Set against a backdrop of frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall throughout much of the United States, this year’s 21st annual Denison Everywhere spanned a record 105 locations across 13 countries and five continents. Alums, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends of Denison bundled up, braved icy streets, and gathered in a powerful reminder that the Denison experience extends far beyond campus.
“When people are willing to venture out in the middle of a deep freeze just to be together, it says everything about this community,” said Gary Fleisner ’13, associate director of regional engagement at Denison. “Denison Everywhere shows that connection matters — no matter the weather.”
From intimate dinners to lively city meetups, each event — generally held from 6-8 p.m. local time on Jan. 28 — offered space to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate the community that continues to shape lives long after graduation.
In Toledo, Ohio, Emily Kapela ʼ13 hosted for the second year in a row. “We came together for delicious food, making new connections, seeing friendly faces, and reminiscing about our time on The Hill,” she said.
For Kapela, Denison Everywhere is more than a networking event. “This tradition warms my heart as alumni old and young, and friends of the university, take the time to celebrate what is special about ‘the home we love so well.’”
That affection for alma mater is echoed across generations and geographies.
In Charleston, S.C., attendees hailing from the Class of 1961 through the Class of 2025 gathered alongside parents of current students. Four-time organizer Claire Monahan ʼ09 has made several cherished friends through hosting Denison Everywhere events.
Monahan encourages alums to lean into this opportunity to connect. “Show up,” she said. “Only you can find your people. Community happens when you put in the work to be together.”
Internationally, Denison Everywhere demonstrates the global reach of the Big Red network.
What began as strangers introducing themselves around a table in Vancouver, Canada, quickly felt like a reunion. “It truly was like catching up with longtime friends, even though it was our first time meeting,” said Raghav Daswani ʼ15. “Denison really is a family, and I feel privileged to be part of it and to do my part in growing, supporting, and nurturing this community — globally!”
Attendees in Mexico City swapped Denison stories at an event organized by Rebecca Keiser ʼ10. “It was great to connect with parents of current students and hear about life on The Hill,” she said.
While each gathering reflected its own local flavor — from favorite neighborhood restaurants to familiar community spaces — they were united by a common purpose: sustaining meaningful relationships. Behind each gathering were dedicated volunteers who helped bring the event to life, reflecting the character and culture of each location.
Now in its third decade, Denison Everywhere remains a cornerstone of the university’s alumni engagement efforts, fueled by dedicated volunteers and a shared identity that solidifies connections.
“Where Denisonians gather — whether it’s 10 people or 50 — something powerful happens,” Fleisner said. “These evenings remind us that community doesn’t just exist; it’s built.”
As conversations wrapped up on Jan. 28, one thing was clear: snow, cold, and winter storms aside, the Denison spirit endures.
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