Generations of Denisonians returned to The Hill for Reunion 2026, filling campus with laughter, stories, and the unmistakable joy of reconnecting with friends old and new. Alums from 13 Reunion classes came together to celebrate lifelong friendships, revisit favorite traditions, and experience the many ways Denison continues to evolve.
From spirited class gatherings and thought-provoking conversations about AI and careers in the arts to the recognition of distinguished Alumni Citation honorees, Reunion offered meaningful experiences for every generation in attendance. Alums also enjoyed behind-the-scenes tours of transformative campus spaces, including the Eisner Center and the nearly completed Knobel Hall and King Center for Data & Innovation. The weekend showcased the remarkable generosity and enduring commitment of Denisonians, highlighted by the Class of 1976’s extraordinary $17.7 million 50th Reunion gift.
Keep scrolling to experience highlights from Reunion 2026!
Check out the full Reunion 2026 photo gallery HERE
Thursday, June 11, 2026
50th Reunion Kickoff Lunch
More than 110 members from the Class of 1976 returned to The Hill on Thursday morning to begin their 50th Reunion celebration. For many, it was the first time they had seen classmates in years, and in some cases, decades. Throughout the morning, familiar faces sparked instant recognition as friends reconnected, shared stories, and picked up conversations as though no time had passed.
Reunion officially began with a luncheon at Slayter Hall Student Union, where classmates gathered around tables, renewed old friendships, and reflected on the experiences that first brought them together at Denison. President Adam Weinberg welcomed the class and reflected on his 13 years leading the university, sharing memories and answering questions from attendees. He also offered a look ahead, highlighting Denison’s newest initiatives and future priorities while underscoring the values and sense of community that continue to connect generations of Denisonians.
The Big Red 1976 Scavenger Hunt
The iconic scavenger hunt took classmates to see The Hill through fresh eyes while revisiting the places and traditions that shaped their Denison experience. Working in teams, they followed clues across campus, piecing together memories, solving puzzles, and uncovering stories about some of Denison’s most recognizable landmarks and faces. As golf carts driven by current students carried teams from stop to stop, conversations flowed easily between longtime friends and some classmates meeting for the first time. Participants discovered new corners of Denison, tested their knowledge of university history, and shared plenty of laughter. The final challenge brought everyone together for a lighthearted celebration of the decade that defined their time on campus. Armed with kazoos, each team performed its own rendition of a popular 1970s hit, filling the room with laughter, followed by a well-deserved champagne toast.
2026 Alumni Citation Dinner
Established in 1949, the Alumni Citation is Denison’s highest honor bestowed upon alums, recognizing professional achievement, service to community, and ongoing commitment to the university. This year’s honorees were celebrated not only for their individual accomplishments, but for the many ways they have carried the Denison spirit into their work and communities.
From reproductive health advocacy, public service, and global finance to scientific innovation, the arts, and entrepreneurship, the 2026 recipients reflect the breadth and impact of a Denison education: Amy Ard ’96, Sharon Siegel Carr ’73, Jill Goubeaux Clark, J.D. ’76, Hollis “Holly” Smith French ’76 P’11, Donald “Jeff” Ireland, J.D. ’76 P’17, George “Simms” Jenkins IV ’96 P’27, Martin “Marty” Jones ’86 P’17, Emilios Kyriacou ’86, Lady Patricia “Trish” Cronan Malloch-Brown ’86 P’17 P’19, and Jackson “Jack” Pellett, Ph.D. ’95.
Surrounded by fellow alums and loved ones in the Mitchell Center Field House, honorees spent the evening celebrating the enduring ways alums continue to shape their communities and the world.
50th Reunion Welcome Reception and Dinner
The Class of 1976 gathered at Moon Hall, a student gathering space designed for connection and celebration. Situated near the intramural fields, Moon Hall’s covered patio, fire pit, and deck created an inviting place to settle in as alums mingled and reconnected throughout cocktail hour, featuring signature cocktails including a glitter-infused drink that quickly became a conversation piece. After dinner, classmates gathered inside for a lively singalong of favorites from the 1960s and 70s that filled the room with music, laughter, and shared energy. The celebration carried well into the night as classmates fully embraced the chance to be back together on The Hill.
Friday, June 12, 2026
AI and Higher Education
A crowd of alums gathered in Herrick Hall to hear Denison’s take on a hot topic: artificial intelligence. Head of AI Strategy Lori Robbins and Heath Hase, senior director of digital innovation, shared how Denison is leading a new model for AI in higher education. Through intentionality and ethical inquiry — plus ample collaboration among students, faculty, and staff — Denison has been laying the groundwork for years to ensure every student graduates with AI fluency and digital literacy, using technology thoughtfully in an ever-evolving world. The conversation underscored Denison’s commitment to preparing graduates who can adapt, question, and lead in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Tour of the Eisner Center and Museum Open House
As more Reunion classes arrived on Friday morning, alums gathered for lunch in the village before heading into a full afternoon of breakout sessions, campus conversations, and tours across The Hill. Many took the opportunity to go behind the scenes at the Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts, where they were guided through performance and rehearsal spaces, along with the costume shop, recording studios, and other creative hubs that bring Denison’s arts community to life.
