the attendees were Stacie Gallagher Christopher ’89; Steve Hauck ’91, Robin Schneider Hauck ’91; Judy Mitchell Heffernan ’84; Topher Callahan ’97; Zach Martin ’88; Laurel Martin ’89; Lou Christopher ’88; Susan Cole Callahan ’89; Becky Stevenson Hlidek ’90; Brian Hlidek ’90; and Rob Jackson ’86.

& Class Notes 1 986 -1 995

1989 Brad Cover is the artistic director of The Resident Acting Company in New York City. The company’s first full production — A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, as told by The Mechanicals — was performed at The Sheen Center on Bleecker Street. Cover directed, and Austin Pendleton, who is known for his many films (My Cousin Vinny, What’s Up Doc, Catch 22), led the cast as Bottom.

1990s

1987 Susa n Tetzla f f Jordan celebrated her 60th birthday in July, and the party thrown by her family was made all the more special by the Denisonians who helped make it even more special, including Paul Siana ‘84, John Smart, Bill Harriss, Whitney Hunter ‘89, Laura Logos Downey, Christine Miskowski Harriss, Ella Jordan ‘26, and Michelle Chapin Hunter ‘91. Ann Rownd Shaler, a market executive at Tampa Bay Bank of America, was named a 2025 Women of Distinction award winner by the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. The longstanding event, now in its 33rd year, honors and celebrates the accomplishments of exceptional women who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and communities. DENISON MAGAZINE

1991 Rich Roland stepped back into the position of director of the BFA in Musical Theatre Program at Indiana University in fall 2025, and he is also the new host of the nationally syndicated radio show, Afterglow, a weekly program celebrating jazz vocals and the Great American Songbook produced by Indiana Public Media and WFIU Bloomington. 1992 Ryan Palmer is principal counsel at RPPLAW in Baltimore, Maryland. Becca Abel Worple works as Facilitator of Happiness at Golden Dog Farm in Jeffersonville, Vermont. The farm hosts golden retriever experiences, wine tastings, farm tours, and bee experiences. 1994 Chris Swanson has been promoted to assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio, after serving as a professor of mathematics there for the last 25 years.

Your classmates want to hear from you! classnotes@denison.edu

1995 Cheryl Connolly Lewis of San Francisco, was inducted into the Ohio Lacrosse Hall of Fame for her playing time at Denison University. “It was such an honor and the awards ceremony was shared with high school All American lacrosse players from across the state of Ohio,” she DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

& Class Notes 1995 -2 004

writes. “My past field hockey and lacrosse coach at Denison was there, along with Denison’s current women’s lacrosse coach!” Lewis also is in the Denison Varsity D Association Hall of Fame.

2002 Rita DeCaria Zasowski of Pelham, New York, has accepted a new role at DLA Piper, a leading global law firm. She is chief marketing & business development officer for the Americas.

John Schurz of Phoenix, has been promoted to senior vice president of people and culture at Schurz Communications, Inc. Schurz has over 25 years of service with SCI, holding key positions in broadband, print, and broadcast.

2003 MARRIAGE: Lindsay Brown and Thomas Horwath were married on May 10, 2025, in Dayton, Ohio.

1997 Brian Clancy Smith was named senior vice president at United Sugar Producers & Refiners in Naperville, Illinois. Michelle Hizey-Swar tz celebrated her surprise 50th birthday party at The Roost in Slayter Hall in March 2025. She was joined by many family and friends, including husband Zac Swartz, Chad Clipner, and Carolyn Bierlin-Cerasi ‘98.

2000s

2000 Mike Howe of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, has been named vice president of global content at the digital and print publisher, People Inc., formerly Dotdash Meredith.

“I returned to The Hill to commemorate the accomplishment!” – COLLEEN FLYNNPROVENS ’04

Kirsten Burke Smith is a doctoral. student in literacy teaching and learning at the University at Albany, where she is a VanSlyke Scholar. She was recently honored with the Niagara Frontier Reading Council’s 2025 Service to Reading Award. She serves on the executive board of the New York State Reading Association and has been invited to present this summer at SUNY Empire State’s 10th annual Learning with Innovative Technology Conference. Jake Tawney of Phoenix reports that his book, Another Sort of Mathematics, has been published by Encounter Books. The book, he says, “has truly been a labor of love, and I am grateful to all of the hearts and minds that have shaped my thoughts over the years, and in particular to those friends in the last several months that have helped in more direct ways, from providing opinions on cover design to doing full reads of the manuscript.” 2001 Brian Tobias Hylbert of Nashville, made an independent film that premiered at the historic Belcourt Theatre in Nashville, capturing a live performance of one of his ongoing musical projects. Live Olive Presents: Bloke contains several original pieces with some choice covers recorded in an intimate studio setting. Fellow alum and rock veteran Scott Hylbert ‘91 is featured in the film as well.

2004 BIRTH: Melanie Heitmann Johnston and Kirk Johnston of Oro Valley, Arizona, welcomed their fourth son, Mark Keil, on Sept. 16, 2024. He joins big brothers, Nick Thomas, Luke Anders, and Jack Heitmann. Corey Babb of Tulsa, Oklahoma, reports that his first book, A Practical Guide to Female Sexual Medicine, published by CRC press, was released on May 5, 2025. The book assists with appropriate diagnosis, management, and terminology for women with sexual health problems. Julie Corbett of Wilton, Connecticut, recently finished her doctorate in education from American University, with a dissertation titled, “Seats of Change: An examination of how equity-focused pipelines mitigate the disproportionate racial representation of school boards.” Her work focuses on the intersection of education governance and democracy and the need to mitigate barriers to multiracial and representative locally-elected school boards. She also has launched a podcast, Seats of Change: The Future of School Boards, which explores the crucial role of local governance through the lens of school boards. Through interviews with current and former school board members, researchers, and practitioners, the podcast highlights their experiences campaigning, serving, and driving equity, and reveals how their work at the grassroots level builds the foundation of democracy. Colleen Flynn-Provens of Pataskala, Ohio, graduated with her doctorate of physical therapy from Bowling Green State University in August 2024, passed her state licensure testing that October, and is an active physical therapist at Central Ohio Primary Care. “I credit my liberal arts education for helping me easily disseminate research into my practice and form connections with my patients,” she writes. “I returned to The Hill to commemorate the accomplishment!”

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Stefanie Woods of Fairborn, Ohio, reports that she graduated in May 2025 with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and is engaged to James R. Moon III.

2011 BIRTH: Elizabeth Zak of Cleveland, Ohio, and Kevin LaJudice welcomed a son, Andrew Stephen, on July 21, 2025.

2006 BIRTHS: Stephen Bedosky and his wife, Erin Cahill, welcomed their first child, Jack Vincent Bedosky, in April 2025.

Erin Saul shares that she has been selected as a 2025 Ascend Fellow with the Aspen Institute, an 18-month fellowship that brings together leaders from across the country who are advancing bold, innovative approaches to expand opportunity and economic mobility for children and families. In her role as executive director of the GreenLight Fund Cincinnati, Saul sees every day how lasting change happens when communities define their own priorities and connect those needs with proven, high-impact solutions. “GreenLight’s mission is to remove barriers to economic mobility by building bridges between families, local leaders, and innovative nonprofits,” she writes. “I’m eager to bring that perspective to the Aspen community while also learning from inspiring colleagues who are working to advance equity in education, health, and economic opportunity.”

Kathryn Morrisey Slaven and Jeb Slaven welcomed their son, Rory Buchanan Slaven, on April 7, 2025. Bryan Christopher of Durham, North Carolina, writes that his book, Stopping the Deportation Machine: One Immigrant Student’s Arrest and the Kids Who Took on Washington To Get Him Back, was published in September 2025 by Bloomsbury Publishing. “When I graduated from Denison in 2006, I never thought I’d write a book about four high school students who took on the federal government to help their classmate graduate,” he writes. “But after a remarkable story played out before my eyes in 2016, I did just that — with a lot of help from a literary agent who also happens to be a Denison grad.” The book is an account of the experiences of Wildin Acosta, a high school student whose family fled gang violence in Honduras. Acosta enrolled at the high school where Christopher teaches and was leading the life of a typical American teenager when he was arrested by ICE agents in 2016. He was about to be deported when his school and community stepped up to intervene and secured his release after six months of imprisonment. “As I searched for a literary agent willing to help me find a publisher, I came across Diane Nine ’80,” Christopher writes. “I opened my query email with our Denison connection. She responded immediately. During our subsequent phone calls, we talked at length about our experiences on The Hill before she eventually agreed to take me on as a client.” Christopher also notes that his journey as a writer began at The Denisonian.

& Class Notes 2004 -201 2

2012 BIRTH: Jen ny Dea n Niew iadomsk i a nd Josh Niewiadomski welcomed a baby boy, Edward James, in February 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. MARRIAGE: Gabriella Gesicki and Justin Allan, of Los Angeles, California, married in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on May 17, 2024. Many Denison friends attended, and guests were treated to speeches given by both of their Denison roommates.

2010s

2010 MARRIAGE: Sarah Krejci was married on Sept. 27, 2025, on Cape Cod. She writes that about 20 Denison friends were there to celebrate with her. BIRTH: Julie Dean McMahon and Shea McMahon ’09, of Columbus, Ohio, welcomed their daughter, Frances Annemarie McMahon, on Nov. 1, 2024. Erica Monnin completed her doctorate in higher education leadership at Colorado State University, after successfully defending her dissertation, “Economics and Integrity: A Critical Quantitative Approach to Pandemic-Era Layoffs in Higher Education.” She also began a new role at StarRez, Inc., supporting college and university housing professionals in implementing software solutions to streamline their business operations. DENISON MAGAZINE

Lucas Meyer of Manchester, New Hampshire, writes that he recently stepped down as board chair of 603 Forward and the Forward Foundation, an organization committed to improving New Hampshire and empowering young leaders in politics that he built up as a volunteer founder. The move was designed to create an opportunity for new leadership in an organization he says has a bright future. “I really attribute a lot of the skills I learned at Denison to being able to operate independently successfully,” he writes. Jerome Price of Pickerington, Ohio, was appointed principal of Bexley Middle School in Bexley, Ohio. He is also a doctoral student in educational administration at Ohio State University. DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

& Class Notes 2 012-2 024

Stephanie Tower of Honolulu, Hawaii, passed the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) veterinary specialty board exam and became a diplomate of the college. She has started a new role as the attending veterinarian for the Department of Clinical Investigation at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. 2013 MARRIAGES: Lauryn Page married Mark Cramer on May 31, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Cincinnati. Maddie Jones-Mills and Travis Grasser, who met on The Hill and were friends throughout their time at Denison, were married on March 28, 2025, in St. Louis. BIRTH: Katie Reynolds Passen and John Passen, of Columbus, Ohio, welcomed their third child, a daughter, Caroline Pardi Passen, on March 26, 2025.

Jax Preyer Geracioti and David Geracioti ’19

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2014 MARRIAGE: Eric Bodnar and Susannah Spruill, were married on Nantucket in September 2025. “Susannah and I had our very first date on a fraternity formal trip to beautiful Windsor,” Eric writes. “I pinned Susannah on East Quad the spring of our senior year, and since then we’ve lived in Denver and D.C.” About 20 Denisonians attended the wedding. 2015 Kristof Oltvai of Chicago, writes that as classmates were celebrating their 10-year reunion on The Hill, “Lisa Torio and I were in Sils-Maria, Switzerland, the summer retreat of 19th-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, at a conference organized around the theme of Nietzsche’s complex relationship to Christianity.” The conference, which ran from June 2-6, 2025, was being put on by the International Network in the Philosophy of Religion, an organization primarily sponsored by the Institut Catholique de Paris. “It was a joy to reconnect with Lisa, learn more about her work, and reminisce about our time and studies in Granville,” she reports. “Having both graduated from Denison’s philosophy program, our paths have mutually led back toward academia. I’m currently completing my PhD in theology at the University of Chicago Divinity School, while Lisa is completing her PhD in Philosophy at Kyoto University in Japan. I primarily study high- and late-medieval Scholasticism, while Lisa’s working on the 20th-century French philosopher Gabriel Marcel. We both gave talks at the conference. Many cultural programs and hikes to Nietzsche ‘pilgrimage’ sites were incorporated into the conference, including one called the Nachdenkstein, where some of his poetry was read. Nietzsche claims he first came upon the idea of the eternal return, a central concept in his philosophy, at this spot.” 2016

MARRIAGE: Jessica Braid of Chicago, married Kyle Sullivan on June 7, 2025, at River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst, Illinois. 2018 BIRTH: Jerome Sheriff and Andrianna Peterson Sheriff welcomed their son, Anthony Jerome Sheriff, on Jan. 1, 2025. Maria Cortez Longsworth and Tariq Longsworth ’20 of Dorchester Center, Massachusetts, celebrated their oneyear anniversary on June 15, 2025. The wedding, in Maria’s hometown in the Philippines, was attended by Denison alums from the classes of 2014 to 2020.

2020s

2020 MARRIAGES: Katie Lotane Bennet and Jake Bennet ’18, wed at the Boston Public Library on Sept. 21, 2024. Jax Preyer Geracioti and David Geracioti ’19 of Brooklyn, New York, married on June 22, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church of Richmond, Virginia. They celebrated with a 22-person wedding party, 11 of whom are also Denison alumni. 2021 Bridget Horton of Madison, Wisconsin, reported in July 2025 that she and her fiancée, Brett Weicht, were getting married “in just a few short weeks!” They met as varsity swimmers at Denison and were looking forward to celebrating with their closest Denison friends, who witnessed their journey together. 2024 Michael Mead of Locust Valley, New York, reports he could not make the Boys Golf Weekend at Alex Sket’s home in Bradenton, Florida, due to his Wrangler job at the HF Bar Ranch in Wyoming so he sent his dad, Kevin, in his place. Among the attendees at the St. Pete Brewery were Thomas “Boxed” Berry, Jake Dimantova, Alexander “Coach” Sket, Ted Dunn, Nick “Beans” Anderson, and Cade Cormier.

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JAN. 28, 2026

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Obituaries 1945

Lou Dudrow, 98, of Frederick, Maryland, Feb. 2, 2023. At Denison, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha.

1946

Carol Seffing Flack, 97, of New Bern, North Carolina, May 30, 2022. At Denison, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta.

Jean Westcott Webster, 98, of Lafayette, Colorado, July 23, 2023. She cherished her years at Denison, where she was a member of Delta Gamma. She lived most of her life in the Chicago area before moving to Colorado in 2012. She is survived by her three children and six grandchildren.

1947

Elsie Ann Barry Lewis, 99, of Frankfort, Indiana, March 19, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. She was introduced to her future husband, Perry Warner Lewis, by his sister, Anne Lewis Holt ’47, who was Elsie Ann’s suitemate at Denison. Their marriage in 1948 lasted nearly 63 years. They raised three children, and she preserved their decades of memories in scrapbooks of pictures, newspaper clippings, and mementos. She was an avid reader and enjoyed bridge, golf, travel, and winters in Bonita Beach, Florida. She was a devoted Christian and active member of the Frankfort First Christian Church and Church Women United. She was involved with the Aftermath Club, the Literary Club, Friends of the Frankfort Library, Frankfort Garden Club, Tri Kappa, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Association, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her husband, Perry; brother, Charles; sister, Barbara; son, Perry William; and daughter, Nancy Jane (infant). She is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Lewis Dunlap ’74, and Susan B. Woods; five grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and extended family and friends.

Gloria helped in the planning and construction of the Irvine Fine Arts Building and assisted in the formation of Irvine as a city. 70

Gloria Snider Silber, 100, of Irvine, California, Aug. 11, 2025. Born not far from Denison in Outville, Ohio, she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi and an art instructor from 1945 to 1948 before becoming a proofreader at the Chicago Tribune, an instructor of art at Palma Ceia Elementary in Tampa, Florida, and an employee with the Irvine (California) Arts Center. She received a diploma in design from the Interior Designers Guild in 1976. She also worked as a public relations hostess for The Irvine Company in Newport Beach, California, a community development advisor, instructor for a television arts and crafts show, and freelance artist and designer in Irvine. She helped in the planning and construction of the Irvine Fine Arts Building

and assisted in the formation of Irvine as a city. She was a recipient of the Shepardson Art Scholarship at Denison in 1946, received the Juror’s Award from the Watercolor West Society in 1998, the Purchase Award from the Watercolor West 30th Annual Juried Exhibition in 1999; and the Merchandise Award in the San Diego 20 International Art Exhibition in 2000. She was a secretary of the Broadmoor Community Association in Irvine, the first vice president of the Palma Ceia Junior Women’s Club in Tampa, member of the board of directors for the Tampa Philharmonic, and member of the Irvine Civic League, the Irvine Women’s Club, Irvine Parent-Teachers Association, the American Association of University Women, the Orange County Fine Arts, Costa Mesa Art League (president 1990), and the Irvine Fine Arts League. She enjoyed tennis, painting, gardening, accessorizing, and walking. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Christian Silber ’48. She is survived by a daughter, Debra Silber, and sons, Douglas Arthur Silber and Scott Reed Silber. Marjorie Snyder Stapleton, 101, of Longboat Key, Florida, July 11, 2025. She was a member of Delta Gamma at Denison, and she remained active in local Delta Gamma chapters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Longboat Key, Florida. She raised her family in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and was a member of the Grosse Pointe Hunt Club and Grosse Pointe Memorial Church. She became a winter resident of Florida in the 1980s and eventually made her permanent home in Longboat Key. She was a vital part of the church community at All Angels Episcopal Church, where sang in the choir and played in the handbell choir until her health declined. She supported Southeastern Guide Dogs by walking newly appointed dogs and by raising money via her participation in 5K walks into her 90s. She volunteered in a Sarasota elementary school by helping young children learn to read. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Edwin N. Peabody in 1978, and David W. Stapleton in 2005; and her son, Bradley Peabody. She is survived by her children, Jane Peabody Fennessy; Clifford Peabody; Marjorie Peabody Hamond; Susan Peabody Clark; Betsy Peabody Rowe; and grandchildren.

