What should I wear? Is campus housing available? Can family and friends attend? Answers to these and other questions are available here. Can’t find an answer to your question? Ask us via email at reunion@denison.edu.
General Information
What is Reunion?
Reunion is the largest Denison alumni event held each spring. Alums return to the college to rekindle connections with classmates, enjoy lively conversations and lectures, explore the current campus, and revisit their past. We expect between 1,000 and 1,300 Denison alums, spouses, children, and friends at Reunion.
When is Reunion?
In 2025, the Class of 1975 will celebrate their 50th Reunion from June 5 – 7. All other classes (1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1991, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, and 2020) will celebrate from June 6 – 8.
We are also pleased to welcome post-50th classes (1974 and earlier, except post-50th classes participating in 5-year reunions: 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, and 1970) via Denison Forever to a complimentary lunch on June 6 followed by other optional festivities.
How do I register?
Online registration for Reunion 2025 will be available in January 2025.
Can I attend only a part of Reunion?
Yes. We offer a complete Reunion package, but à la carte options will also be available. Please contact the Office of Alumni and Family Engagement at 740-587-5659 if you need assistance making the right selection for you.
Can I come if I didn't preregister?
Yes, although alums are strongly encouraged to register in advance. Some events have limited capacities and sell out quickly, and we cannot guarantee the availability of rooms or dining services if you have not registered in advance.
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
Those who have registered may cancel their registration and request a refund by requesting a cancellation via the individual confirmation email that was received upon registration.
Who is Coming?
Are spouses/partners/significant others/kids invited?
Absolutely! We encourage returning alumni to bring their entire families. All activities and programs are open to anyone who is on campus for the weekend.
How can I find out if someone from my class is coming?
Once registration launches, check out the online registration page to find out who is attending from your class.
It is not my Reunion year. May I still attend Reunion?
Certainly! All alums are welcome to return for Reunion.
Will former professors or coaches be there?
Yes. Faculty, coaches, and staff are invited to attend various meals and functions during the weekend. If there is someone in particular you are hoping to connect with, please feel free to reach out to them directly.
Activities & Amenities
What is there to do during Reunion?
Reunion includes many different events. You can participate in some or all — it’s up to you. Among the activities and programs are the following:
- Campus van tours, featuring the new and renovated buildings on campus.
- Alumni Convocation, featuring the current year’s Citation recipients and announcement of class gifts.
- Alumni College Classes.
- State of the College Address with the President.
- Class receptions and dinners.
- Entertainment each evening.
What is the Alumni Convocation?
The Convocation ceremony is a time-honored tradition and the sole opportunity for all Reunion classes to be together in Swasey Chapel. Of special highlight are the achievements in fundraising by each Reunion class and the public recognition of Alumni Citation honorees.
Will I have the opportunity to hear President Weinberg speak?
Yes! On Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. the president will give a first-hand update on life at Denison — what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what the future holds.
Will the bookstore be open?
Yes, the bookstore will be open during Reunion. Check back later for more specific hours.
Will I be able to use the pool, gym, or other athletics facilities?
Denison’s athletic facilities are available for returning alums and their guests. Take a swim in the pool, play racquetball or use the indoor track in Mitchell, play a tennis match at the outdoor courts, or sweat it out in the Crown Fitness Center. Times vary and will be included in the Reunion app.
Is child care offered?
No, unfortunately due to liability concerns we are unable to offer child care.
What kind of computer access is available?
Denison has a campus-wide Wi-Fi network available.
I have special dietary or accessibility needs. What should I do?
It is especially important to register in advance if you will need any special accommodations, menus, or transportation assistance on campus. Make sure to give us your contact information, and include your cell phone number (if you have one).
What should I wear?
Casual clothes are fine for all daytime activities as well as the opening reception on Friday evening. Saturday dinners give you a chance to “dress up” a bit if you wish.
In addition to walking around the campus or downtown, many events are outdoors on the grass. Keep this in mind as you select which shoes to bring.
Travel & Lodging
Is parking available on campus?
Parking is available throughout campus. If you’ll be staying in campus housing, it is recommended that you leave your car parked in one location and not worry about it for the weekend. Our student crew will be on golf carts throughout Reunion to transport you around campus.
Where will I stay?
Relive your student experience by staying in campus housing (dormitories) during your Reunion. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. on Friday for all classes. Check-out is no later than noon on Sunday.
Caution! There is a reason on-campus housing is such an economical option: these are dorms (now known as residence halls). Do not think in terms of “ambience” or “amenities.” Very few residence halls are air-conditioned. Dorm rooms come equipped with one or two single beds (debunked of course), a desk and dresser. You will receive one linen packet for the weekend (sheets, pillowcase, towel, washcloth, and a blanket). You may wish to bring your own pillow, an extra blanket, portable fan, small reading lamp, personal toiletries, alarm clock, etc.
Our friendly student crew will be on hand to help those needing assistance with their luggage. If a student is not readily available, use your cell phone or the phone at the entrance to your residence hall and call the Welcome and Registration Center.
Can alumni room with friends?
Yes, alums may request to be paired with a roommate for the weekend. When registering, please list the names of individuals you wish to room with. However, because we anticipate a large number of alumni staying on campus, we are unable to honor requests to be placed near another classmate.
Are there special housing accommodations for families?
Special housing for families with children is available. Simply request the family-housing option on the registration form. This kid-friendly space is limited, so be sure to register early.
Are shuttles available?
Complimentary shuttles between John Glenn International Airport and campus will be available throughout Reunion. Specific times will be shared closer to the event date.
Shuttles will also be available to transport guests to campus and back from Cherry Valley Hotel, Courtyard Marriott in Newark, The Granville Inn and The Buxton Inn. Golf carts will also be on hand to transport guests to various attractions across campus.
Where do alumni go when they arrive on campus?
Your first stop should be the Welcome and Registration Center. There you will receive a packet containing your name tag(s), ticket(s), an updated schedule, campus maps, and other information needed for Reunion. If you are staying on campus, your registration packet will also include your dorm room key.
I will be arriving after the Registration Center closes. What should I do?
Go to the Campus Safety / Switchboard Office located on the Visitor Level (P1) of the Parking Garage adjacent to the Burton D. Morgan Center. A Safety Officer will let you into your room. The next morning, check in at the Registration Desk to pick up your weekend packet and dorm room key.
Where can I smoke on campus?
The Licking County Board of Health regulation prohibits smoking, including e-cigarettes, in all educational facilities, which includes private offices, restrooms, and all campus buildings.
Do you offer travel discounts?
There are no formal discounts available.
Are there off-campus housing options?
The Greater Newark/Granville area is brimming with hotels and bed-and-breakfast establishments. When calling, be sure to mention Denison Reunions. Names you may remember are included here.
What if the weather is bad?
Some events may be moved inside, but many of our Reunion celebrations will continue, rain or shine.