Reunion FAQ

Reunion is the largest Denison alumni event held each spring. Alumni 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 alumni, spouses, children, and friends at Reunion.

In 2024, the Class of 1974 will celebrate their 50th Reunion May 30 to June 1. All other classes (1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2014, and 2019) will celebrate May 31 to June 2.

And new this year: Denison Forever invites members of Denison’s post-50th classes (1973 and earlier, except post-50th classes participating in 5-year reunions: 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969) to a complimentary lunch on May 30 followed by other optional festivities.

Online registration for Reunion 2024 is available through May 24 on the Reunion webpage.

Yes. We offer a complete Reunion package, but à la carte options are also available. Please contact the Office of Alumni and Family Engagement at 740-587-5659 if you need assistance making the right selection for you.

Yes, although alumni 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.

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.

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.

Check out the online registration page to find out who is attending from your class.

Certainly! All alumni are welcome to return for Reunion Weekend.

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.

Reunion Weekend includes many different events. You can participate in some or all — it’s up to you. Among the weekend 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

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.

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.

Yes, the Bookstore will be open during Reunion Weekend at the following times:

Thursday, May 30: 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday, May 31: 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 1: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 2: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Denison’s athletic facilities are available for returning alumni 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 are included in the Reunion Weekend app (powered by Whova).

No, unfortunately due to liability concerns we are unable to offer child care.

Denison has a campus-wide Wi-Fi network available,

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).

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.

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 weekend to transport you around campus.

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.

Yes, alumni 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.

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.

Complimentary shuttles between John Glenn International Airport and campus will be available throughout Reunion weekend at the following times:

• Thursday, May 30: Departing John Glenn International Airport at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m.
• Friday, May 31: Departing John Glenn International Airport at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.
• Saturday, June 1: Departing Denison University at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Sunday, June 2: Departing Denison University at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.

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.

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 weekend schedule, campus maps, and other information needed for the Weekend. If you are staying on campus, your registration packet will also include your dorm room key.

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.

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.

There are no formal discounts available.

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.

Some events may be moved inside, but many of our Reunion celebrations will continue, rain or shine.