1948

Walter Witt, 99, of Geneva, Ohio, April 23, 2025. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-46. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Geneva. He enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, golf, and bowling. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Kathryn A. Witt; daughter, Caroline Fasula; grandson, Bryant Fasula; brothers, Richard J. and Edwin F. Witt; and sister, Dorothy Witt. He is survived by his son, Herbert Witt, and a grandson.

1949

Beverly Hott Wildermuth, 97, of St. Petersburg, Florida, June 9, 2025. Known for her infectious smile and vivid blue eyes, she met her future husband, Karl Wildermuth ’47, at Denison. She earned a degree in business from Ohio State University. She

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loved to travel, and she and her husband’s adventures took them to Egypt, Asia, and beyond. But her favorite places to visit were the homes of their children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Karl. She is survived by her four children, Terri, Kirk, Lisa, and Mark; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Leland Brown, 95, of Utica, Michigan, Jan. 30, 2025.

Grace Smith Greene, 96 , of Moorestown, New Jersey, July 16, 2025. At Denison, she studied biology and chemistry and graduated with honors. She was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. She began her career at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in the biochemistry department. Upon the birth of her first child, she devoted herself to becoming a full-time mom and homemaker. She and her husband, Leon C. Greene ’50, built their family dream home in Moorestown, New Jersey, in 1968. They joined the First Presbyterian Church, where she volunteered to be an elder and president of The Friday Nighters Club. She created beautiful pieces from stained-glass and enjoyed knitting, sewing, needlework, cooking, and baking. She is survived by her children, Jennifer Greene DeCelle, Jeffrey Leonard Greene, and James Lawrence Greene; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and other family. She was preceded in death by her husband, and sister, Muriel Quimby ’45. Phyllis Harvey Wood, 96, of Plaistow, New Hampshire, April 17, 2025. She majored in mathematics and religion at Denison, and liked to say that she used both every day. After Denison, she worked as a bookkeeping accountant at the American Baptist Convention of New Hampshire, through which she met her future husband, the Rev. John R. Wood. She was a woman of strong faith and a proud minister’s wife. She and her husband, who was pastor of First Baptist Church in Plaistow, New Hampshire, from 1951 to 1968, were a team in all aspects of their lives, cooking together and taking the family on road trips in their homemade camper. Her fondest memories were of their shared adventures. She enjoyed knitting, reading, cheering on the Boston Red Sox, completing crosswords in ink, and calling out the answers during Jeopardy! She was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her children, Pamela AW Avedisian, Joyce RW Glenney, Gordon F. Wood, and Janice R. Adkins; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

1951

Norval Goss Jr., 96, of Columbus, Ohio, July 26, 2025. As a youth he was an Eagle Scout and as a young man served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. At Denison, he was a member of Sigma Chi. He earned his master’s degree in education from Ohio State University and was a lifelong educator, retiring as assistant superintendent of the Columbus City Schools. He previously had served as the principal of Central High School and in many other administrative roles at the school DENISON MAGAZINE

PRO FE S S O R E M E R ITA gisela goppel

1950

Josette Filippi Wilburn

I N MEMO RIAM

French professor emerita Josette Filippi Wilburn, who discovered the importance of learning different languages during World War II and passed on their value to a generation of Denison students, died March 12, 2025, at 96. Born near Paris and raised outside Normandy, France, she lived an extraordinary life, one that involved surviving Nazi occupation, Allied bombings and tricky negotiations to help war-torn families receive the care they required. As a youth, Josette learned to speak German and English, almost out of necessity. Her ability to translate for soldiers and ordinary citizens proved highly beneficial during tumultuous times. “Her lifelong proficiency in languages gave Josette entry to all kinds of situations,” her son Bernard Wilburn said. “She realized quickly that her skillset was valuable, and that she could make requests of the powers that be, not only for herself, but also on behalf of others.” Her life included several close calls. She recalled D-Day, June 6, 1944, as Allied bombs rattled the family home in Normandy and forced her and her mother to flee as refugees. As a teenager, she operated lathes in a Dresden, Germany, factory that manufactured machine parts. While having her appendix removed in February 1945, Dresden was relentlessly shelled by the Allies. She survived by hiding in a hospital basement. “The war was not monolithic in her eyes — it was not black or white,” Bernard Wilburn said. “Neither side in her experience was completely good or evil. And she was generally skeptical, even downright suspicious, of anyone who believed or claimed that they had all the answers.” Josette worked as a translator for the U.S. Army base in Laon, France, eventually moving to the United States in 1960. She earned a degree in the humanities at the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree and doctorate in French literature from Ohio State University. She married attorney Charles Wilburn in 1970 and worked at Denison from 1978-93 — first as a teaching assistant and lecturer, and later as a professor of French and French literature. “Josette was a vivacious person,” Emeritus Professor of French Charlie O’Keefe said. “She was elegant and energetic and quite witty.” And also a bit of a lead foot. O’Keefe recalled Josette grumbling in French about the speeding tickets she amassed. “My mother was a fire plug,” Bernard Wilburn said, laughing. “She had to make long drives to campus from Circleville, Ohio, but she loved her time at Denison. She thought the campus was gorgeous, and she really enjoyed teaching.” Bernard Wilburn ended his mother’s eulogy with a quote from her favorite existentialist, Albert Camus: “Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” – TOM REED

DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

& Obituaries 1951–1953

At the time of her death, she was still writing to friends from high school, from Denison, to a Japanese exchange student whom she and Ham briefly hosted in 1980.

where he began as a teacher in 1954. He was the longtime organizer of the ABC (Columbus Academy, Bexley, and Columbus School for Girls) reunions and an accomplished tennis player who became a co-founder of The Racquet Club of Columbus and served as president of Swim and Racquet Club. He and his wife, Sue, vacationed for years on Sanibel Island, Florida, where he was an enthusiastic collector and cataloger of seashells and always eager to share his knowledge and collection. He will be remembered for his well-tended gardens, his diligent compiling of family genealogical records going back to 1772 without the use of a computer, and his thoughtfulness in forwarding newspaper clippings he thought might be of interest to numerous friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his brothers. He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Sue; his daughter; Dianne ’79; his son, Dean; four grandsons; and two great-grandchildren. Barb Greenfield Wadman, 95, of Vancouver, British Columbia, March 15, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She went on to earn a master’s degree in nursing at Case Western Reserve University. There, in the operating room, she met Hamilton Wadman, a resident surgeon from Canada. They married in 1955 and settled in Vancouver, where she worked as a public health nurse in elementary schools before starting a family. Her Christmas card list is a testament to her capacity for connection: At the time of her death, she was still writing to friends from high school, from Denison, to a Japanese exchange student whom she and Ham briefly hosted in 1980, and to an Israeli tour guide they had once befriended, to name just a few. Many of her close friends were members of Shaughnessy Heights United Church, where she sang in the choir for decades. Through the church, she expressed her passion for social causes, whether by laboring for months to set up and welcome a Vietnamese refugee family in the 1970s or by helping to found a chapter of the GoGos, a nonprofit that supports South African grandmothers affected by the AIDS epidemic. These efforts reflected her deep concern about the wider world: You dared not disturb her between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., when she was glued to BBC World News America and The Newshour. She had a quiet manner but was a force to be reckoned with, whether directing Canadian ferries officials to expedite a repair ahead of her daughter’s Galiano Island wedding, or standing on a jet bridge refusing to board a plane to L.A. until her 5-year-old grandson, the holder of an expired passport, was allowed to board too. She also was a complete romantic who loved music, the mountains, the moon, and any other thing of beauty. She was deeply spiritual and, when asked, shared her faith openly, especially the powerful vision she had of an angel that uplifted her during the wrenching trauma of her teenage son’s death. She was preceded in death by her son, Gregory Wadman, and her husband, Hamilton Wadman. She is survived by her children, Meredith and Andrea, and five grandchildren.

1952

Richard W. (Bill) Austin, 94, of Orland Park, Illinois, March 5, 2025. A noted Chicago lawyer who focused on commercial and antitrust litigation, he concluded his career in the law by serving as a Cook County Circuit Court Judge to the Sixth Subcircuit until his retirement in 2002. At Denison, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta. He went to obtain his law degree from Northwestern University, married the love of his life, Susan, and entered the U.S. Army. Upon his return to civilian life, he joined the law firm of Winston & Strawn, where he remained until joining the firm of Pretzel & Stouffer in 1993. He eventually opened his own practice, before being appointed to the circuit court bench. During his long career, he argued cases in federal courts across the U.S. and participated in four cases reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court. He served as president of the Chicago Bar Association from 1979-80, president of the American Bar Foundation from 1982-84, and president of the National Conference of Bar Presidents from 1988-89. He also served as a lecturer and author at the Northwestern University School of Law Corporate Counsel Institute. In retirement, he and Susan moved to Arizona and he avidly pursued his favorite sport, golf. He was lucky enough to have played some of the most famous golf courses in the world, including St. Andrews Links, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Oakmont Country Club, Augusta National Golf Club, and his beloved Olympia Fields Country Club in Chicago, where he was a member for over 60 years. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Susan, and a brother, Robert Austin. He is survived by his children, Mark, Bryan, Doug, and Tom; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, David; and many nieces and nephews. Edward C. “Ted” Felton Jr., 95, of Medfield, Massachusetts, March 20, 2025. He was a graduate of The Choate School in Wallingford, Connecticut, and earned his degree in economics from Denison, where he was a member of the American Commons Club. He earned his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-56. He spent his career in the investment industry, beginning at Rhode Island Hospital Trust, followed by Boston Insurance Company. He then spent 49 years at Woodstock Corp. in Boston, where he was an investment analyst and eventually vice president, serving in later years as their head equity trader. He was known for his sage financial advice, dry wit, and limericks he would deliver at the annual company holiday party. He grew an organic vegetable garden in his backyard and was an avid reader with a particular interest in World War II history. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judith Felton; his daughter, Jennifer Bhujle, and his son, Edward James Felton; and three grandchildren. Barbara Humphrey Kennedy, 95, of Avon Lake, Ohio, Aug. 15, 2025. The Great Depression would frame her childhood, giving her the adaptability and sense of thrift she would later rely upon to command a daily household of 11. She met her

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future husband, Roger, shortly after high school, though they would not marry for five years while both pursued college. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta at Denison, and she remained an active Tri-Delt for the next 75 years, proudly displaying her Diamond Jubilee pin in 2024. She and Roger moved to Bay Village, Ohio, three years into their marriage, and they raised their nine children there. She returned to work when their youngest entered school, joining the staff of St. Raphael School. She liked to stay active, and she remained committed to making the most of life even after losing her husband in 2007. She traveled the world visiting castles and churches across Israel, England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and France. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger F. “Podge” Kennedy. She is survived by her children, Kathleen Cianca, Karen Frey, Diane Lange, David, Sherry, Patty, Joan, Mary Lou, and Sue Benevento; 14 grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and a brother, Harry. Elinor Haider Soja Miller, 93, of Winchester, Virginia, Dec. 20, 2024. She always thought of herself as a Denisonian, having spent her first two college years there before transferring to Connecticut College. She was a lifelong educator, teaching math and English at a private girl’s academy for many years. After earning a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from West Virginia University, she founded The Banner School, a private K-8, non-sectarian school and the first of its kind in Frederick, Maryland. She created a curriculum for all grades that emphasized the arts, science, math, and language skills. In doing so, she drew upon her educational experiences from Oklahoma to Ohio to West Virginia — and from her own parenting skills as a devoted, loving, and steadfast mother of three. A mockingbird that sang all night was another transformative experience, as it awakened in her a lifelong love for birds and their protection. She wrote a weekly bird column, “As the Crow Flies,” and did extensive international travel to see birds. After retiring from The Banner School, she founded Sage Education Enterprises as a vehicle for publishing books and information on education — including her tour-de-force Word Web Vocabulary program — parenting, birdwatching, and ecotourism. She is survived by her husband and three children, Michael, Constance ’77, and Thomas. Don Roberts, 94, of Savoy, Illinois, April 15, 2025. At Denison, he was a member of the American Commons Club. He earned his master’s degree after graduation, entered the U.S. Army, and then resumed his education at Stanford, where he completed his doctorate. He was a business professor for more than 30 years at the University of Illinois, where he helped to establish the executive MBA program. His commitment to education and mentorship left an indelible mark on generations of students. An avid cyclist, he cherished his biannual trips to Wisconsin, where he would ride more than 200 miles with friends. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Benjamin Alcumbrac. He is survived by his wife, Gay Roberts; his son, Spencer Roberts; daughters,

DENISON MAGAZINE

Melissa Gore and Wendy Alcumbrac; stepdaughter, Becky Rauvola; and four grandchildren. Don Sharp, 95, of Bronxville, New York, April 26, 2025. At Denison, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Sharp ’52, and is survived by his son, John Sharp. Jane Knisley Stiverson, 94, of Columbus, Ohio, March 19, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Delta Gamma. She taught kindergarten in central Ohio. She was a founding member of Sun, Fun, and Flowers Garden Club, a member and deacon of Broad Street Presbyterian Church, and a member of Pi Lambda Theta, The Columbus Club, and other organizations. She was preceded in death by her husband, James R. Stiverson, and a brother, Scott Knisley. She is survived by a son, Thomas J. Stiverson; daughter, Charlotte Stiverson; and many nieces and nephews.

1953

Christine Kornman Birdwell, 93, of Columbus, Ohio, May 3, 2025. She was born on Christmas Eve and spent her early years on the move as her father struggled to find work during the Great Depression. After the death of her mother, she settled with family in Newark, Ohio. At Denison, she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. She earned a master’s degree at Northwestern University and eventually moved with her husband and daughter to East Lansing, Michigan, where she began teaching at Michigan State University, earned her doctorate, and became a full professor. She taught writing and continued to use her knowledge of language in her retirement as an editor at the Journal of Popular Culture. She had a lifelong love of theatre, working with bold directors in local community-based theatre and appearing in plays that challenged audience expectations. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Rawson Paige Birdwell Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Birdwell Shortlidge; two grandsons; and two great-grandchildren.

Christine was born on Christmas Eve and spent her early years on the move as her father struggled to find work during the Great Depression.

Nancy Brelsford Bordeau, 94, of Silver Lake, Ohio, April 11, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Her husband, Harry Bordeau ’51, and a son, Ken, preceded her in death. She is survived by her children, Cynthia Staycheff and Mark Bourdeau; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Nancy Bimel Heldman, 93, of Broomfield, Colorado, April 1, 2025. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta at Denison and graduated with a business degree. After college she was the first woman to be hired by the marketing department at Procter & Gamble. She met her husband, Bill Heldman, in Cincinnati. They led an active life together, competing in canoe races, camping, hosting elaborate masquerade parties, and taking ski trips to Aspen, where they moved in 1969. They embraced the Colorado spirit and instilled in their children a love of camping, hiking, skiing, and traveling. DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

& Obituaries 1953 –195 6

After Bill’s death, Nancy moved from their home on Red Mountain to Snowmass Village, where she and a friend, Susan Ehrens, opened an interior design and home furnishings store. She is survived by her three children, Chip Heldman, Carolyne Heldman Rovira, and Sally Heldman; four granddaughters; and a great-granddaughter. Helen Boyce Soderlind, 94, of Manchester Center, Vermont, June 20, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Jim; her son, Steven; and her brother, W. Brooks Boyce. She is survived by a half-brother, Thomas Boyce; her daughter, Lori; and other family and friends.

1954

Donald worked hard on the athletic fields and in the classrooms, still finding time to earn extra money peeling potatoes at the Granville Inn.