Along the way, Eisner Center staff shared the story of how the building came to be, reflecting on philanthropy, the legacy of the arts at Denison, and how students use the space today to create, collaborate, and perform. From there, guests were invited to the Denison Museum open house, featuring the exhibition From the Blue Tent to Broadway, which highlighted the history of Denison’s theatre program and included the iconic Mark Twain suit worn by distinguished alum Hal Holbrook ’48.
Entertainment Industry Panel Discussion
Alums gathered in Burke Recital Hall for an entertainment industry panel featuring graduates and faculty working across film, television, music, comedy, and talent representation. The conversation brought together some of Denison’s most creative voices to reflect on how their time on The Hill shaped their paths and how they translated that foundation into careers in the entertainment industry.
Panelists included Tom Richner ’97 P’25, animator for The Simpsons; Mark Bryan ’96, chair of theatre and dance at Denison University; Joey Aich ’16, musician; Tom Cotter ’86, comedian; and Greg Mayo ’76, theatrical and literary talent agent. Together, they shared stories of creative risk-taking, persistence, and the moments that helped define their journeys after Denison.
Guided Tour of Knobel Hall and the King Center for Data & Innovation
With the renovation of Knobel Hall (formerly Doane Hall) and the sweeping addition of the King Center for Data & Innovation nearly complete, alums received guided tours of the labs, classrooms, and other learning spaces that will fill with students for the first time this fall semester. The campus hub for data, technology, and innovation will integrate data across the curriculum and further cement Denison’s reputation as an innovator in the liberal arts. The tour highlight? Checking out the expansive views of Swasey Chapel and President’s Drive through floor-to-ceiling windows in the newly built portion of the project.
1976 50th Reunion Celebration Dinner
The Class of 1976 gathered in Slivys at Silverstein Hall for a 50th Reunion welcome dinner and celebration that brought classmates together for an evening built around shared experiences, familiar music, and phenomenal food. The space was completely transformed for the occasion, featuring menu stations inspired by flavors from around the world, a dessert buffet, and a barista-staffed coffee bar serving affogatos and other late-night favorites.
Classmates took part in a spirited round of trivia, with teams competing for the coveted prize of a stuffed Buzzy. The night then shifted into celebration mode as a local band took the stage with hits from the 1970s. Classmates were singing along and dancing together well into the night, settling back into the energy and joy of their college days on The Hill.
All Classes Welcome Party
Generations of Denisonians made their way under the balloon arches and over to A-Quad for a celebration with food, music, and games. With food trucks and local catering favorites serving dinner, alums and their families spread out across picnic seating, lawn space, and the heart of campus to enjoy the night together.
A live band set the soundtrack for the evening as guests played lawn games, joined in friendly competitions, and simply spent time reconnecting. As the sun set over Slayter, many gathered outside to take in the view with old friends, while others wandered campus or stepped inside for arcade-style games in the cafeteria. The evening reflected the beautiful spirit of Reunion all across The Hill.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
To The Women Who Lift Us
Hosted by First Lady Anne Weinberg, To the Women Who Lift Us returned for its second year and once again proved to be one of Reunion’s most meaningful gatherings. Alums from across class years came together to raise a glass in honor of the women who shaped their Denison journeys, both on The Hill and long after graduation.
Throughout the morning, heartfelt toasts celebrated beloved professors, administrators, mentors, mothers, teammates, and friends whose influence continues to be felt years later. From members of the Class of 1976 to current students honoring their women’s rugby teammates, the stories shared were filled with gratitude, laughter, and love.
The warmth in the room was a powerful reminder of the connections that span generations of Denisonians and the lasting impact of the women who share, lift, and lead others along the way.
Alumni Convocation and the Parade of Classes
Denisonians sat together in Swasey Chapel for one of Reunion’s most cherished traditions. Classmates celebrated the accomplishments of Alumni Citation recipients, recognized Reunion class gifts, and heard remarks from President Weinberg reflecting on the state of the university and the path ahead for Denison.
A standout moment of the morning came as the Class of 1976 marked its 50th Reunion with an extraordinary class gift of $17.7 million, underscoring the lasting connection between classmates and their alma mater.
Following Convocation, alums exited Swasey Chapel by class year and made their way across campus in the Parade of Classes to East Quad, where they were greeted by a picnic lunch with live music, games, and more time for reconnecting.
50th Reunion Lounge & Memorabilia
An essential stop for the weekend was the 50th Reunion lounge inside the Slayter Pit, where many alums came to unwind, grab water and coffee, and spend time with friends in a space filled with 1970s memorabilia. The lounge was adorned with its very own lava lamp and pinball machines, along with records and a record player, concert posters, class yearbooks, and trivia from that decade.
Throughout the weekend, the space became a natural gathering point for classmates to slow down, reconnect, and take in the memories of their time on The Hill while sharing new ones together in the present moment.
Turns out that planning Reunion can be just as meaningful as attending Reunion. Read more about the four co-chairs of the Class of 1976 50th Reunion Committee arriving on campus witnessing their many hours of volunteer work come to life.
