Alumni Affinity Groups

A student for four years, a Denisonian forever

For nearly 200 years, Denisonians have stayed connected to each other and the college through the enduring bonds of shared interests and experiences. Just as the lessons learned at Denison shape lives beyond The Hill, so too do the passions, friendships, and communities formed here. These shared affinities sustain lifelong engagement with Denison and each other.

Alumni affinity groups are communities of Denisonians who maintain connections based on shared interests, organizational involvement, athletic team participation, or other meaningful Denison experiences. Led by alumni volunteers in partnership with the Alumni and Family Engagement Office, these groups promote lifelong relationships, foster a sense of belonging, and build networks that open doors for Denisonians everywhere.

Affinity groups and opportunities are open to every Denisonian. Whether you are reconnecting based on a past experience or exploring a new shared interest, there is a place for you to engage with the Denison community.



Frequently asked questions


Alumni affinity groups are open to all Denisonians, regardless of background or identity, and they connect alumni who share a common interest, whether through athletic participation, academic involvement, or any other meaningful Denison experience. These groups stay engaged through in-person or virtual events, milestone celebrations, reunions, and programming that fosters connections based on shared interests or experiences, including opportunities to engage with current students. 

Affinity opportunities are one-time events or special gatherings that bring together Denisonians who share a common interest, experience, or campus connection — such as a milestone reunion, program anniversary, or celebration of a specific group or activity. Unlike ongoing affinity groups, these opportunities are occasional and may not have a regular meeting structure, but they offer a meaningful way to reconnect, celebrate shared experiences, and engage with the Denison community.

Affinity group events and opportunities are open to all alumni and take place throughout the year. These events offer chances to connect, celebrate shared experiences, and engage with the broader Denison community. Many affinity groups choose to reunite over Big Red Weekend, your Homecoming on The Hill, or gather during Denison Everywhere. Is your affinity group planning an event? Check out our list of upcoming events or submit your inquiry via our affinity group interest form

Several Denison affinity groups have established volunteer leaders and event programming — but there’s always room to grow. If you don’t see your group or area of interest listed, or if you have an idea for an affinity event, we’d love to hear from you. Fill out the affinity interest form to start the conversation.

Alumni affinity groups and opportunities are available for every Denison alum, regardless of background, identity, or prior involvement. Whether you share a specific experience or interest, or are discovering new ways to connect with Denison, we encourage you to participate.

Looking to connect based on where you live or your professional path? Be sure to visit our regional network and professional network pages as well.



Current alumni affinity groups at Denison


Group Contact

Black Alumni Association

Alexis Franklin ’14

Burpees Seedy Alumni

Elliott Mitchell ’84

Denison Hilltoppers Alumni

Danny Web ’14

Denison Pride

Jeremy Torres ’18

Denison Singers Alumni

Rick Kauffman ’86

Ice Hockey Club Alumni

Bill Eaton ’84
Marshall Durston ’81

Ladies’ Night Out

Hillary Dorwart ’04

Varsity D Association

Dana Grandmaison-Gilligan ’02


Athletic Affinity Groups


Group Contact

Baseball

Evan Flax ’17
Eric Zmuda ’17

Men’s Basketball

Chris Potts ’98 

Women’s Basketball

Kristen Sheffield ’07 

Men’s Cross Country/Track & Field

Grant Russo ’09
Tyler Pensyl ’03

Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving

Brian Allen ’17

Women’s Fencing

Nina de Leparouse ’23

Field Hockey

Read Powel-Lanctot ’08
Karla Dixon ’14

Football

Dan Risko ’10
Jack Nimesheim ’24

Men’s Golf

Christian Early ’20

Women’s Golf

Lauren Sabo-Crawford ’11

Men’s Lacrosse

Kurt Federer ’05

Women’s Lacrosse

Ali Offenburger-Florea ’99

Men’s Soccer

Stu Windell ’22

Women’s Soccer

Maggie Armstrong ’19

Softball

Ali Teopas Spungen ’08

Men’s Squash

Mark Taylor ’22

Men’s Swimming & Diving

Aaron Cole ’02

Women’s Swimming & Diving

Mollie Parrish-Zook ’02

Men’s Tennis

Jordan Buehler ’09

Women’s Tennis

Meghan Damico ’09

Volleyball

Katie Quinter ’06


Have Questions?

Matt Rhyand

Senior Associate Director of Affinity Engagement

rhyandm@denison.edu

740-587-9044

Kylee Johnston

Associate Director, Affinity Engagement

johnstonk@denison.edu

740-587-6529