Donald “Dee” DeJong, 93, of Pompano Beach, Florida, July 10, 2025. While his professional career as a school administrator took him to Florida, DeJong spent sizable chunks of his retirement in Granville, Ohio, supporting Denison, where he had starred on the football, basketball, and track and field teams and was inducted into the Varsity D Association Hall of Fame in 1981. Don was a member of Phi Delta Theta and was like a character ripped from the panels of a Gil Thorp comic strip. Industrious, straight-laced, and humble, he worked hard on the athletic fields and in the classrooms, still finding time to earn extra money peeling potatoes at the Granville Inn. He arrived at Denison from Springfield, Ohio, where he had helped his high school basketball team win a state championship. Standing 6-foot-5, he was a pivotal member of the Big Red basketball team, and his 922 career points were a school record upon his graduation. But it’s on the football field where he is best remembered. He led the team in receptions and receiving yards in each of his last three varsity seasons. His 1,245 career receiving yards still ranks among Denison’s top-15 all time. He had tryouts with the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams. He lacked the foot speed to make it as an NFL wide receiver; had he been born a generation later, he might have become a prototype NFL tight end. Instead, he earned a master’s degree from Wittenberg University and served as an administrator for Broward County (Florida) Schools. He loved golf and antique cars, traveling the country to attend shows with his wife, Joyce. He also earned his pilot’s licence. He never lost his passion for Denison, returning to campus to attend games and post-game gatherings at the home of legendary football coach Keith Piper. When the family bought property in Granville after his retirement, he spent his free time on campus. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Caitlyn DeJong; his brother, Jerry DeJong; and sister, Barbara Hauck. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughter, Debbie DeJong; sons, Dirk DeJong and John DeJong; stepdaughters, Susan Cliff and Sharon Fishter; and four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Jeanette Smith Johnson, 92, of Malvern, Pennsylvania, April 27, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Chi Omega and majored in biology. She was a junior year selection to

Phi Beta Kappa and especially enjoyed her botany classes with Professor Harry Truman. She had an encyclopedic knowledge of perennial wildflowers and it seemed she could almost immediately identify even the rarest varieties in both English and Latin. She met her husband, William Brooks Johnson ’53, at Denison. While he attended law school at Ohio State University, she worked as a research assistant and then associate for Dr. Milton A. Lessler, studying the effects of what was then considered low-level radiation. She was ahead of the curve on many issues, refusing to use herbicides on the lawn and converting much of the yard into a garden. She actively volunteered and taught in schools, including successfully advocating for introducing a more rigorous scientific curriculum in the Northmont School District. She would say she felt fortunate to have lived a good and happy life. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years. She is survived by five children, Lynette Blackmon ’77; Jeffrey Brooks Johnson; Lysbeth Gordon; Dr. Jeremy Johnson; and Jason Johnson; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Bob Jones, 91, of Liberty Township, Ohio, May 15, 2024. At Denison, he was a member of Beta Theta Pi. Joen P. Kinnan, 93, of River Forest, Illinois, Aug. 14, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Delta Gamma and an English major. She taught briefly after college before finding her niche as a freelance writer and editor who specialized in medical writing. She was an active member of the Independent Writers of Chicago for many years. Always politically-minded, she served for decades as an election judge. She enjoyed cooking, reading, playing bridge, and watching sports, especially baseball. When her son was young, she managed his Little League team. She had a particular affinity for cats but loved all animals, as evidenced by her longtime veganism. Her entomologist father instilled in her a respect for insects, and she tried never to harm them. She is survived by her daughter, Glynis; her son, Jason; two grandsons; and cats, Shadow and Bibi. Fred Smalstig, 92, of Naples, Florida, March 1, 2025. At Denison, he was a member of Kappa Sigma. He graduated from Denison with a degree in philosophy and served two years in the U.S. Army Security Agency. He had always been a strong athlete, but horses and riding were his true love. He raised Polled Shorthorn cattle on his Timberlee Valley Stock Farm in Evans City, Pennsylvania. Among his Polled Shorthorns were six Grand Champions, two Reserve Grand Champions, five first prize get-of-sires and three first prize six-head groups at the International Livestock Exposition in Chicago. He served as secretary/treasurer of the Pennsylvania Shorthorn Breeders Association for 10 years and served on the National Polled Shorthorn Board of Directors. He later managed Angus farms in New York, where he raised and won many state and national Angus show championships including the Supreme Champion Bull at the 1981 All-American

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1955

Ann Lucker Troolines, 92, of Salinas, California, June 14, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Delta Gamma, involved in student government, and often singing, whether solo, in quartets, or operettas. It was while performing in the light opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors, that she met her future husband, fellow performer Gus Troolines ’58. They married in September 1955, where Gus went on to earn his degree from UCLA. She had a deep faith and sang at Christian women’s clubs throughout California. Gus passed away in 1983. She married Richard DeBrunce two years later, and they enjoyed many activities, including camping, birdwatching, tennis and ping pong, until his death in 1998. She carefully tended her rose garden and loved her San Francisco Giants. She is survived by four children, Paul, Elizabeth, Christine, and Constance; 14 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

1956

John J. Adams, 90, of McLean, Virginia, April 20, 2025. Born in Toledo, Ohio, he was the youngest son of the Rev. Theodore 1921 and Esther Adams 1923. He followed his parents to Denison and was a member of Beta Theta Pi. He earned his law degree from the University of Virginia. While in Charlottesville, he met and married the love of his life, Barbara Barr. After law school, seeing that many of his law classmates had served in Korea, he volunteered to go into the U.S. Army Reserves and served as a corporal at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He joined the 25-person Richmond, Virginia, law firm of Hunton & Williams, where he engaged in a host of legal matters from civil, criminal, and probate courts to corporate representation and pro bono work. In 1965, he left the firm to move to McLean, Virginia, to briefly work for a civil liberties group before joining the U.S. Department of State as a special envoy to determine how best to implement a presidential directive on consolidation of U.S. operations in countries overseas. He was asked to start the Washington, D.C., office of Hunton & Williams in 1967 and was its managing partner until 1985. He was involved in a broad range of administrative proceedings, including anti-trust, bank mergers and numerous environmental regulations. He was a member of the confirmation team for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell. He was heavily involved in environmental legislative matters. He was active in the Georgetown Pike & Potomac River Association as it successfully lobbied to preserve the 336-acre Burling tract as a public park in 1970. He served on numerous educational and civic boards and was the co-founder of McLean Trees and president of the Georgetown Pike & Potomac River Association. He served as legal counsel to the Women’s Center of Northern Virginia and the Baptist DENISON MAGAZINE

John Taylor Jr. ’57 gisela goppel

Futurity and 1982 Grand Champion Bull at the National Western Angus Show. He also judged Angus and Shorthorn shows. He was preceded in death by his brother, John; son, Jonathan Smalstig; first wife of 36 years, Barbara; and second wife of 22 years, Linda Briggs. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Addeo, and two grandchildren.

LI FE T RU S T E E

I N MEMO RIAM

The enduring love John Taylor Jr. ’57, had for Denison began with a joyride down a snow-covered hill on cafeteria trays. The indelible memory highlighted the first date between Taylor and his future wife, Connie Smith ’58, who became the parents and grandparents of nine Denison graduates. Taylor died Sept. 12, 2025, at 90. During public-speaking engagements as an accomplished businessman, philanthropist, and Denison trustee, he always remembered to thank his wife of 67 years. “When he spoke of Denison, my dad would always say, ‘that’s where I met your mother,’” said Greg Taylor ’86, who is also a Denison trustee. “He adored my mother and often said, ‘I owe it all to Connie.’” While at Denison, Taylor, an economics major, developed the leadership skills necessary to run businesses and philanthropic endeavors that benefited Denison and the Dayton, Ohio, community. He was organized, ambitious, and efficient. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he started his career as a stockbroker before purchasing Kurz-Kasch, Inc., a specialty manufacturer of plastic and electromagnetic products. He later founded and led Component Technology Corporation, a publicly traded specialty manufacturer of zero-defect plastic assemblies. The Taylors raised five children who enjoyed successful careers in varied fields after graduating from Denison. They are: Elizabeth Taylor ’82, Dr. Margaret Taylor ’91, and the triplets Greg Taylor, Dr. Anne Taylor ’86, and Tony Taylor ’86. The eldest Taylors also saw four of their grandchildren, Helen Heutel ’16, Grace Heutel ’18, Joseph Heutel ’21, and Mark Taylor ’22, earn diplomas on The Hill, along with several other extended family members. John, Connie, and Anne have been awarded alumni citations. “Mom and dad held Denison in such high regard,” Greg Taylor said. “They put the university on a pedestal. We all had our options to go elsewhere, but chose Denison.” John Taylor devoted his adult life to supporting his alma mater. He dreamed of becoming a Denison trustee in his late 20s, serving in that capacity for 12 years before being elected a Life Trustee in 1996. His financial acumen helped Denison in many pursuits, including capital campaigns. During the Sesquicentennial Campaign, he established the John N. Taylor, Jr. Endowed Lectureship in Free Enterprise. He also underwrote the creation of Taylor House, an honors residence hall, and established a second endowment, The Taylor Family Fund. In his hometown of Dayton, Taylor served as a trustee of Sinclair Community College from 1998 to 2002 and as a trustee of the Sinclair Community College Foundation from 2002 to 2008. He also contributed to Sinclair’s Young Scholars Program, Taylor’s Access Grants, and Visiting Scholars Endowment. “My parents were big believers in education, and how it could change lives,” Greg Taylor said. “My dad thought education allowed people to pull themselves up by the bootstraps and climb the socioeconomic ladder.” The family’s spirit of generosity included fostering 15 children through Catholic Social Services. Taylor’s benevolence will impact the lives of others for years to come. – TOM REED

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& Obituaries 195 6 –1958

John and his wife trekked all over the world, from Machu Picchu to Kilimanjaro, and he was proud to have traveled to over 100 countries.

World Alliance and was an attorney of record in various suits brought by Americans United for the Separation of Church and State and the American Civil Liberties Union. He was named McLean’s “Citizen of the Year” in 1999. At the age of 60, he stepped back and became a senior counsel so he could spend more time on community service work and continuing his world travels with wife, Barbara. They trekked all over the world, from Machu Picchu to Kilimanjaro, but though he was proud to have traveled to over 100 countries, across all seven continents and five oceans, his truly special places were his family’s beloved log cabin home of many years and the cottage at Sandy Point, Virginia, that had been built by his father in the 1940s. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Chloe Buchanan. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; three daughters, Leigh Ann Miller, Leslie Barry, and Julie Adams Buchanan ’88; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a niece and seven nephews. Jim McCoy, 90, of Midlothian, Virginia, July 6, 2025. At Denison he majored in economics and was a member of Kappa Sigma. He began his career with Texaco before entering the U.S. Air Force as a second lieutenant through the ROTC program. He was promoted to first lieutenant during three years of active duty and was stationed in Delaware, Florida, and Turkey. He then returned to Texaco, which led to sales and marketing assignments in Virginia, Honduras, Belize, and Jamaica. Upon returning to the U.S., he purchased oil companies in Virginia before becoming a founding partner of Tanks, Trucks & Trailers Inc. He was a world traveler and loved anything to do with transportation, particularly trucks and trains. He and his cousin, John Martin, relished riding in their railroad speeder car. He was preceded in death by his partner, Lottie Sacks. He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia McCoy; son, Scott McCoy; two grandchildren; and sister, Sarah Wells. Cynthia Ackerman Metcalf, 91, of Carmichael, California, July 29, 2025. She met her future husband, Woodbridge “Skip” Metcalf ’55, at Denison, and they were married for more than 64 years. She was very involved at Denison, including as a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She worked as a teacher in Mansfield, Ohio, and later in California at St. Michael’s Episcopal Day School. She also worked in the travel industry at Wood’s World of Travel for 20 years. She was a Brownie troop leader and served in many different volunteer positions and community outreach projects through St. Michael’s. She was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her daughter, Ellen Dean; son, Steve; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Ken Ackerman ’61; and nephews. Roger Walters, 92, of Naples, Florida, Aug. 18, 2025. He graduated from the Gunnery School in Washington, Connecticut, and attended Denison, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. He served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After the service, he joined his

father at Harrison Paint Corp. He spent 43 years with the firm, becoming president and CEO, before selling the company in 1998. He was a member of Brookside Country Club, Quail West Club of Naples, a past director of Harter Bank & Trust, and a trustee of Aultman Hospital. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gay, and son, G.G. He is survived by his second wife, Freda; daughter, Linda; four stepchildren; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

1957

Peter Armacost, 90, of St. Petersburg, Florida, Aug. 28, 2025. The son of a university president, he spent more than 40 years of continuous presidential leadership at institutions of higher learning. After graduating from Denison, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi, and earning his doctorate in psychology from the University of Minnesota, he devoted his career to higher education. He became president of Ottawa University in Kansas at age 32, spearheading the development of programs that increased enrollment by 3,000 students over several years. He took the helm of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1977. Under his leadership, college enrollment increased by nearly 80%, new academic programs were introduced, and eight major buildings were constructed. In recognition of his lasting impact, the college later built and dedicated the Peter H. Armacost Library, a space designed to foster research, collaborative learning, and community. He embraced an international calling as rector (president) of Forman Christian College in Lahore, Pakistan. In more than 10 years there, he guided the university through a period of renewal, launching a four-year baccalaureate program unique in Pakistan, adding five new master’s degree programs, nearly doubling enrollment, recruiting a faculty with a higher percentage of doctoral degrees in all but three universities in the country, and expanding its facilities. He also served on an array of boards devoted to civic, religious, and professional causes, including the Pinellas Suncoast Chamber of Commerce, the Southern University Conference, and the Association of American Colleges. He was a true family man, changing diapers, teaching his children and grandchildren to type, water ski, or play a sport. He never missed an important event in their lives or the chance to try something new — proven by his decision to go ziplining at age 87. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 34 years, Suzanne Sadosky Armacost ’57, and a brother, Michael Armacost. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Mary-Linda; four children, Martha Jamieson, David Armacost, Sarah Holliman, and Rebecca Armacost ’89; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Samuel Armacost ’61, and Mary Hulst. Robin Lorimer Basila, 88, of Cleveland, Ohio, Nov. 14, 2024. At Denison, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Bruce Corrie, 89, of Newton, North Carolina, March 21, 2025. A 2004 inductee to Denison’s Varsity D Association Hall of Fame, he majored in physical education and minored in English at Denison, where he played lacrosse and soccer, belonged to Kappa Sigma, and was a member of the Air Force

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ROTC rifle team. He also met his wife, Jane Botsford ’57, there. After Denison he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, serving until 1960, when he was discharged and promoted to captain in the USAF Reserve. He earned a master’s degree from Indiana University and received a Fulbright grant to teach physical education in Greece. Over the years he coached at Oberlin College, Ball State University, and Denison, before heading to Duke. He earned his doctorate in physical education and later published the book, The Atlantic Coast Conference-Silver Anniversary. He left Duke in 1978 to become the first director of athletics for both men and women at Bucknell University. While there, he became president of the East Coast Conference, president of the Eastern College Football Association, and chairman of the NCAA IAA Football Committee. During his tenure he watched as the men’s basketball team made their first-ever trip to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. In 1987, he joined the Big Ten as director of athletics for men and women at Northwestern University, where he helped grow the football program, hiring the coach who later took the team to the Rose Bowl in 1996. He served as chairman of the Big Ten Conference of Athletic Directors. He served at Robert Morris University as athletic director beginning in 1994, where the new football team became ECAC Football Bowl Champions. In 1999, he won the All American Football Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. Retirement did not mean that he stopped playing sports. An avid tennis player, he competed at local, state and regional tennis tournaments. In 2011, he was inducted into the Robert Morris University Hall of Fame. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane. He is survived by daughters, Linda J. Hoke and Bonnie J. Estes; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild. Lispet “Biz” Taylor Roland, 89, of Portland, Oregon, April 1, 2025. A Broadway actress and singer, she was born a self-described Army brat to Col. Edward M. Taylor 1916 and Ruth Nelson Taylor at Scofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii. She grew up on Army bases across the West before the family settled in Columbus, Ohio. At Denison, she earned a degree in music and was a member of Pi Beta Phi. She moved to New York City and appeared in several Broadway musicals, including a revival of Finian’s Rainbow; Kean with Alfred Drake in 1961; Irving Berlin’s last musical, Mr. President, starring Robert Ryan, Nanette Fabray, and Anita Gillette in 1962; Jennie in 1963 with Mary Martin; and I Had a Ball in 1964 starring Buddy Hackett, Richard Kiley, and the actor who would become her husband of 46 years, Steve Roland. She also toured the U.S. with Harry Belafonte as a featured singer. She and Steve raised two children and split their time between their apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and their house in Warwick, New York. Even after retiring from Broadway, she kept up her singing, performing in recitals and the occasional community opera, and served on the board of directors for the New York Mercantile Library for several years. After living in New York City for 61 years and after her husband’s death, she moved to Portland, Oregon, in 2018, where DENISON MAGAZINE

she lived for the remainder of her life. She is survived by her son, Richard Roland ’91, and her daughter, Kris Roland ’95. Sharon O’Donnell Wagner, 90, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, July 12, 2025. She received her degree in education from Denison, where she was a member of Delta Gamma. She worked in education for several years, mainly in California while her husband, William Wagner Jr. ’57, served there in the U.S. Marine Corps. As a mother she spent many hours leading Boy Scout and Girl Scout meetings and serving on PTAs. As her children grew, she began a career in bookkeeping at Professional Nursing Services. She enjoyed reading, playing bridge, and tending to her gardens. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Wagner Jr.; and a son, William H. Wagner III. She is survived by a daughter, Kelly N. Wright; a brother, Terry O’Donnell; and several nieces and nephews.

1958

Dean E. Burget, 88, of Haverford, Pennsylvania, March 17, 2025. At Denison, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta and met his future wife, Undine Ehrman ’60. After Denison, he went on to medical school at Yale and joined the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of captain. He served as chief of surgery at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia. He eventually moved his family into more rural Chester County and began a plastic and reconstructive surgery practice. They relocated to Butler, Pennsylvania, in 1979 and he undertook the restoration of his wife’s family home, Elm Court, which he championed for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. After their marriage ended in 1993, he met and married Gabriella Morocz, and with her help set up and ran a new medical practice with offices in Haverford. He practiced medicine until the age of 84. He had an insatiable curiosity and was a lover of poetry, literature, family genealogy, and American history. He was a self-taught oil painter and played folk harmonica and Irish tin whistle in local sessions in New York City and Philadelphia. Always seeking new challenges, he took up skiing, horseback riding, and fox hunting. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Anna Undine Burget Peeples; his younger brother, Gary C. Burget; and great-granddaughter, Mia Fournier. He is survived by his wife, Gabriella; sister, Anne-Louise Withey; two sons, Mark and Kevin Burget; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Lispet appeared in several Broadway musicals, including Finian’s Rainbow, Kean, Mr. President, Jennie, and I Had a Ball, starring Buddy Hackett.

