Denisonians from across the university’s far-reaching network came together on April 22, 2026, for Day of Giving, an annual demonstration of the power of collective generosity. By the end of the day, more than 1,640 donors had contributed over $617,000 in support of students, bolstering the experiences, opportunities, and relationships that define a Denison education.
Though Day of Giving takes place each spring, this year carried added significance. It was the first to occur during What We Can Be, Denison’s ambitious campaign to expand access and affordability, innovate across teaching and learning, strengthen career preparation, enrich life on The Hill, and deepen lifelong alumni connections.“Day of Giving is about what we can accomplish together,” said Billie Handa, associate vice president for institutional advancement and campaign director. “Every gift — of every size — helps strengthen Denison today and for the future.”
From scholarships, career resources, and research opportunities to athletics, the arts, and student programming, Day of Giving gifts count toward the campaign while benefiting the Annual Fund, which provides flexible support to every corner of campus. That broad impact is part of what makes Day of Giving such a meaningful tradition.
“I donate because Denison gave me lifelong friendships, knowledge, and skills that have allowed me to make a difference in the world where I can and find fulfillment personally and professionally,” said Elizabeth Yassenoff ʼ08, a member of Denison’s alumni advisory board. “I want that for current and future students.”
The Annual Fund plays a vital role in sustaining the student experience, serving as a flexible funding source that allows the university to stay nimble and respond to opportunities as they arise. Support pays for transformative off-campus study experiences, career-shaping internships, faculty mentorship, student wellness initiatives, and countless moments of discovery that deeply impact students’ lives.
For Annual Fund Young Alumni Co-Chairs Harrison DeChant ’20 and Nicholas DeChant ’20, those experiences remain fresh.
“Denison made that level of exploration possible for everybody,” Harrison DeChant said. “The Annual Fund gives students options — whether that’s an interview opportunity, a study abroad experience, or discovering a new passion. Those moments can change the course of someone’s life.”
The DeChants, who remain deeply involved as volunteers and regional event hosts, said giving back is a way to sustain the kind of community that shaped their own Denison experience.
“Alumni support helps maintain that special learning environment,” Nicholas DeChant said. “It allows students from all backgrounds to come together, explore their interests, and build the kinds of relationships that make Denison unique.”
That spirit of connection and participation was visible throughout the day as alums, families, faculty, staff, and fans rallied around the causes they care about most. Some gifts served to motivate additional gifts: Denison Board of Trustees Chair Marc Lautenbach ’83, for example, offered to give $50,000 as soon as Day of Giving totals exceeded $500,000.
“We are so grateful to our dedicated alumni leaders, like Marc, for showing up and setting the pace in support of our students,” said Marie Thornhill, director of the Annual Fund. “It truly makes such a difference in what Denison can offer and reinforces the shared understanding that every aspect of campus life contributes to students’ growth.”
Athletics emerged as one of the day’s strongest sources of momentum. Teams across campus energized supporters with matches, challenges, and social media outreach. It was a reflection of the excitement surrounding Big Red athletics following a remarkable year of national success — including NCAA championships for women’s basketball and men’s swimming and diving on the same night in March.
This year also featured new efforts to engage younger alums in philanthropy, including a playful personality quiz designed to help recent graduates navigate giving opportunities. Through a series of questions, alums uncovered their Denison giving style by connecting their interests and experiences to areas of impact across campus.
The result was a day defined not only by philanthropy, but by participation — a reflection of the lifelong connections that continue to unite Denisonians long after graduation. As gifts poured in, one message remained clear: when the Denison community comes together, its impact reaches far beyond a single moment.
“Anytime I get to be on The Hill and interact with alums and especially current students, I find my hope in the future is restored in such an amazing way,” said Yassenoff. “As the years go by, our alma mater stays true to its roots as a place that builds relationships, understanding, knowledge, emotional intelligence, passion, and resilience. This is why I give.”
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