For many Denisonians, college is where passions take shape — in classrooms, on teams, and through friendships that become something more. For Charles Murray Jr. ’11, that passion was fencing. What began as a dedication to his sport soon led to a deeper connection with a teammate who would become the love of his life.
Charles started fencing in high school, so during his first semester on The Hill, he joined the Denison Fencing Club. A few weeks later, Jessie Mazur ’11 showed up, convinced by her roommate Rachel Mattingly ’11 to see what fencing was all about. Little did she know, she’d discover two loves — fencing and her forever partner.
“We met at the Denison Fencing Club on Sept. 19, 2007. I walked up to her, shook her hand, and introduced myself,” said Charles. “We became friends and hung out with a group, then started dating in February of 2008.”
Between late-night and early-morning practices, long walks through campus, and countless hours studying in the library, Jessie and Charles’ love for one another deepened, rooted in their shared Denison connection.
“I guess it just felt right, and felt right very quickly,” Charles said. “There was a comfort and an ease with her that I’d never had with anyone else, and I think we both knew very quickly that we were in it for the long haul. Jessie has always been strong and independent, and I think that’s both what attracted me to her as well as what attracted her to fencing.”
Thirteen days after graduation, Jessie and Charles tied the knot. Now, 14 years later, they’ve made time to reconnect with the place, the people, and the sport that shaped their lives.
“We came back for Big Red Weekend because we were invited to participate in the alumni fencing tournament; neither of us had fenced for some time since leaving Denison, until Coach Hector started the Granville Fencing Academy down the hill in April,” said Charles. “It’s been really nice to reconnect with that part of our Denison experience, and connect with the current students, faculty, and coaches.”
For many Denison alums, coming back to campus for Big Red Weekend offers more than nostalgia. It’s an opportunity to revisit the university — and the version of themselves who first called The Hill home.
Charles said their story wouldn’t have been possible without Denison or fencing. “We met each other there, which I think completely changed how either of our lives would have gone.”
Thanks to the Denison Fencing Club, Jessie and Charles not only crossed swords — but hearts.