Mary Terry Cumming, 87, of Ada, Michigan, April 11, 2024. At Denison, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. James Bruce Mixer, 89, of Mercer, Pennsylvania, May 4, 2025. At Denison, he was a member of Kappa Sigma. He went on to receive his master’s degree in psychology from the University of Missouri and served as a guidance counselor in Fulton, Missouri, and East McKeesport, Pennsylvania, then was hired as Mercer County school psychologist and in 1971 became a director of special education. He married Carol Kiebler ’61, who survives him, along with their three children, Molly Yeoman, J. Bruce Mixer, Jr., and Burton B. Mixer; seven grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters. DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

& Obituaries 1958–1959

Carol was integral to a project that computerized fingerprints to enable better search and matching within the NYPD’s master fingerprint database.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, John E. Mixer, Jr. and Thomas M. Mixer. Richard Rogers, 89, of Montrose, California, March 15, 2025. Carol Shanesy, 87, of Croton-On-Hudson, New York, March 9, 2025. The granddaughter of A. O. Eberhart, the 17th governor of Minnesota, she credited her parents with encouraging her to go to college and pursue a career at a time when it was less common for women. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and graduated from Denison with a degree in mathematics. She received a master’s in mathematics from Northwestern University and started work at IBM Research in 1959. She hailed from the early days of punch cards, recalling drives to Poughkeepsie to run the cards through the machine and patching bugs, which meant using more punch cards or chads to fix card errors. From 1969 to 1972, she worked for the Rand Corporation, concentrating on projects for the New York City Fire Department. She returned to IBM as a senior systems engineer. Eventually, the New York City Police Department became the main focus of her work at IBM. Throughout her career, she was interested in using her work for civic benefit. She was integral to a project that computerized fingerprints to enable better search and matching within the NYPD’s master fingerprint database. She also worked on a large programming project that automated calls from New York City fire boxes. She was honored with a civil commendation from the NYPD in 1979 for the fingerprint project and was the recipient of many awards and accolades at IBM before her retirement in 2002. She moved to Croton in 1994 and quickly became involved in civic affairs, including creation of the Jane E. Lytle Memorial Croton Arboretum and establishment of the Croton Housing Network. She was treasurer of many organizations, including Croton Democrats. She also was a driving force behind Croton’s successful blood drives. She traveled to Iceland in deep winter to view the northern lights, and to Turkey, where she and friends floated over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon. She was an extraordinary crossword player and completed the Sunday New York Times crossword in short order every week. She generously supported Denison and many other charities and causes, especially Berea College in Kentucky, which drew her admiration because it was a tuition-free school with the mission of educating young people in southern Appalachia who could not otherwise afford to go to college. She is survived by her cousins, John Lampe, Ruth Ann Eberhart, Thomas Eberhart, and John Eberhart. Carol Wynes Snell, of Mount Dora, Florida, March 31, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Pi Beta Phi. She spent a long career as an elementary school teacher both in Lockport, New York, and later in New Ipswich, New Hampshire. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Robert Snell, and three siblings. She is survived by her brothers, Joseph, Donald, and Robert, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dallas Vipond, 88, of Berea, Ohio, March 12, 2025. At Denison, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea and met his wife of 60 years, Young Joo Vipond, while stationed there. The couple lived overseas for many years as he served as a director of CARE in Korea, Liberia, India, Uganda, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. The couple and their son weathered their share of adventures while abroad. They once outran Liberian highway bandits, witnessed a shootout in their Bangladesh yard, and lived through coup d’etats in Ivory Coast and Uganda. They also met, and worked around, Idi Amin, the infamous dictator of Uganda. His humanitarian work feeding children, building schools, roads, and irrigation projects left a lasting impact in the countries he served, and he cherished the many friendships he made along the way. Stateside, he became president of a manufacturing sales company. In his free time, he enjoyed growing many varieties of tomatoes, long road trips, and riding every roller coaster in Ohio and Pennsylvania with his son. He is survived by his wife; his son, Dallas Y. Vipond; a granddaughter; and sister, Florence.

1959

Benton Dempsey, 90, of Columbus, Ohio, July 15, 2025. He was an Eagle Scout as a youth, an early sign of his lifelong dedication to service and community. At Denison, he was a trainer for the football team. He had a passion for horses that developed as a child who cherished his grandfather’s horse farm. He worked in insurance and as he grew older developed a deep love of bowling. He bowled three perfect games, including one at age 82. He was inducted into the Ohio Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1991. He especially loved teaching children and teens how to bowl, sharing not only his technique but his passion for the sport. For over 40 years, he volunteered on the sidelines at Ohio Stadium during Buckeye home games. He was an active member of several civic and fraternal organizations, including the Bexley Lions Club, where he was a past president, Masonic Capital City Lodge, Aladdin Shriners, The Fraternal Order of Elks, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Todd Benton, a loss that remained the deepest sorrow of his life. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carolyn Dempsey; his children, Scott Dempsey, Laura Maynard, and Todd; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Jody Shortle Harter, 87, of Columbus, Indiana, March 1, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She was a woman of deep faith and gave her time and talents to many community organizations. She and her husband, Bill, established a number of scholarships. She was a trustee of the George E. and Catherine H. Shortle Foundation and served on the board of George E. Shortle Farms, Inc. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill. She is survived by five children, Marjorie Pumphrey, Scott Harter, Jim Harter, Doug Harter, and Robert Harter; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

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John “Jack” Kirby gisela goppel

PRO FE S S O R E M E R IT U S

I N M E M O R I AM

Professor Emeritus John “Jack” Kirby, a social justice champion and beloved faculty member during a tumultuous period on American campuses, died Nov. 5, 2025, at 87. “If I were to picture Jack with us today in this trying, tragic, historical/political era, he would be writing constant letters to editors and standing in Opera House Park in Granville with signs of concern with other students and citizens,” his wife, Sara Kirby ’83, said. Arriving at Denison in 1971, Kirby taught modern American history with an emphasis on African American history, the civil rights movement, and U.S. foreign policy. He was also a key founder of the Black Studies Program and an early contributor to Latin American Studies. His ability to tackle controversial subject matter while building relationships with students earned him the Charles Brickman Teaching Excellence Award upon his 1999 retirement. “Jack started teaching modern American history during a turbulent period: the era of the Vietnam War, the civil rights and feminist movements,” wrote Michael and Amy Gordon, professors emeriti in history. “At such a time, students brought their own opinions to the study of America, which made teaching this subject especially difficult. Yet, Jack was able to reach students of all perspectives and beliefs on these fraught issues.” Professor Emeritus of History Donald Schilling described Kirby as a man of deep convictions and passion, and his commitment to youth extended beyond the classroom. A member of Alcoholics Anonymous, he helped establish an AA chapter for the Denison community, and, after retiring, he worked as a child court advocate in Franklin County. A native of Evanston, Illinois, Kirby earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin, University of Michigan, and University of

DENISON MAGAZINE

Illinois. He also spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. His social activism included advocating for change in Chicago’s South Side in 1963 and, a year later, traveling to Meridian, Mississippi, to register black voters during a summer when three civil rights workers were killed. The murders were the subject of the film, Mississippi Burning. “I didn’t go to Mississippi to uplift black people,” Kirby told The Columbus Dispatch in 1999. “They were already doing that themselves.” Kirby protested against the Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and America’s funding of Contras rebels in Nicaragua. During South Africa’s era of apartheid, which ended in 1990, Kirby helped Denison change its investment policies to ensure no stocks in companies that did business in South Africa were part of the university’s portfolio. “I cannot find all the words right now to express the immeasurable admiration I hold for his courageous work in Black Studies at Denison, and in his work to build a respectful multiracial world of love and compassion,” said John Jackson, an associate professor emeritus of Black Studies. His four children remember a coffee-guzzling father who loved immersing them in campus culture, said daughter Elisa O’Connor. Kirby took them to lectures, movies, and musical performances. He taught them to swim at Denison and how to bowl in the old Slayter Hall bowling alley. “My fondest memories of dad were the years we spent together at the old Denison swimming pool and steam room, where we had many wonderful chats,” Peter Kirby ’97 said. “He loved the steam room after a long swim. It was part of his routine and it always recharged his batteries.” – TOM REED

THANK YOU FOR MAKING DENISON’S 194 TH BIRTHDAY ONE WE WILL NEVER FORGET! WHETHER YOU CONTRIBUTED A GIF T, SHARED IN OUR CELEBR ATION, OR CHEERED US ON, YOUR SUPPORT MADE AN E X TR AORDINARY IMPACT. BECAUSE OF YOU, DENISON STUDENTS ARE EMPOWERED TO DRE AM BIG AND LE AVE THEIR MARK ON THE WORLD.

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& Obituaries 1 959 –1 962

Whenever there was roughhousing in the swimming pool, James was invariably at the center of it.

Jan Corrigan Kameros, 87, of Greensboro, Georgia, Sept. 15, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Alpha Phi. Some of her happiest times were spent at her family’s 1850s farmhouse in Island Pond, Vermont. She was an elementary school teacher and involved in the civic affairs of her longtime home, Scotch Plains, New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cathy, and her husbands, Norman Chester and Richard Kameros. She is survived by her sons, Scott and Steve Bradway; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. James Nelson, 87, of Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, March 29, 2025. At Denison, he was a member of the American Commons Club. He served in the U.S. Army and taught high school English for 37 years. The yearbook was twice dedicated to him, and a scholarship was created in his name. He took special pride in his creative writing class and served as chair of the department for many years. He played high school, legion, and college baseball and coached soccer, baseball, and tennis. He played mixed doubles tennis with his daughter, Kelly, for years, ultimately competing in the Equitable Family Tennis Tournament and reaching the national finals during the 1982 US Open at Flushing Meadows. The annual shore vacation at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, saw him setting paddle ball records, body surfing, competing in cornhole tournaments, and winning Hearts and Uno card games. Whenever there was roughhousing in the swimming pool, he was invariably at the center of it. His grandchildren learned quickly that they had to win authentically to beat granddad. Relatives and neighbors eagerly anticipated Christmas gifts of his zucchini bread and cinnamon buns. He relished watching all sports on television, especially the Phillies and Eagles. He was always on the lookout for the ultimate oyster po’ boy sandwich and the perfect gnocchi. At home he was the grill master, which allowed him the perk of the first hotdog off the grill. He is survived by his wife, Catherine; three children: Laurianne, Mark, and Kelly; and eight grandchildren. Edward Rice, 86, of Rochester, Michigan, July 4, 2025. If asked, he would say he considered himself a “lucky person.” He earned his master’s in psychology from Ohio University and his doctorate in clinical psychology from Michigan State University. He taught psychotherapy to graduate students at Oakland University for 30 years. He kept a practice in family therapy in Rochester. He and his wife spent summers at their cottage with family and friends in Bay View, Michigan. He was an active member of St. Luke’s Church and lovingly restored a historical farmhouse. He was a great appreciator of art, architecture, and wine. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Nathan Rice. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy Ellen, whom he met and courted in college; his children, Jennifer and Matthew; and four grandchildren.

Marjie Upp Scott, 87, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, May 11, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She received a master’s degree from Oakland University and became a practicing therapist, then received her doctorate in psychology. She held many positions at the now Michigan School of Psychology (MSP) over the course of 30 years, including adjunct faculty, associated faculty, full-time faculty, director of clinical training, and program chair. The Marjorie Scott Scholarship for Excellence was established in 2006 to honor her encouragement of academic excellence, and she became a professor emeritus in 2021. She is survived by her daughters, Linda and Karin; five grandchildren; her brother, John; and many other family and friends.

1960

Janet McGregor Grafflin, 84, of Springfield, Ohio, Sept. 10, 2023. At Denison, she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. An accomplished watercolor artist, she shared her talents with several school districts, including Canal Winchester, Miami East Schools, and Milton-Union Schools, where she taught children with multiple disabilities. She also taught toddler art at the Springfield Museum of Art. She was survived by her husband of 63 years, Bill; their children, Beth Adams, Gordy Grafflin, and Andy Grafflin; sisters, Nancy Nowak and Ruth Glover ’65; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Henson “Hans” L. Jones, 87, of Berkeley, California, April 30, 2025. He was a mischievous youth, a naval officer, a serial entrepreneur, an avid outdoorsman, a world traveller, and a contagious bon vivant. He died two months after the passing of Kathie, his beloved wife of 59 years — he declared that he did not want to live without her so, characteristically, he didn’t. He spent his youth duck hunting, riding horses, skiing, sailing, and exploring the Maumee River. After bouncing in and out of a few boarding schools, he graduated from The Lawrenceville School and later Denison, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. He then attended the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School and served as an officer on the USS Pocono in the Mediterranean during the Cold War. He attended graduate school at Stanford University, where he met his future wife. They fell madly in love, swiftly married, and promptly had three children in four years. Following the death of his father, he took over as president of the Commodore Perry Co. until the business was sold. He then became an executive and board member of The North Face and the family moved to Berkeley, California. Following the sale of The North Face, he started Telecam Partners in Telluride, Colorado, a successful real estate venture that developed much-needed affordable housing and light-industrial space for the area’s booming resort community. His final two ventures brought him back to the outdoor industry, where he was an early investor and board member of the outdoor brands, Mountain Hardwear and Stone Glacier. Some of his more questionable adventures

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included waterskiing behind a U.S. Navy helicopter, canoeing the length of the Mississippi River, running a marathon after a bar bet, and dragging friends and family up mountain peaks with little planning or equipment. He was masterful at rallying people to do things they normally wouldn’t — he figured it was fun, made for great stories afterward, and resulted in only a few injuries (but more than a few stuck vehicles). While he didn’t make an outward show of it, he loved deeply and was fiercely loyal. He was the guy who wore sunglasses to graduations and weddings to hide his misty eyes. He is survived by his children, Cameron, Leland, and Tegan, and six grandchildren, including one who has followed him to Denison.

1961

Elizabeth Rudolph Consolvo, 86, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, Sept. 3, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She received her master’s degree from Stanford University. She was a dedicated educator who taught English in Maryland, South Carolina, and Bangkok. She married Charles W. Consolvo in 1963, and the couple had three children. She worked at the National Building Museum as a membership coordinator and served as alumnae director for Holton-Arms School for 19 years, where she became a trusted mentor and guide. She remarried in 2008 and is survived by her husband, Wilson N. Krahnke; children, Charles Geoffrey Consolvo, Justin Scott Consolvo, and Corbett Davis Consolvo; and two grandchildren.

Ellen Truitt Hargraves, 85, of Groton, Massachusetts, June 15, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta. After Denison she taught elementary school in Groton. She married Bob Hargraves there and while raising a family earned a master’s degree in education from Fitchburg State College. She became a cornerstone of the Groton community, where she sang in her church choir, chaired the school committee, belonged to the Groton Women’s Club, and served as a Girl Scout leader. She was a baker of pies, knitter of Christmas stockings, and diehard fan of the Red Sox. She is survived by her husband, Bob; three children, Carolyn Cassidy, Patti Lannon, and Robert Hargraves; and nine grandchildren. David Jones, 85, of Long Island City, New York, May 13, 2025. At Denison, he was a member of Delta Upsilon. Barbara Porter Marty, 85, of Cincinnati, Ohio, April 21, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Terry; children, Kimberly M. Stewart, Melissa M. Marty, Virgil Lemarr, Kurt A. Marty, and Kelly M. Compton; and 12 grandchildren. William Taylor, 85, of Ignacio, Colorado, July 28, 2024. At Denison, he was a member of Beta Theta Pi. A proud veteran, he served in the U.S. Army and returned to Ohio to work with his father in the family typesetting business, Dayton Typographic Services, becoming president in 1976 until the DENISON MAGAZINE

business closed in 1993. An avid racquetball player, he was the founder of Congress Park, a racquetball club in Dayton, where he became the state racquetball champion in 1991. He was a skilled marksman, a licensed pilot at age 15, and a pioneer during the early age of computers. He was active in St. Columba Catholic Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a person of unwavering positivity. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Taylor; his first wife, Dawn Taylor; four children, William, Jr., Matthew, Shannon, and Wendy; and seven grandchildren. Susie Buchanan Waugh, 85, of Hudson, Ohio, March 5, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Pi Beta Phi. An avid golfer, reader, gardener, and entertainer, she volunteered numerous hours at Robinson Memorial Hospital. She was preceded in death by her sons, Jeffery and David; and her husband, James Waugh. She is survived by three grandchildren and other family members.

1962

Nancy Bradley Adams, 83, of Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, March 5, 2025. She attended Overbrook School for the Blind and Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania before earning her bachelor’s degree from Denison and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan. Her passion for music led her to become a devoted piano teacher, touching the lives of generations of students with her kindness, patience, and talent. She is survived by her sons, David and Scott; brother, John Bradley; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Judy Eckert Baumer, 85, St. Louis, Missouri, Aug. 17, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta. She later received a master’s degree in audiology from Case Western Reserve University and spent her career as an audiologist in Redlands, California and St. Louis, where she often worked with young children. She created beautiful sewing, knitting, and needlework projects, especially her notable gingham teddy bears. She was preceded in death by her twin sister Sally Kinney, and brother, David Eckert. She is survived by her husband Wallace; stepchildren, Will Baumer and Christy Sharp; a grandson; and sister, Joan O’Bannon ’65.

Ellen was a baker of pies, knitter of Christmas stockings, and diehard fan of the Red Sox.

Loren Carlson, 84, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, Feb. 20, 2025. A talented debater in high school, he went to study economics and political science at Denison, where he was on the debate team, served as student body president, and was a member of the American Commons Club. He went on to earn a master’s degree in economics at Ohio State University. He served as a top aide to the speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives and later as an assistant to the board during the landmark AT&T antitrust case and breakup. His greatest professional joy was founding CEO Roundtable, which enabled him to work closely with a select group of business leaders in greater Boston to tackle their challenges and maximize their opportunities. He led his DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

& Obituaries 1 962–1 963

church men’s reading group for three decades and had a hand in many charitable activities. He was an artist himself and a collector who relished sharing the background of each piece in his home. He is survived by his wife, Dee; children, Gregg ’85, Brad, Stephanie, Robert, and Andrew; brother Bruce Carlson ’63; and 10 grandchildren. Jim Funaro, of Aptos, California, 2024. At Denison, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. He was a professor emeritus of anthropology at Cabrillo College and was the founder of CONTACT, an interdisciplinary conference that brought together international social and space scientists, science fiction writers, and artists to exchange ideas, stimulate new perspectives, and encourage serious, creative speculation about humanity’s future, both on- and off-world. Polly Shipley Grafton, 85, of Bonita Springs, Florida, Aug. 12, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and met her husband, Thomas Grafton ’61. She enjoyed volunteering at her church and her local hospice. She was a talented quilter, needle pointer, cross-stitcher, and knitter. She is survived by her husband, Tom Grafton; daughters, Julie Bradley ’87, Jane Iacobucci ’89, and Amy Heidenreich ’92; and nine grandchildren.

Jim was the founder of CONTACT, an interdisciplinary conference to exchange ideas, stimulate new perspectives, and encourage serious, creative speculation about humanity’s future, both on- and off-world.

