About Four Forward
The Four Forward initiative is a living tribute to the first four women to earn degrees from Denison, turning their historic milestone into a vibrant community of connection. By bridging our past with our future, this initiative creates dedicated spaces, from campus retreats to regional and virtual dialogues – where leadership, resilience, and the shared experiences of Denisonians take center stage.
Ready to get involved? Learn more about Denison’s volunteer experience and express your interest today.
Share, Lift, Lead: How Motherhood Can Drive Entrepreneurial Passion
Date: November 12, 2026
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Four Forward Programs
Share, Lift, Lead
This series serves as a platform for connection, bringing together hundreds of participants from across the globe. Each session features an alum presentation that sets the stage for intimate, small-group dialogues where voices are lifted and stories are shared across generations. Topics range from breaking barriers in banking to helping a grieving friend. By bridging the distance between us, these one-hour sessions empower Denisonians to translate personal narratives into collective leadership and action.
Beyond the Book
This group transcends the traditional book club format, serving as a dedicated space where alums explore powerful narratives and diverse perspectives rooted in women’s shared experiences. Through facilitated small-group discussions, participants explore themes of resilience and identity, turning shared reading into a deep communal connection. This program proves that our stories are the strongest threads binding Denisonians together, regardless of distance.
A Seat at the Table
This experience brings the spirit of Four Forward directly to alums in their own city through an intimate, industry-based dinner gathering. We facilitate high-level dialogue around leadership and career navigation. These curated evenings spark professional growth and personal mentorship, supporting Denisonians at each stage of their professional journey.
The Four Forward Scholarship
The Four Forward Scholarship Fund was established as a way for those inspired by the initiative to come together in collective support of Denison students. We were proud to award our first two scholarships through this fund while also celebrating the individual scholarships established by donors moved by the spirit of Four Forward. The messages below from our scholarship recipients offer a glimpse into the impact of this generosity.
Help us support more students and give them a transformative Denison experience. Give to Four Forward today.
Lauren Paxton ’27
Major: Communication
Hometown: Canonsburg, Penn.
“Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to come to Denison! Without this scholarship, my experience at Denison would not be possible. Because of you, I am able to succeed and get an education that will be beneficial for my future. I am so excited to use all the skills and knowledge that I have learned from Denison to create a prosperous life for myself. I am forever grateful for people like you who have given me an education and skills that I will continue to use for the rest of my life.”
Tionna Wear ’28
Major: Theatre and Economics
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
“Denison University was my number one choice when I applied for college. I have loved every moment I have had with the arts department here at Denison, and I hope you know your support has been life-changing for me. I’ve had the opportunity to work on tech as the assistant stage manager in two shows and perform in another one as an ensemble cast member.”
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