Les Illes, 84, of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, May 1, 2024. Always an athlete, he was a member of the All American swim team as a junior at University School in Shaker Heights, Ohio. At Denison, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and received his degree in political science. He married classmate Suzanne Buckner ‘62 and after graduation, they moved to Moreland Hills, Ohio, where he joined the Illes Construction Co., which he helped to expand into a much larger commercial enterprise. He served as president until retirement. He was elected to the Moreland Hills Council twice and served for several years as chairman of the Village Architectural Board. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Suzanne; two sons, John and Jeffrey; three grandsons; and his brother, Dan Illes. Sandra Sarber Medinger, 84, of Cleveland, Ohio, April 18, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and graduated with a degree in English. She later earned a master’s degree in library science at Case Western Reserve University. She shared her love for reading as a librarian for the Cuyahoga County Public Library System. Her favorite pastimes included hiking in the Cleveland Metroparks, gardening, attending yoga classes, walking her dogs, and spending time with family. She was preceded in death by her son, Paul Medinger; and grandson, David Brown. She is survived by her children, Steven Medinger and Kristin Brown; four grandchildren; sister, Pamela S. Drumheller ’67; and nieces and nephews. Judy Embree Taylor, 84, of Hudson, Ohio, Feb. 28, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Pi Beta Phi and graduated

with a degree in sociology and anthropology. She earned a master’s degree in education and began her lifelong dedication to teaching children, first in the Williamsville, New York, school district, and then for many years at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf in Buffalo. She spent summers working at Cradle Beach in Angola, a camp on Lake Erie for children with special needs. She married Patrick Taylor in 2009, and they moved to Chester, England, six months after the wedding. She sang with vocal choral groups and signed in deaf choirs in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, once performing with her deaf choir for Queen Elizabeth II. She was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Taylor, and her infant sister, Karen Ann. She is survived in the U.S. by her brother, John Embree, and two nephews; and in the UK by stepsons, Wayne Taylor, Mark Taylor, and Alan Taylor, and eight grandchildren.

1963

Jim Bowers, 83, of Scottsdale, Arizona, March 14, 2025. At Denison, he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. He took a year off and spent it exploring the United States on his motorcycle. Then he set off for Hawaii, Fiji, and New Zealand, where he worked for several months. After graduation from Denison, he served in the Peace Corps in Tanzania, East Africa, for several years, then worked for the Outward Bound School in Kenya. He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro 14 times as a guide and played on the Tanzanian national rugby team. He took a circuitous route back to the States, stopping off in Nepal to consider how far up Mount Everest he might be able to climb, eventually reaching that mountain’s base camp. He landed in the old mining town of Telluride, Colorado, in 1970, where he put down roots for the next 30 years. He purchased and worked a 360-acre cattle and alfalfa ranch for several years in the nearby town of Norwood and eventually became a successful real estate broker in the Telluride area. He married Katherine Sharp in 1974, and they raised their two daughters on the ski slopes of Telluride, with both girls becoming Junior Olympic skiers. In 2000, desiring a milder climate and closer proximity to golf courses, he and Kathy relocated to Grand Junction, Colorado, where they designed and built a house close to the Colorado Monument. He always had a newspaper nearby, usually turned to the sports pages, Sudoku, and comics. He was a gentle soul, notably kind and protective, and always looking out for others, proven at the age of five when he saved his three-year-old sister from drowning in a Michigan river boat slip. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; son, John Benjamin; brother, E.C. Bowers Jr.; and nephew, E.C. Bowers III. He is survived by his two daughters, Aspin Jane Teevin and Jamie Rae Bowers; two grandchildren; and two sisters, Roberta Bowers and Rebecca Skrainka. Rob Helfrich, 83, of Sikeston, Missouri, March 3, 2025. He was valedictorian of his high school class, an athlete, and an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting trips with his father and other relatives. During the summers

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William Osborne gisela goppel

PRO FE S S O R E M E R IT U S

Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Fine Arts William “Bill” N. Osborne, who united generations of Denison students in song, spirit, and aspiration, died Oct. 30, 2025, at 88. Osborne, known affectionately as “WO,” taught at Denison from 1961 to 2003. However, his campus presence is enduring through merit-based scholarships, the restoration of the century-old Swasey Chapel pipe organ, and the collective memories of those who loved and performed with him. Multiple generations of the Denison Singers, the organization Osborne founded and led until his retirement, have met frequently for reunion concerts under his direction. More than 50 members of the group gathered for a Zoom conversation with Osborne in the week before his death. The Singers are planning to pay tribute to him on campus on Sunday, June 28, 2026, in Swasey Chapel. “He was the mentor of my life, and perhaps the greatest asset Denison provided me,” Bob Palmer ’73 said. “In later years, he referred to the Denison Singers as his children, and we were honored by the accolade. For those of us fortunate enough to have joined his cadre, his loss is incalculable.” While Osborne might be best remembered as the demanding but benevolent conductor of both the Denison Singers and the Concert Choir, his contributions to the music world run deeper. Denison Trustee Jeffrey Masten ’86 called Osborne a “polymath of the arts and an artistic ‘triple threat’,” someone who excelled as a performing musician, conductor, and music-history scholar. “WO had an enormous impact on me as a scholar — by asking the big questions, uncovering the unusual fact, caring about the vibrancy of scholarly writing,” said Masten, professor of English and gender & sexuality studies at Northwestern University. In 2017, Masten was among the many Denison Singers who contributed funds to name three spaces in the Michael D. Eisner Center for Performing Arts in Osborne’s honor: the music and choral libraries, as well as the music department office. The amount of

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I N M E M O R I AM

the gift — and the rapid response from donors — is a testament to Osborne’s enduring inf luence on his students. Amy MacDonell ’79, who along with Masten and Ken Horner ’84 led the fundraising efforts, said they had hoped to raise $50,000. Instead, they collected more than three times that amount in five weeks. “This felt like such an obvious thing to do because there are so many of us who love WO,” MacDonell said. “We really wanted to honor him in the best way possible, and we thought putting his name on the libraries and office was a way we could do it.” Osborne served as chair of the Department of Music and the director of Chapel Music. He conducted more than 600 choral concerts and was the music director for more than two dozen productions in the theatre department. His Denison Singers performed in Europe, Venezuela, and across the U.S. His scholarly works include numerous articles in professional journals and two books: Clarence Eddy, a biography of the concert organist; and Music in Ohio, a comprehensive look at music practiced throughout the state during the last two and a half centuries, from earliest accounts of Native American music to folk, jazz, rock, and polka. An accomplished musician, Osborne performed organ concerts around the world, and he recorded three albums on his beloved Swasey organ. With the 100th anniversary of Swasey Chapel approaching in 2024 and the organ in disrepair, Osborne became the lead donor on a $280,000 restoration project. His generosity also extended to the current generation of Denison students. He established the Mary G. and G. Harold Osborne Scholarship to benefit students in the fine arts, in honor of his parents. “Sometimes, it may be a challenge to see the effect we have on students after they graduate,” said Professor Ching-chu Hu, director of music theatre and Vail Series coordinator. “We all wish to be mentors, and in Bill Osborne’s case, there’s real evidence of his legacy.”

“WO had an enormous impact on me as a scholar — by asking the big questions, uncovering the unusual fact, caring about the vibrancy of scholarly writing.” – JEFFREY MASTEN ’86

– TOM REED

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& Obituaries 1963 –1967

Lynn spent 25 years designing the Murray Gardens in Glastonbury, a two-acre collection of exotic trees, ponds, and common and rare perennials.

he worked at International Harvester, and after the day shift, worked for Jim and Lillie Hansen at their farm in Barstow, Illinois, where he milked cows, fed hogs, cared for bird dogs, and developed a love for purple martins. He played soccer and intramural basketball at Denison and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta, academic honor society Phi Beta Kappa, and the National Leadership Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa. He attended medical school at the University of Illinois in Chicago, graduating with honors in 1967. He then began a surgical internship at Duke University where he completed a year of residency in general and cardiothoracic surgery, followed by a one-year fellowship in general and vascular surgery. While at Duke, he married Sara Thompson. After finishing his training, he began active duty in the Army Medical Corps at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and served three years in the Fort Leonard Wood Hospital surgery department. He began his civilian surgical career at Missouri Delta Medical Center (MDMC) where he practiced the art of general and vascular surgery for 48 years. He was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and at MDMC, he was chief of the medical staff and chairman of the Department of Surgery for many years. He was a past president of the Warren H. Cole Surgical Society and organized the annual lecture and an opening day dove season hunt in Sikeston for 48 years. He served as the commander of the 807th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) in Paducah, Kentucky, from 1983-86 and from 1999-2000, and he was promoted to the rank of full colonel. In 1990, he served in the Persian Gulf War as chief of professional services for the 807th MASH. His military honors include two meritorious service medals, two Army commendation medals, the Bronze Star, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. His passion for wildlife conservation was reflected in his unwavering support for organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, Trout Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants and Quail Forever, and many others. He is survived by his brother, Dr. George Baird Helfrich ’61; children, Loring Helfrich Jr., Sara Skarbek-Borowska, and Jason Helfrich; and eight grandchildren. Stephen Miller, 83, of Tucson, Arizona, July 30, 2025. At Denison, he was a member of the American Commons Club. He went on to the Illinois College of Optometry. He served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1973 and continued as a member of the Air National Guard until 1986. He loved photography, found joy in singing in the church choir, and relished the time spent working on his computer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Blech Miller. He is survived by his daughters, Liana Montgomery and Julia Fisher; his sister, Barb Walker; seven grandchildren; a niece and nephew. Lynn Wilkie Murray, 84, of Glastonbury, Connecticut, July 16, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She spent the majority of her career at the brokerage

firm George Weiss Associates, where she was the second employee and stayed for 20 years as the company grew to a firm managing several billion dollars. It was George Weiss who introduced her to his college friend, Bob, who became the love of her life. They married in 1984 and spent 41 years together, enjoying their winter home in Costa Rica, and shared passion for dogs, gardening, and international travel. A talented garden architect and active member of the American Horticulture Society, she spent 25 years designing the Murray Gardens in Glastonbury, a two-acre collection of exotic trees, ponds, and common and rare perennials. The garden has been open to garden clubs from around the country and hosted many events for the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. She delighted in her many dogs, two of which she convinced Bob to rescue from the beaches of Costa Rica. She trained these dogs and her two beloved Hungarian Vizlas extensively in agility, rally, obedience, scent work, and freestyle dancing. Right up until her final days, she and her rescue dog, Listo, were seen dancing to The Beach Boys. She is survived by her husband, Bob; son, Frederick Dieterich III; daughter, Kimberly Lynn Sablich ’90; three grandchildren; and her brother, Jack Wilkie. Carol Jaeger O’Neal, 83, of Cincinnati, Ohio, June 11, 2025. Born in White Plains, New York, she moved in high school to Alton, Illinois, meeting the love of her life, Richard Reid O’Neal. At Denison, she was a member of Pi Beta Phi and earned her degree in psychology. She moved through the world with an impeccable sense of style and grace, and traveled the globe with wide eyes. She had a passion for shopping, fine dining, and — true to her roots — Skyline Chili. She was known for her collection of giraffes. She was preceded in death by her high school sweetheart and husband of 52 years, Richard. She is survived by her brother, Richard Jaeger; her daughter, Robin Christine O’Neal; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

1964

Bill Linas, 82, of Trabuco Canyon, California, April 3, 2025. At Denison, he was a member of Sigma Chi. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he was commissioned as an ensign in 1964. He served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War as a communications officer. He became a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in 1971 and worked there until his retirement in 2009. He was a volunteer fireman at Station No. 40 in Coto de Caza, California, a regular blood donor, and a volunteer at Caspers Regional Park and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. He was known for his favorite toast: May you sail with fair winds and following seas and into a friendly port. He is survived by his wife, Glenis; and four children, Caitlin, Brent, William, and Stacey.

1965

Tony Harris, 81, of Aiken, South Carolina, May 29, 2025. He was inspired to become a physician by his father, a pediatrician at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. He often reminisced about a childhood spent

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fishing and canoeing on the lakes of Minnesota, hunting pheasants in South Dakota, and playing football, basketball, ice hockey, and golf in high school. At Denison, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta. He went on to medical school at Wake Forest University. He served as a doctor in the U.S. Air Force and settled into private practice in South Carolina. He rode a Harley Davidson and built model railroads. He sang in the church choir and belonged to the Aiken Rotary. He was preceded in death by his brother, Geoffrey Scott Harris. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Mayhew Harris; daughters, Elizabeth Harris Schunter and Michelle Harris; three grandchildren; a sister, Cynthia Harris Waymouth; and other extended family. Rob Shultz, 81, of Bath, Maine, May 15, 2025. At Denison, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

1966

Mary Jane Mott Auns, 80, of Winthrop, Maine, July 25, 2025. She was a Chi Omega member at Denison, where she earned a degree in history. She was a reminder that love at first sight is not just for Hallmark movies. She met her future husband, Vilis Auns, at Brandy’s, a bar in New York City, and after a threeweek courtship, the couple was engaged. Four months later they married and were together for 44 years, until Vilis died in 2016. During their marriage, they lived in New Orleans and London before raising a family in New Jersey. She taught elementary school in New Jersey and Texas. She was an avid reader and an advocate for public libraries. She also volunteered her time for worthy causes and sat on various boards. She is survived by her children, Krissy Mott Oliver ’95 and Andrew Vilis Auns; six grandchildren; and extended family. Rick Kean, 80, of Charlemont, Massachusetts, March 30, 2025. He was, at various times in his life, a clam boat fisherman, academic journalist, editor, ghost writer, grant writer, education reformist, civil rights advocate, original western Massachusetts hippie, cordwood business owner, carpenter, glider pilot, tax assessor, webmaster, and high-level executive headhunter, naming that last business, in the 1970s, INTERNET. He loved a good PB&J and a tall glass of milk, ideally finishing a meal off with some chocolate pudding. For 19 years, he and his wife, Anne Hamilton Kean, crafted a sustainable haven in East Hawley, Massachusetts. He is survived by Anne; son, Gabe Kean; sister, Polly Kean; stepson, Dan Stoecker; stepdaughter, Tessa Prosek; five grandchildren; two nieces and a nephew. Charles Stewart, 81, of Zanesville, Ohio, May 15, 2025. He played football and lacrosse at Denison, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi. He led the family business, Stewart Glapat Corp. of Zanesville, Ohio, after the sudden death of his father in 1978, building the company into a global material-handling business. He and the business sponsored generations of youth sports teams in the Zanesville area, and he served on all manner of civic boards. DENISON MAGAZINE

Known throughout Zanesville as one of the community’s biggest boosters, he received the 2017 Dick Johnson Civic Leadership Award from the Muskingum County Community Foundation. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Cameron Koney; and by Suzanne Brown Stewart, the mother of his son, Charles, and daughter, Lisa. He is survived by his wife Janet Kay Haines Stewart; children, Charles Chadwick Stewart, Lisa Stewart Koney, Stephanie Goodrich Harris, and Bethany Goodrich Economus; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, William T. Stewart; and many nieces and nephews.

1967

Rhys Williams, 80, of Washington Township, New Jersey, March 12, 2025. At Denison, he was part of three generations to call The Hill home. His father John Williams ’27 began the family legacy, and Rhys was one of three siblings to attend Denison. The others were Thomas Williams ’53 and Wendy Williams Flottes ’57. His daughter, Danielle Williams Juchnewich ’88, also is a Denisonian. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and earned a degree in geology. He taught Earth science for 35 years at Pascack Valley High School in New Jersey. He coached football and baseball at Pascack Valley and Old Tappan High School and was inducted into the Pascack Valley Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996. He also owned and operated Rhys J. Williams Hardwood Floors. He was known for his singing voice, captivating listeners with heartfelt renditions of doo-wop classics and Nat King Cole favorites at weddings, reunions, and family gatherings. His Christmas card poems were a beloved family tradition for 34 years. He is survived by his wife, Aileen; daughters, Danielle Juchnewich, Kristen Moore, Megan Williams, and Lindsay Rattacasa; and grandchildren. Michael Green, 79, of Portola Valley, California, March 9, 2025. He attended Denison for a year before transferring to State University of New York at Buffalo, where he earned a degree in business. A pioneer in data analytics for targeted direct marketing, he developed Matchkey, a proprietary software package used in segmentation research using large databases. Clients over the years included Allstate Insurance, Allstate Motor Club, Sears, Combined Insurance, Colonial Penn, Pfizer, First Republic Bank, JC Penney, and Time-Life Books. He and his family owned a vineyard in Napa Valley that produced Grand Duke Winery cabernet sauvignon. He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughter, Pamela; brother, Tom; a grandson; and extended family.

Rhys was known for his singing voice, captivating listeners with heartfelt renditions of doo-wop classics.

Harold Sydnor, 80, of Verona, Wisconsin, April 12, 2025. At Denison, he earned a history degree and was an Alpha Tau Omega member. After attending the University of Wisconsin, he taught high school history and social studies for 36 years in Racine. After retiring, he and his wife, Lore, moved to Bagley, where they enjoyed many years of beautiful sunsets over the Mississippi River. He was preceded in death by his son, Brenton; his brother; and his sister. DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

& Obituaries 1 967–1 96 8

He is survived by his wife; sons, Justin and Ryan; and grandchildren. John Steele, 80, of Richmond, Virginia, Aug. 7, 2025. After graduating with a degree in speech communication, the Beta Theta Pi member enjoyed a long and successful career in the gas and oil industry. He worked for Standard Oil and East Coast Oil Co. He also purchased a Virginia chain of service stations and convenience stores known as “Little Sue” in 1996. Among his many industry duties, he served on the board of directors of the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America and, for 26 years, as a board member or chairman of the Economic Development Authority of the County of Henrico in

Virginia. In 2020, the county’s Board of Supervisors recognized him for his wisdom and long service. He was a car enthusiast and enjoyed motorcycling, horseback riding, and shooting. After selling his business in 2008, he traveled with his wife, Elizabeth, exploring 36 countries and making new friends wherever they went. He is survived by his wife; daughter, Lynn Steele McGregor; stepdaughter, Savannah Harwood Rawlings; sister, Barbara “Squeek” Steele LaVake; and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Liza Steele. James Brown, 80, of Boca Raton, Florida, May 25, 1945. At Denison, the Sigma Chi member played baseball and

Sue Douthit O’Donnell ’67 gisela goppel

IN MEMO RIAM

Sue Douthit O’Donnell ’67, whose substantial gifts literally and figuratively opened doors for students, died May 27, 2025, at 80. The daughter of a librarian and a writer/editor, O’Donnell appreciated the power of words. In 2018, she and her husband, Bob, made a $7.5 million gift that helped renovate the William Howard Doane Library and elevate the narrative nonfiction writing program. “For Sue, it was the belief in the transformative power of a liberal arts education that really inspired her philanthropy,” said Greg Bader, vice president of institutional advancement. “She enjoyed lifelong relationships, she loved her educational experience here, and she wanted to make sure students today and well into the future had the same opportunities.” The university used $5.7 million of the O’Donnells’ gift to upgrade the library, which had been built in 1936 and expanded in 1958. The original building has been renamed Douthit Hall. Library usage has dramatically increased since the renovations. “Sue’s gift has extended the library building’s life and will allow us to serve many more generations of Denisonians,” said BethAnn Zambella, Denison’s former director of libraries. For more than 30 years before the restoration, library patrons were advised to use the Seeley Mudd Learning Resources Center entrance instead of the doors at the top of the limestone steps. The outside handles on the old main entrance doors were even removed. But the O’Donnells’ gift allowed for the purchase of new doors and the return of main entrance access, which pleased many alums and students. It also funded the addition of a new lobby and reception space. “Sue thought of the library as the intellectual heart of the campus and that it deserved to have a grand entrance,” Bader

said. “She wanted to get the doors reopened.” English Professor Jack Shuler, director of journalism, said a portion of the O’Donnells’ gift enabled the nascent narrative nonfiction writing program, started in 2016, to rapidly evolve. It allowed for new hires and provided funding for journalism forums. The narrative nonfiction concentration grew into a journalism major, and the department founded the nationally award-winning Reporting Project, a nonprofit news organization that sends student journalists into Licking County to cover local stories. Its work has helped fill the vacuum created by the decline of traditional media. “We wouldn’t have done any of the work we’ve done without that gift,” Shuler said. “The journalism program wouldn’t exist. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve said to ourselves, ‘thank you, Sue.’” O’Donnell, who grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and majored in political science, never lost touch with her Denison roots. A member of Delta Gamma, she remained in lifelong contact with many of her sorority sisters, updating them on family matters and her beloved cats. She worked in public accounting, earned a CPA, and joined a real estate syndication firm. O’Donnell was a loyal contributor to Denison’s Annual Fund, and a lead donor for the formation of the Summer Scholars program. An alumni citation recipient, she also served as a career advisor, a campaign feasibility study participant, and a Women for Denison committee member. “She always wanted to support the highest priorities of the college,” Bader said. “She considered that her responsibility as an alum: the continued investment into Denison.” – TOM REED

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football and earned a degree in history. He received his MBA from Northwestern University. He is survived by his wife, Mindy Cohen Brown; daughter, Heather Brown; a granddaughter; sister, Deborah Brown Robinson; along with extended family.

1968

Robert Duncan, 78, of Columbia, Missouri, Feb. 14, 2025. At Denison, he earned a degree in history and met his future wife, Nancy Shaw ’68. The couple had two daughters, Amy Duncan and Rachel Netemeyer. A member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, he earned his master’s degree from Wichita State University and his doctorate in British history from Ohio State University. He worked for 40 years at the Social Security Administration, where he spent many years managing the offices in Columbia and Jefferson City, Missouri. He served as president of the National Council of the Social Security Management Association and also was active in church and community organizations. He is survived by his wife; daughters; and grandchildren. David Dougherty, 76, of Four Oaks, North Carolina, March 26, 2023. At Denison, he graduated with a degree in biology before earning a doctorate in plant pathology at the University of Georgia. He worked at BASF, volunteered as a firefighter, and got his EMT certification. In 1999, he transitioned to the field of information technology, working for Wake County in North Carolina. He loved trains, especially steam engines, and enjoyed caring for cats. He even tended to a feral colony — naming them and getting them spayed or neutered. He is survived by his companion of many years, Robin Hicks, and a friend that was like family, Cherish Walsh. Robert Hooper, 77, of Salem, Virginia, Oct. 24, 2023. At Denison, he was a member of Delta Upsilon and earned a degree in history. After getting his master’s degree in urban and regional design from Florida State University, he worked for the Roanoke County Planning Commission in Virginia. In retirement, he started a mail order business specializing in 1/43 die-cast model cars, Dominion Models. He was preceded in death by a son, Grayson. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, and son, Charles. Michael Barr, 78, of St. Augustine, Florida, April 17, 2025. At Denison, he was a four-year letterwinner on the men’s tennis team and earned a degree in political science. He spent most of his adult life in California, working in higher education. He spent nearly five years at Fresno State University, followed by 11 years at California Polytechnic State University, where he served as director of advancement. He later served as president and CEO of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, a role that combined his leadership skills with his deep commitment to community. Those who knew him will remember his warm greetings, quick wit, and fierce competitiveness. If you found yourself on the opposing side of the tennis court, good luck. DENISON MAGAZINE

One of the lasting joys of his life was being married 42 years to his wife, Maria. Their favorite song, “Sara Smile,” served as the soundtrack to a love story that never faded. Bruce W. Chapin, 79, of Spring Hill, Florida, July 6, 2025. The Vietnam War veteran served in the U.S. Navy, including time aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) and USS Glenard P. Lipscomb (SSN-685). He later dedicated 25 years to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where he worked as a nuclear shift test engineer and played a key role in developing and leading engineering training organizations. At Denison, he earned a degree in music and was an American Commons Club officer. In 1983, he received his master’s in systems management from the University of Southern California. He had a passion for cruising, playing the piano, and collecting art. His deep love for music remained central throughout his life; he played multiple instruments, transcribed orchestral scores, and shared his arrangements and recordings on SoundCloud. He was preceded in death by his brother, Malcolm Chapin. He is survived by his sister, Cindy Chapin Merrill, and other family. Charles Hahn, 79, of Corryton, Tennessee, Aug. 15, 2025. A lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force, he completed three tours of flying duty in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He served the nation for 20 years before retiring from the military. At Denison, he earned a degree in chemistry and was a Delta Upsilon member. He is survived by Virginia, his wife of 48 years; his daughter, Lauren; two grandsons; a brother, Victor; and extended family.

If you found yourself on the opposing side of the tennis court from Michael, good luck.

Gary Good, 79, of Granville, Ohio, Aug. 4, 2025. At Denison, he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega and graduated with a degree in chemistry before earning a degree in chemical engineering at Ohio State University and a master’s degree in polymer science at the University of Akron. He worked at General Tire, TASC, and Battelle, eventually forming L.R. Good & Son, a company specializing in software development. He and his wife, Karen, raised nine children: David Good, Margaret Good, Laurie Orr, Joshua Good, Gillian Kane, Zachary Good, Hannah Good, James Good, and Macey Good. He enjoyed watching football, especially Ohio State and the Cleveland Browns, recording the games on his DVR so he could fast forward through the commercials. He was known for his spicy Chinese cooking, and he liked telling stories and imparting his wealth of knowledge and trivia to anyone who would listen. He is survived by his brother, Carl Good; nine children; and 13 grandchildren.

1969

Melissa Kepner, 77, of Madison, Wisconsin, Feb. 3, 2025. At Denison, she majored in French and was a Kappa Alpha Theta. She transferred to the University of Wisconsin, where she completed her degree and earned a master’s degree in French literature. She was married to James Adney for 50 years.

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& Obituaries

Rev. John Laycock, 79, of Presque Isle, Michigan, Feb. 22, 2025. At Denison, he earned a degree in political science before receiving a Master of Divinity degree from the General Theological Seminary in New York. He was ordained a deacon in 1984 and a priest a year later. He faithfully served churches in Detroit and southeast Michigan for 40-plus years. He loved to travel, whether by car, train, or ship. He is survived by his brothers, Ralph Laycock, Jr., and Robert Laycock; sister, Constance Laycock; along with extended family.

196 8–1972

Karen Krumwiede Lewis, 77, of North Tonawanda, New York, April 30, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and earned a degree in political science. She also met her future husband, Hon. William R. Lewis ’68, on The Hill. Two of the family’s three children, Katherine Lewis ’97 and Dr. Meghan Lewis Barlow ’00 are also Denison alums. She taught social studies at two schools in North Tonawanda. She is survived by her husband; children, Katherine, Meghan, and Patrick; three siblings, Richard Krumwiede, Charles Krumwiede, Nancy Parrott; and five grandchildren.

Before embarking on a long career in higher education, Linda wrote magazine captions for National Geographic

Linda Ross Cashman, 77, of Fort Collins, Colorado, May 17, 2025. After graduating from Denison with a degree in French, she earned a master’s degree in educational administration from Johns Hopkins University. Before embarking on a long career in higher education, she wrote magazine captions for National Geographic. She worked at Johns Hopkins, Salisbury University, and Chesapeake College in various capacities. She finished her professional career as a program administrator for the Dorchester County Board of Tourism in Cambridge, Maryland. She loved to read and was a longtime birder, wildlife enthusiast, and conservationist. She was also an artist who worked in watercolors and pastels. She enjoyed traveling in Europe and Russia, where she and her husband, Greg, especially relished visiting art museums. She is survived by her husband; sister, Diane Turner; brothers, David Ross and Robert Ross; and stepson, Keith Cashman. Robert M. Martin, 78, of Columbus, Ohio, July 19, 2024. At Denison, he was a two-time All-American in men’s lacrosse, and he still holds the school record for career save percentage (.757) and single-season save percentage (.800). In 2011, he was inducted into the Varsity D Association Hall of Fame. A Phi Delta Theta member, he earned a degree in English literature before getting a master’s degree in natural resources from Ohio State University. He also served in the U.S. Army. He was employed in the oil and gas industry before transitioning into financial services. He is survived by his sons, MacGregor and Ryan; his grandchildren; and former wife, Christin. David L. Peters, 78, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sept. 14, 2025. Nicknamed “World,” by his Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity

brothers, he traveled extensively after leaving The Hill with a degree in English literature. Before becoming a successful attorney, he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1969-72. He frequently visited Western Europe and French Polynesia. He made more than 30 trips to both Paris and Lake Como, Italy. He practiced law for 46 years, originally partnering with his father, Carl. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; sisters, Janine Peters Mendis and Michele Peters-Coville; and extended family.

1970

Bob Bradley, 76, of Marblehead, Massachusetts, May 24, 2025. At Denison, he lettered in lacrosse and soccer and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. He earned his law degree from Suffolk Law School and a master’s degree in taxation from Boston University. A lifelong resident of Marblehead, he co-founded the law firm Bradley, Moore, Primason, Cuffe & Weber, where he practiced for over 40 years and formed lasting relationships with his clients, often delivering holiday flowers to them. He was an active supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn, a former corporator and trustee of the Eastern Bank, a former director of the Lynn Home for Young Women and the Lynn Home for the Elderly, and a contributor to many local charitable causes. He was happiest on the tennis courts and in the pool at the Eastern Yacht Club, which he joined in 1978, and at Tedesco Country Club. He loved skiing the slopes of New England, Vail, and Whistler, and he spent summers boating aboard Storm, the family boat. He was a fixture at the YMCA, where his morning workouts were part of his daily rhythm. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert. He is survived by his wife, Gabrielle; their son, Alex; two grandchildren; and his brother, Stephen Bradley. David Crooks, 77, of Traverse City, Michigan, July 22, 2025. He developed his work ethic early in life, and at his Kentucky high school he was the member of two state championship football teams. He was an athlete at Denison, where he ran track, played football and lacrosse, and was a member of Sigma Chi. He married his high school sweetheart, Donna Jo Crooks and began law school at Vanderbilt University before joining the U.S. Air Force. He flew the B-52 Stratofortress and earned his call sign “Darby,” a name that would live on through his grandchildren. He completed his law degree after the Air Force and launched a legal career in Grand Rapids, Michigan, before settling in Cadillac and working for The Kysor Industrial Corp. until retirement in 1997. He loved photography and put his skills to good use by documenting his children’s sporting events. His southern hospitality was constantly on display, with he and Jo hosting music-filled parties, team dinners, and bocce ball tournaments throughout the years. Their children grown, he and Jo split their time between Naples, Florida, and Traverse City, Michigan. In Naples, he was a proud member of the Forum Club, an organization committed to supporting local high school students. He lost Jo in 2018 but considered himself blessed to find love again with Barbara Johnson, who he

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married in 2021. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna Jo Crooks, and brother, Scott Crooks. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Crooks; children, Clay, Ethan, and Hayne; 11 grandchildren; and brother, Douglas Crooks. Susan “Sudi” Harding Press of Chevy Chase, Maryland. The daughter of Robert C. Harding ’39 and Jeannette Post Harding ’38, she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi.

1971

Robert Flory, 75, of Damariscotta, Maine, July 3, 2025. He was a true Renaissance man, a risk taker, and never half-in when he committed his knowledge, intelligence, and expertise to a project. Born into a long line of Denisonians, he was raised in Newark, Ohio. He received his degree in history from Denison and his master’s in special education counseling from the University of Pittsburgh, continuing with doctoral studies in educational psychology. He was a fabulous cook and, from 1981-94, he owned and operated Café Azure, a 75-seat, award-winning restaurant in Pittsburgh, along with the Filmore Street Market & Wine shop. He went into partnership with his brother, Abe, at the Eberle Vineyard in Paso Robles, California, and he became an expert on wine who traveled widely to lecture and introduce people to their California wines. He also was a businessman as president and COO of Flory Investments, Inc., and an assistant professor of graduate and undergraduate courses in special education and educational psychology at Duquesne University. He was a program director and acting assistant executive director of the Association for Retarded Citizens. He was a philanthropist and patron of the arts who was responsible for creating and leading the Friends of the DaPonte String Quartet, a unique nonprofit organization that made it possible for a world-class string quartet to permanently settle, perform, and teach in Maine — and they still do, some 30 years later. He was deeply involved in Coastal Kids Preschool, where he served on the board and used his educational expertise to help expand a sorely-needed preschool whose population included children with special needs. For years, he delivered Meals on Wheels, bringing food and conversation to homebound and isolated Mainers. He and his wife formed a close and enduring friendship with Dr. Charles and Nancy Watson and chaired the funding of the Watson Professorships and the Watson Surgical Education Center, an effort that was instrumental in recruiting and retaining world-class surgeons to the University of Pittsburgh Medical College. He never stopped learning. An active subscriber to Dictionary.com, he tested his friends with the word of the day, usually some esoteric, unknown word that he immediately folded into his own conversation. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; son, Brian Rubenstein and his family; and extended family and friends. Roger Schultz, 76, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, June 23, 2025. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeffrey Schultz. He is survived by his wife, Gayle L Schultz; son, Ryan D Schultz; sister, Pamela J. Schuster; and nieces and nephews. DENISON MAGAZINE

1972

Carol Hess, 74, of Yarmouth, Maine, April 2, 2025. After graduating from Denison, her intellect and curiosity led her into public service work. While working for the U.S. State Department, she was posted to the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura, Burundi. It was there she met Henrik Maage. They married, moved to Kenya, and eventually settled in Denmark, where she worked for the regional manager of Chase Manhattan Bank. She returned to the U.S. in 1984 due to her father’s health and subsequently divorced Henrik, while maintaining her love for the Maage family. She initially lived on the North Shore of Boston where she applied her knowledge in the emerging field of word processing through her own company, ProWord. She was on the board of Northshore Women in Business and in 2022, she applied her skills in developing the fundraising campaign that helped Help Ukraine Operation Palyanytsys (HUOP) in Portsmouth exceed its goal for helping women and children displaced by the Russian invasion. Her love of Maine was nurtured early in her life as she spent many summers on Deer Isle with a posse of cousins and childhood friends. She focused her talents on varied pursuits, including book editing, writing, spiritual motivation and coaching, and small business management. Her passion for women’s rights and democratic causes was well known to anyone she encountered.

William “Bill” Ralph Nummy Jr., 75, of Lansing, Michigan, Aug. 11, 2025. A gifted swimmer and athlete, he set a high school record in freestyle that stood for over two decades. He continued his swimming excellence at Denison and achieved All American status multiple times before graduating with a degree in biology. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta. He continued his education at Central Michigan University and was known as a gifted teacher, happy to help a struggling student write and edit a paper or learn a bit of math and chemistry. An excellent coach, he helped many students fine tune their golf games and perfect their swimming form. He worked for the Michigan Department of Public Health for the first half of his career, where he was instrumental in the development of a life-saving vaccine for hemophilia. Later, he became a senior scientist at Bioport, where he helped develop the anthrax vaccine and finished his career in California as a highly respected teaching consultant to fellow scientists in the field of plasma manufacturing. His love of music encompassed many genres — the louder, the better! He found a creative outlet in photography, capturing the beauty of wildlife, and was most fond of birds and flowers. He enjoyed skiing, bowling, and was a pretty decent basketball and softball player back in the day. His laughter was most prominent when enjoying some of his all-time favorite comedies, with a love of slap-stick and British satire. In quieter moments, he was an avid reader and always had a book going on his nightstand. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Acker Nummy, and grandson, Everson Guild. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Weekley Guild Nummy; children, Melissa Vaughn, Eden DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

William became a senior scientist at Bioport, where he helped develop the anthrax vaccine.

& Obituaries 1972–1977

Cooper, and Brian Nummy; stepchildren, Chris Guild, Chad Guild, Carrie Kelly, Aaron Guild; 17 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Michael Thomas Spink, 75, of Boise, Idaho, Aug. 4, 2025. He spent a year at Denison, where he was a member of Sigma Chi, before transferring to Stanford University, where he graduated in 1972. He served in the U.S. Air Force for three years before earning his law degree from the University of Denver. He dedicated his law career to helping people across the state of Idaho. With his wife and law partner, JoAnn Butler, he established two law firms and developed his own successful mediation practice. He loved the mountains and the ocean and surrounded himself with art, nature, and a series of corgis. He was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn. He is survived by his daughter, Sara, and grandson, Flynn Kennedy Spink.

1973 James spent weekends at the Field Club with his boys and on his boat, Sea Bear.

James Becket Meeker, 74, of Greenwich, Connecticut, March 21, 2025. He attended Greenwich Country Day School and The Taft School, where he played hockey, tennis, and squash. At Denison, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. His degree in communications took him to New York, where he worked at ABC and Jack Morton Worldwide in the company’s entertainment and client service teams. His many community interests included being a member of the “Nutmeggers” Greenwich Skating Club and serving on the board of the Field Club of Greenwich. Weekends were spent at the Field Club with his boys and on his boat, Sea Bear. Tubing with the kids and tying up with friends for sunset dinners around Captain’s Island were some of his greatest joys. He never lost his spirit and zest for life. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Cindy; their two sons, Jeffrey and William; and a sister, Pamela Thye.

Jeffrey Alexander Williams, 71, of Bristol, Wisconsin, March 11, 2023. At Denison, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta and graduated with a degree in sociology/anthropology. He was a sports fanatic with a big heart who worked in the post office for 40 years, beginning at the age of 17, and is survived by his son Daniel Jarecki; sister Linda Karr; and his nieces and nephew.

1975

Michael Ray “Mike” Christiansen, 71, of Keene, New Hampshire, March 26, 2025. He grew up in Trenton, New Jersey, and attended The Hun School of Princeton. A member of Alpha Tau Omega, he graduated from Denison with a degree in economics, then received his MBA from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst and completed the Advanced Executive Education Program at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He began his career in the insurance industry with Kemper Insurance Co. At Peerless Insurance Co. he served as regional vice president of three offices. He relocated to Keene to serve as president and CEO of Peerless Insurance and served as regional president for

business insurance with Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., as well as regional president of the Northeast division of The Hanover Insurance Group. Following his retirement from Liberty Mutual in 2015, he worked as managing director of strategic business development for Renaissance Alliance Insurance Group and as executive ambassador at DAIS Technology. He served on the boards of directors of the Monadnock United Way and The Colonial Performing Arts Center and was a member of the United Church of Christ, where he served on the church council, as a Stephen Minister, and as a volunteer for the Hundred Nights overflow shelter. He met his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Clark Christiansen ’77, at Denison, and they were married for 46 years. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan who enjoyed running and hiking, and he completed four marathons, including the 100th Boston Marathon. He climbed Mt. Monadnock regularly. He enjoyed family vacations on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, and Port Clyde, Maine, and shared his passion for art history and international travel with his family. He is survived by his wife; his daughters, Susan Phillips Christiansen and Alison Ray Christiansen; his mother, Patricia Ray Christiansen; and his brother, Carl F. Christiansen. J. Kevin Maxwell, 71, of Dayton, Ohio, July 30, 2025. Better known as “Max” to his close friends and family, he attended The Kiski School in Saltsburg before graduating from Denison with a degree in economics. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. He took over ownership of the James Store in Granville before moving to Dayton, where he built a long and successful career in sales. A kind and easy-going gentleman, he was known for his classic sense of style with a deep love for dogs and a special fondness for the beach. He never turned down a good vodka tonic with lime. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie; son, John; daughter, Sally Fernandez ’12; grandchildren, Gus and Gracie; and mother-in-law, Doris. Owen Bernard McManus, 72, of Belmont, Massachusetts, Dec. 25, 2024. He enjoyed a long and illustrious career in both academic and commercial science that spanned five decades and across the world in Salt Lake City; Miami; Princeton, New Jersey; Baltimore; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Shanghai; and finally Cambridge, Massachusetts. Raised in a lively family of six boys and one girl, he attended The Lawrenceville School and graduated from Denison before completing his doctorate in physiology at The University of Utah. His career in neurophysiology included post-doctoral work on ion channel biophysics at the University of Miami School of Medicine. He spent 20 years as the senior investigator of ion channels at Merck Research Labs, where he was involved in drug discovery in multiple therapeutic areas, including pain, ophthalmology, diabetes, immune suppression, asthma, and hypertension. He served as director of operations for the Johns Hopkins Ion Channel Center at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and led research teams of drug discovery projects in Ann Arbor and Shanghai. He also served as the chief technology

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Anthony Thompson, 70, of Cincinnati, Ohio, July 31, 2023.

1977

Donald Buttermore, 69, of Houston, Texas, Aug. 6, 2025. A member of Beta Theta Pi, he graduated from Denison with degrees in economics and history, then earned an MBA from Emory University. He enjoyed a 36-year career at ExxonMobil, where he held numerous positions, concluding his time there as the company’s senior cybersecurity advisor. A Junior Achievement (JA) volunteer for 27 years, he taught applied economics to high school seniors and held the ExxonMobil record for JA volunteer years. An active runner, cyclist, and martial arts instructor, he ran more than 10,000 miles along Buffalo Bayou, completed five marathons, a triathlon, and six MS 150 bike rides from Houston to Austin. A passionate practitioner and teacher of Tai Chi, he held free classes in person and online during COVID and met his wife, Mary, while teaching at the local YMCA. They made annual trips to Jazz Fest in New Orleans, where they exchanged their marriage vows. He is survived by his wife, sisters Barbara Buttermore Hansen ’68 and Jenny Buttermore Clark ’71, and half siblings Richard Leroy Radcliff, Angie Speece Chase, and Dawn Speece Miles. M. Jane Parmington, 68, Buffalo, New York, Feb. 5, 2025. A member of Delta Gamma, she graduated with a degree in biology before earning her doctorate at Dartmouth Medical School. As an associate professor of pediatrics, she found immense joy in teaching and mentoring her medical students and residents, shaping the next generation of doctors with both knowledge and compassion at the Jesse Nash Clinic and Towne Gardens Pediatrics. Her summers at Follensby Clear Pond in the Adirondacks were among her most cherished memories. She is survived by her husband, Todd; children, Lauren, Kent, Katherine, and Bennett; and four grandchildren. Vickie Vance, 69, of Cleveland, Ohio, May 14, 2025. A member of Delta Gamma, she received her degree in psychology from Denison and her master’s in social work from Case Western Reserve University. A licensed independent social worker at Kaiser, University Hospitals, and MetroHealth, she treated her clients with kindness, patience, DENISON MAGAZINE

gisela goppel

officer at Q-State Biosciences and finally as the consulting chief technology officer at Quiver Bioscience. An avid fisherman, early bicycle commuter, outdoorsman, and a terrific tennis player, he was also an excellent chef, particularly of American Southwest food. He became a home brewer — to the delight of his friends and colleagues. A deep and thoughtful reader, he was cherished for his wisdom, dedication, and sense of irony. He delighted in well-considered arguments about art, politics, science, and sports. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; sons, Michael McManus ’07 and Liam McManus; mother, Mary Louise McManus; and siblings Timothy, Shauna, Brendan, Patrick, Conan, and Michael.

Cynthia Turnbull PRO FE S S O R E M E R ITA I N MEMO RIAM

Professor Emerita of Theatre Cynthia Turnbull, who opened windows to the world of costume design to students and her office door to those in need of encouragement, died Sept. 1, 2025, at 68. Turnbull spent nearly 25 years at Denison as an artist, director, and chair of the theatre department. She designed over 2,300 costumes for more than 60 productions. But at a university priding itself on relationship-building, few devoted more hours to the task from 1996-2020. “Cindi was a warm hug of a person,” said Jessie Kanelos Weiner ’08, an artist, illustrator, and author who lives in Paris. “Her door was always open, and she saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself at that time. Cindi helped make Denison my oyster.” Andrew Levitt ’01, who has gained international acclaim as an activist, actor, singer-songwriter, and drag queen Nina West, paid tribute to Turnbull on Instagram shortly after her death. “She was an absolute force,” Levitt wrote. “She shaped the lives of so many of her students, and I count myself as one of the lucky ones who got to be in her orbit.” Kehler Welland ’08, a costume designer and professor, said Turnbull taught her the importance of empathy and of making herself available to students. In 2020, Welland’s husband surprised her with a Cameo video greeting from Nina West. In signing up for the service, her husband revealed that Welland was a costume design professor, but didn’t mention her Denison connection. “The whole Cameo greeting was Nina West talking about this amazing costume design professor, Cynthia Turnbull, who had this incredible impact on Nina’s life,” Welland said. “I couldn’t believe it. It was funny and special, and a testament to Cindi’s impact on people.” When Welland’s husband died in 2024, one of the first letters she received was from Turnbull, expressing her sympathy while reminding her of her talent and strength of character. “The education and advice never stopped with Cindi,” Welland said. Turnbull’s endless support was made more poignant given the adversity she faced in her own life. She waged a long battle against breast cancer with unshakable optimism, referring to herself as “Pollyanna in a pith helmet.” Denison is known for its interdisciplinary collaboration, and Turnbull is among those who fostered it. Visual Arts Professor Ron Abram recalls Turnbull encouraging her costume design students to take his drawing courses. Abram saw firsthand what Turnbull meant to Denison. “Cindi was incredibly kind,” Abram said. “And that kindness was a strength that made her approachable.” – TOM REED

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& Obituaries 197 7–2 001

positivity, and professionalism. She was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church She enjoyed shopping, reading, decorating her home for Christmas, and attending plays and movies with her mother and friends. She is survived by her mother, RuthAnn Vance-Lane; sister, Lori Silvers; and other family and friends.

law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law. He was a member of the University of Toledo Law Review and interned for U.S. Magistrate James G. Carr. He enjoyed boating and spending time on the water. He is survived by his wife, Tammy DeVore; sisters, Amy Getschow and Natalie Chapel; and extended family.

1979

Patricia Cunningham Jackson, 64, of Hilton Head, South Carolina, May 11, 2025. At Denison, she earned a degree in psychology before moving to Philadelphia, where she met her husband, Dan Jackson. The couple raised three sons: Daniel, Charlie, and Benjamin. She played an integral part in the family retail businesses of Harbour Town Crafts and Harbour Town Toys on Hilton Head Island, as well as Lynes On Design on the island. She loved walking on the beach with her golden retrievers, tending to her Meyer lemon trees, and traveling. She is survived by her husband and sons; sisters, Catherine C. Stangroom and Elizabeth C. Kinney; and brother, William C. Cunningham Jr.

Gregory R. Nutter, 68, of Columbus, Ohio, April 27, 2025. Prior to attending Denison, he spent a year in Belgium as an exchange student. A member of Delta Chi, he graduated with a degree in studio art and became the proprietor of Gregory’s of Granville, a gift shop and framing business. He also enjoyed a management career with Meijer stores, was known for his beautifully decorated Christmas trees, and served his community as a Clintonville Area commissioner for District 2. He is survived by his husband, Michael Ranney; father, Robert Nutter; sister, Gail Betts; an aunt, uncle, and several cousins.

1980 James was a fan of the Grateful Dead and saw Phish more than 100 times.

James Jennie III, 66, of Thornville, Ohio, June 25, 2025. He worked for many years as an arborist for Murphy Tree Service and later as a foreman for Strawser Paving. He also was the maintenance supervisor for the village of Thornville for 18 years and a sales representative for DJL Material and Supply. He loved bonfires and fireworks and was a faithful concertgoer. He was a fan of the Grateful Dead and saw Phish more than 100 times. He enjoyed gardening and boasted of growing the best tomatoes and potatoes in the Midwest. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughter, Rebekah; his brother, Scott Jennie; a grandchild; and extended family.

Thomas W. Rakowsky, 67, of Strongsville, Ohio, July 31, 2025. At Denison, he graduated with a degree in physical education. He cherished his time on The Hill — he was one of three siblings to attend Denison — and remained active in Kappa Sigma, carrying the values of brotherhood and service throughout his life. He spent nearly 30 years at the Ohio Lottery, where he was known for his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to public service. He served as a Strongsville City councilman and was an influential figure in the Strongsville City Chamber of Commerce, where he served as both a trustee and as a former president. He is survived by his wife Daria; brothers, Ron Rakowsky ’66 and John Rakowsky ’73; and extended family. The family requests donations be made in his memory to Denison. Holly Bellinger Thom, 66, of Boynton Beach, Florida, Jan. 4, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Pi Beta Phi and earned a degree in psychology. She is survived by her husband, Michael Thom; daughter, Ellie Thom; and son, Johnny Thom.

1982

Robert DeVore, 64, of Bradenton, Florida, Feb. 24, 2025. At Denison, he earned a degree in political science before receiving his

1983 1985 1986

David Bennett, 62, of Colrain, Massachusetts, Oct. 26, 2022. Evelyn Alston, 61, of Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 14, 2024.

John Robert White, 60, of Portland, Oregon, July 19, 2025. A songwriter, landscaper, and handyman who could fix almost anything with duct tape, he was an ultimate utilityman. At Denison, he befriended Anne Frye ’86, who later became his wife when they reconnected in Portland. After leaving The Hill, he spent time in the military, serving in Italy and Germany. Relocating to Portland, he evolved into the spirited frontman for his band, John White and The Unlikely Renegades. He was a provocative raconteur and a popular fixture in the local music scene, offering up his signature phrase, “Four Cords and Half the Truth.” He was preceded in death by his sister, Sandra M. White. He is survived by his wife; his daughters, Anastasia Maynich and Valeriya Pitz; mother, Joanne White Bennett; and siblings, James White, Joel White, and Kelly Lollar.

1987

Peter Maynard Warlick, 60, of Dallas, June 18, 2025. He spent the last decade of his life raising awareness and money for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research. Diagnosed with the disease in 2015, he created Aviators Against ALS. With the support of American Airlines and others in the aviation community, he raised more than $6 million. His tenacity, which helped him in business, also served him in his battle against ALS. At Denison, he was a political science major, and he interned in the Reagan White House. He joined Solomon Brothers in high-yield research, becoming one of its youngest vice presidents, before being hired by American Airlines in 1994. For the next three decades, he held numerous leadership positions, thriving in finance and mergers and acquisitions,

#DENISONPROUD ISSUE 1 2026

eventually becoming the company’s treasurer. He married his wife, Sally, in 2001, and the couple had two children, Caroline and Charlie. The family enjoyed traveling the world, spending summers at their house on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, and the fierce competition of family game nights. He is survived by his wife, children, and sister, Elizabeth McBride, along with extended family.

1988

Richard “Tug” Worst, 59, of Twin Lakes, Idaho, July 9, 2025. A third generation Denisonian, Tug earned his degree in biology. He treasured his time on The Hill, often talking about the beauty of the campus and the wonderful memories made with lifelong friends. He later attended Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, and graduated with his law degree in 1992. He spent 32 years practicing law in Idaho, where his family relocated after moving from Columbus, Ohio, in 1968. He enjoyed the last three years in practice working alongside his daughter, Madison, as part of Worst and Associates. He was married for 35 years to his wife, Kari, and the couple had two children. They also raised two surrogate children, Jack and Georgia Graham, after their father — Tug’s best friend — died at a young age. The family lived in Erieau, Idaho, which Tug called the “center of the universe.” It’s where he learned to fish and developed a love for sailing. He was at home on the water, navigating the winding rivers of Idaho and Montana, savoring each sunset, often with a little Jimmy Buffett playing in the background. The rhythm of his cast and the addictive jolt of landing a brown trout on a dry fly set his soul on fire. He is survived by his parents, Rebecca Worst ’60 and Richard W. Worst ’60; his wife; children, Madison and Benjamin Worst; and three grandchildren.

1991 1992

Allyn Brooks, 55, of Portland, Oregon, Sept. 24, 2024.

Thomas Carney Jr., 56, of Los Angeles, June 23, 2025. A cinema major, he met his future wife, Erin Monaghan ’93, during his senior year at Denison. Two of their three children, Maeve ’25 and Rowan ’28, followed in their parents’ footsteps on The Hill. Known as “Tucker” to friends, he worked as a talent manager and an entrepreneur and cherished his role as a stay-at-home dad. He was active in the Larchmont neighborhood of Los Angeles, helping found the Larchmont Charter School. He designed the school’s logo, which features a likeness of his son, Finnian, sitting under a tall larch tree. His daughters, Maeve and Rowan, inherited their dad’s entrepreneurial spirit, starting their own business, LarchShop, which sells Larchmontbranded t-shirts and tote bags. One family friend described him as “the embodiment of the Larchmont neighborhood vibe.” He also served two terms on the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council from 2016-22. A sports enthusiast, he enjoyed playing on his beloved hockey team, the Maroons, and he coached youth soccer. He is survived by his wife; children; mother, Glenda; and sister, Missy Carney Nabors ’84. DENISON MAGAZINE

John C. Kinsella, 55, of Chicago, June 18, 2025. At Denison, he earned a degree in economics and was a member of Kappa Sigma. After gaining his MBA at DePaul Driehaus College of Business, he began his career as a bond trader at the Chicago Board of Trade before pursuing commercial real estate with Newmark Grubb Knight Frank and later as a managing director at Cushman & Wakefield. He was an outstanding softball player, earning him enshrinement in the Chicago Downtown Real Estate Softball League Hall of Fame in 2022. He also served as a tireless fundraiser for the March of Dimes Sports Awards Dinner and the Memory Rock Chicago, which benefitted the Alzheimer’s Association. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and bird hunting. He raised two children, Johnny and Emma, and passed on his love of sports to them, serving as a volunteer youth coach.

1995

Brian D. Nye, 52, of Newark, Ohio, Aug. 27, 2025. An all-conference lineman and four-year letterman on the Denison football team, he graduated with a degree in biology. He enjoyed a long and successful career in the pharmaceutical industry, capped by his appointment as president of Alpha Medical, LLC. He had a marvelous sense of adventure and enjoyed diving, skiing, and skydiving. He was an avid hunter and never met a dog that he didn’t love. He was preceded in death by his brother, Steven Nye. He is survived by his two children, Graham and Camryn (and their mother Natalie); siblings, Vicki Johnson, Linda Connelly, Patricia Cook, Terri Porter, Melanie Nye, Michael Nye, and James Nye , as well as extended family.

1997

Amy Lyn Bordelon Rothaermel, 49, of New Orleans, July 4, 2024. At Denison, she majored in physical education and served as a Delta Gamma officer. She spent much of her adult life working in the health care field, and was a physical therapist at the New Orleans VA Medical Center. She also volunteered in various community activities. In 2012, she married Brett Rothaermel, and the couple had two daughters, Mignonne Reine and Marigny Rose.

1998

Jennifer Carter Hawksworth, 49, of Park City, Utah, March 16, 2025. A ballerina from an early age, she loved to dance and bring joy to those around her. At Denison, she was a member of Delta Gamma and majored in dance and psychology. She married Ben Hawksworth after college and they raised three children: Thomas, Emily, and Charlie. A Columbus, Ohio, native, she also lived in Colorado, Georgia, and Utah, where she spent the last six years of her life. Her gift was making others feel good about themselves. She enjoyed cooking, family gatherings, Hallmark murder mysteries, and chocolate cake. She is survived by her husband and three children; parents, Bill and Debbie Carter; sister, Katie; and brother, Bill.

2001

Thomas designed the school’s logo, which features a likeness of his son, Finnian, sitting under a tall larch tree.

Jeffrey Costello, 46, of Bloomfield, New Jersey, Sept. 7, 2025. A history major and DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

& Obituaries 2 001–2 003

Kappa Sigma member at Denison, he wasn’t afraid to chase a dream — even if it meant a daring career pivot. After a successful tenure in sales, he left the business to become a digital creative director for New York City’s top hip hop music station. In this role, he captured the energy and soul of the music artists and DJs he admired. He was known for his storytelling, wit, and love of Philadelphia sports teams. He was married in 2013 to Jessica, and he cherished his responsibilities as a dutiful uncle, who taught nephews and nieces a love of the water. A born facilitator, he brought together friends for lively poker nights and fantasy football leagues, for which he acted as commissioner.

2003

Kimberly McCabe, 44, of Westfield, Indiana, Aug. 2, 2025. At Denison, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and graduated with a degree in psychology. After attending Thomas Jefferson School of Law, she practiced family law and married a fellow attorney, William. She was admired for her sense of humor, compassion, and bravery. She is survived by her husband; mother, Cynthia; and brother, Ross.

In Steubenville, Joseph led the Save Our Steel campaign, attracting visits by President Carter and then-candidate Ronald Reagan.

Former Staff

Angela Kay Ferrell, 49, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, April 10, 2025. She obtained her degree in nursing from the Mount Carmel College of Nursing and completed her MSN at Otterbein University. Selflessly dedicating her life to her patients, always placing them above herself, she began her career at St. Ann’s Hospital in Westerville, Ohio, and then served as a nurse practitioner at Denison for seven years. She was a proud dog mom to many Vizslas and a passionate fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Indians, and Cincinnati Bengals. She is survived by her husband, Charles Ferrell; daughters, Kayla and Charley Grace Ferrell; mother, Carol Stockwell; and sister, Jennifer Curry. Joseph Davis Kennedy, 84, of Newark, Ohio, April 6, 2025. He graduated from the University of Iowa and was a member of ROTC before joining the U.S. Air Force as a navigator, attaining the rank of captain. He flew on B-52s as part of the Strategic Air Command and on C-141s for military transport during the Vietnam War. After the service, he worked for and led chambers of commerce in Malden and Lowell, Massachusetts, as well as in Steubenville and Newark, Ohio, and built housing as part of Mitchell Systems. At Denison, he organized the America Reads program. In Steubenville, he led the Save Our Steel campaign, attracting visits by President Carter and then-candidate Ronald Reagan in support of the steel industry. He participated in the efforts to fund and build the new Veterans’ Memorial Bridge and guided filmmakers searching for locations in the area for the movie The Deer Hunter. Working with parents, he founded the Kiwanis Youth Soccer League in 1978, introducing the sport to the area. In Newark, he worked to found the Buckeye Central Scenic Railroad, the Historic

Hudson Avenue Association, the Par Excellence Learning Center, and the Together We Grow Community Gardens. He was a Big Brother to two wonderful Little Brothers, was a volunteer for the American Pride Veterans Committee for Hospice, and ran political campaigns for his wife, Irene, and for other friends. He rode motorcycles from early in his life, and spent many happy days riding with his Fossils group around central Ohio. He was a thespian, photographer, and devoted researcher into the secret ice cream shops of Ohio. He traveled extensively through his work and with his family, visiting all 50 states and many countries. He was a role model to his family for his ability to learn, grow, and change over a lifetime. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Irene, who led Denison’s service learning center before her retirement; his children, Jill ’86, John, Mark ’83; and several grandchildren, nephews, and nieces. William Wesley Palmer, 93, of Dennison, Ohio, May 19, 2025. He attended Ohio State University before serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, stationed aboard the USS Rombach, a destroyer escort. He was a longtime member of the Destroyer Escort Association and Scio American Legion Post #482. He served Denison as a groundskeeper for 20 years until his retirement in 1993. He is survived by his wife, Shirley A. Palmer; children, Michael Palmer, Denee M. Burton; and stepdaughters, Peggy McBride, Pamela Gipson, and Patty Romshak. Sharon Ann Zink, 74, of Zanesville, Ohio, July 12, 2025. She worked as a dispatcher for facilities services at Denison for 22 years before her retirement in 2010. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene and an avid fan of the Kentucky Wildcats and Ohio State Buckeyes who loved her blue 1966 fastback Mustang. She is survived by her husband, Floyd Zink; three sons: Floyd Zink III, Bryan Zink, and Corey Zink; two sisters, Sue Wolff and Nancy Fogle; and several grandchildren.

Friends

Theodore Dillon Griley II, 91, of Newark, Ohio, Jan. 10, 2024. Known by friends and family as TD, he attended Riverside Military Academy, Mercersburg Academy, University of Maryland, and Ohio State University. He served three of the five branches of the United States Armed Forces, as a cadet in the Air Force ROTC, a reservist in the Navy, and a member of the Army’s counter-intelligence corps. A former chairman of the board of Spenley Newspapers, Inc., he was also treasurer and director of PSG Corporation, director of the Mid-Ohio Development Corporation, deputy director of the Ohio Department of Development, and executive director of the Ohio Alliance for Energy, Growth, and Jobs. His served his community as an Elk, a Mason, a Jaycee, a Rotarian, a Grand Commodore, and a board member/trustee for organizations ranging from the Licking County Mental Health Association to the Columbus Children’s Hospital.

#DENISONPROUD ISSUE 1 2026

He was named Newark’s Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1966. In addition to his wife, Dori, he is survived by six children, Elizabeth Rower, Katy Cowan, John Griley, Theodore Dillon Griley III, Marian Shai, and J. Park Shai III; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. Patricia Love Gump, 92, of Oxford, Ohio, April 27, 2025. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Ohio State University and worked for the American Red Cross as a caseworker, then returned to Ohio State to earn a master’s degree in psychology and work as a head resident and assistant to the dean of women. In 1957, she married W. Robert Gump ’49, a union that lasted 57 years until his death in 2014. She is survived by her three children, David Gump, Laurie Melson, and Timothy Gump, as well as several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Norma L. Krueger, 93, of Granville, Ohio, March 28, 2025. She was a graduate of Coldwater High School in Coldwater, Ohio, and attended Denison University, Northern University, the University of Dayton, and Ohio State University, where she graduated with a master’s in special education. She retired from the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities, for whom she taught for more than 30 years. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Baird, who was a library security monitor at Denison; and sisters, Jeanette Siefring and Alberta Braun. She is survived by her daughters, Kathryn Jenkins and Kristine Krueger; and three grandchildren. Norma S. Rauch, 94, Columbus, Ohio, June 12, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, John E. “Jack” Rauch ’49, D.O. She is survived by her son, Alan Seffens; sisters, Wilda Hale and June Fleeman; and several stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren. Julianne “Julie” Rausch, 90, of Granville, Ohio, March 25, 2025. She graduated from the White Cross School of Nursing, later known as RiversideWhite Cross School of Nursing. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Rausch, who was the assistant bookstore manager and coordinator of the Student Union at Denison, and is survived by her children, Lynn Rausch, Kurt Rausch, Beth Castillo, and by many extended family members and friends.

DENISON MAGAZINE

Kennard Bork I N MEMO RIAM

PRO FE S S O R E M E R IT U S

In the final week of his life, Professor Emeritus of Geology Kennard Bork was still committed to intellectual pursuits. Bork died of cancer on July 27, 2025, and just days before his passing at 84, he was working on a PowerPoint presentation about the perception of time and how various civilizations determined it. “He loved learning for the sake of learning, and then sharing that knowledge with other people,” said his wife, Kay, a former French teacher at Granville High School. Bork shared his love of geology with Denison students from 1966 to 2003, influencing a significant number to either teach the subject in universities or work in the field for high-profile corporations. “He knew so much about everything, but made it approachable for us wayward students,” said Constance Soja ’77, a professor emerita of geology at Colgate University. “Years later, I reflected back on what made him a great teacher, so that I could carry forth some of those gold-standard traditions in my own classes.” Bork’s intellect, sense of humor, and enthusiasm for the subject engaged generations of geology students. His passion for the Grateful Dead was an added bonus. Brad Sageman ’79, a professor and director of master of science in energy and sustainability at Northwestern University, said letters he exchanged with Bork after graduation convinced him to pursue his doctorate in geology. George Ramsayer ’69, who spent 33 years at ExxonMobil as an exploration geologist and manager, said the professor’s courses and mentorship significantly impacted his academic and career trajectories. Once an “aimless and wandering” student, Ramsayer drew inspiration from Bork’s energy and was so inspired by the professor that he established the Ramsayer Endowed Fund for Geoscience Students. “Ken cared about his students — not just the academic side, but the student as a

whole,” Ramsayer said. “We’d have conversations that had nothing to do with geology.” Bork was honored with the History of Geology Award from the Geological Society of America and the Neil Miner Award from the National Association of Geology Teachers. Bork also wrote a book, Cracking Rocks and Defending Democracy, outlining the contributions to education and society made by geologist and Denison alum Kirtley Mather 1909. “Dr. Bork was the liberal arts,” said Andrew Heckert ’93, a professor of geological and environmental sciences at Appalachian State University. “I have now been involved in higher education for more than three decades, and am still convinced I’m not doing it nearly as well as he did.” Bork married Kay in 1963, and they had one child, Rob. Their first meeting reads like the start of a romance novel. They both attended DePauw University but never met until they were aboard the Queen Mary in 1961, bound for Europe. Bork was headed to France, and Kay to Switzerland. Aboard the ship, she was taken by his intelligence, humor, and kindness. They met up several times in Europe before returning home to attend graduate school at Indiana University. “While in France, Ken did a lot of soul searching,” Kay said. “It was there he decided he wanted to teach at a liberal arts college.” At Denison, Bork earned the Teaching Excellence Award, served as the department chair, and was named the alumni chair. He remained academically active in retirement, serving as the secretary general of the International Commission on the History of Geological Sciences. Bork took his love of geology and rocks to the grave. In 2012, he handpicked a headstone made of Indian Aurora granite that can be found in Denison’s College Cemetery. – TOM REED

DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

THE LAST WORD

‘A really special thing’

BRIAN REGAN ’04 RECALLS WHEN HIS LOVE FOR BIG RED BASEBALL AND FOR H A L E Y H O L M B E R G ’ 0 4 W E R E B O T H C E L E B R AT E D O N O N E S P E C I A L DAY.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Brian Regan ’04 proposed to Haley Holmberg ’04 after a Denison doubleheader on April 24, 2004. The Regans and their four children. Stories of the marriage proposal were carried by newspapers across Ohio. The happy couple in the Mitchell Center in October 2025, when Brian was inducted into the Varsity D Association Athletic Hall of Fame.

BY THEODORE DECKER

t had been a remarkable day of Denison baseball and made his case for marriage. — a remarkable season, really — and truth be told, “I had a really eloquent speech planned, some really Denison shortstop Brian Regan ’04 was a trifle romantic things,” he said. “She remembers none of it.” worried that the Big Red’s performance on the diaSeated beside her husband, Haley Regan confirmed, mond might be upstaged by the diamond hidden away “Not a thing.” in his equipment bag. Spoiler alert: She said yes. It was April 24, 2004, Senior Day on the Denison Regan, who was among 10 athletes inducted Oct. 3, ballfield. The Big Red had just swept Case Western 2025, into Denison’s Varsity D Association Athletic Reserve University in a doubleheader, and Denison Hall of Fame, describes his four years as an athlete at pitcher Cam Cowden ’04 had just thrown his first Denison as a remarkable time in his life. It was a time career no-hitter in the second game. when his athletic achievements and personal aspiraThe celebration already underway was about to tions became so perfectly intertwined that a marriage grow even more joyous. proposal following his final home game made all the Cowden was Regan’s roommate and one of his best sense in the world to him. friends. “The baseball program was a really special thing “He didn’t know what I was planning,” Regan said. for the four years that I was there,” Regan said. “As I “I kept it very close to the chest, so when I went after started thinking about proposing to Haley, I thought, the game to get the ring out of my baseball equipment ‘Wouldn’t it be cool to do this in front of all of our bag, I looked at Cam and said, ‘Cam, I am so sorry. I friends and all of our family at Denison?’” do not want to steal any of the thunder that you just He wasn’t always so confident, romantically speakhad from throwing a no-hitter.’ ing. The Cincinnati native had noticed Haley their “We were best buddies, so he was all good with it,” first year. Regan said. “I was like, ‘That girl’s cute, I want to talk to her,’” Moments later, having summoned his college he said. “And it took me until junior year to actually sweetheart, Haley Holmberg ’04, to home plate with work up the courage to talk to her.” a ruse about honoring the team’s loyal fans on Senior By then, they were both living in Shaw Hall. This being Day, Regan produced the ring, got down on one knee, Denison, they had mutual friends. Haley had noticed #DENISONPROUD ISSUE 1 2026

Brian, too, but because everyone called him “Regan,” she was surprised to learn his first name was Brian. “I knew a couple months after dating her that I wanted to marry her,” Brian Regan said. They dated through their senior year and had talked about their future after graduation. He initially figured he would propose after college, and she expected the same. They seemed in agreement: first things first. To understand his change of plans, you have to understand what it was like to be playing baseball for Denison back then. When Regan came to Denison, baseball coach Barry Craddock was undertaking the rebuild of a team that included 28 first-year players. Of the 11 who would stay on to play all four years, Regan said, “We were best friends.” “We lived together, we played together, we were all in each other’s weddings,” he said. “It was just a super-tight-knit community. All the parents traveled and came to every game. We developed a really special bond over those four years.” Craddock’s rebuild worked. By Senior Day, Denison baseball was fifth in the nation heading into the North Coast Athletic Conference tournament. Plotting his proposal, Regan knew his and Haley’s parents would be there for Senior Day. He let very few people in on the plan — Craddock was among them — just the few needed to pull off the ploy to coax Haley from the stands. She was handed a bouquet by Cowden and teammate Adam Mandel ’04, but both players quickly departed. Haley was an unquestionably ardent supporter of the team, but it puzzled her when it appeared she was to be the sole fan honored. “I asked Brian, ‘Am I supposed to stand here?’ Even when I was standing on DENISON MAGAZINE

home plate, I was still clueless.” Word of the proposal raced across campus. Newspapers, including The Columbus Dispatch and The Cincinnati Enquirer, ran stories about it. “For a couple of days, there was just this energy around the baseball team, the campus, us,” Brian Regan said. After graduation, Regan took a job in Cincinnati with Procter & Gamble, and the economics major still works there. Haley, who majored in psychology, started a job at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. They were married on Oct. 15, 2005. A few weeks after he was inducted into the Hall of Fame this fall, he and Haley celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. They have three boys and a girl — Gunnar, 16; Scout, 15; Zeke, 13; and Knox, 10. Last summer, Brian coached all three of the boys’ baseball teams for a total of 141 games. “It was a heavy schedule,” he said, laughing. Their life, Brian Regan said, “couldn’t have panned out better than it has.” He marveled at “just how special the baseball program at Denison was.” The Big Red finished the 2003 and 2004 seasons with 31 wins, which at the time tied for the most in program history. “The turnaround of that baseball program, and the hard work, the effort it took by all of us — to culminate it with a celebration of baseball and my future wife all in that same day, for me was one of the most memorable days of my life.” Speaking to a news reporter back in 2004, 22-yearold Brian Regan recognized that, even then. “This,” he said, “will be a great story the rest of our lives.” DENISONMAGAZINE.COM

“I knew a couple months after dating her that I wanted to marry her.” – BRIAN REGAN ’04

P R ESIDENT A DA M W EI NBERG A ND NEL S ON GRIGGS ‘ 93, PRES IDENT OF NA S DAQ , H OSTED A S PEC IAL EVEN T FOR DENI S ON A LUM S AT NA SDAQ HEADQUARTER S IN NEW YORK C ITY IN NOVEMB ER TO C EL EB RATE TH E K I C KOFF OF WHAT WE C AN BE A ND H EAR FIR STH AND AB OUT TH E B OL D VIS ION DRIVING DENIS ON’S FU TU R E . V ISIT D ENIS ON.EDU/C AMPAIGN TO L EARN MORE .

Denison University Society of the Alumni ORGANIZED IN 18 46 ALUMNI ADVISORY BOARD

ANNUAL FUND VOLUNTEERS

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PRESIDENT

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YOUNG ALUMNI CO-CHAIRS

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(ISSN 1042-1645) is published two times a year by the Denison University Office of University Communications and Marketing, 100 West College St., Granville, OH 43023 Copyright ©2026 by Denison University. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in Denison Magazine are those of the individual authors and sub-

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