Marquee Event:
What We Can Be
An Evening of Celebration
Friday, October 24, 2025
6 p.m.
Mitchell Recreation and Athletics Center
Denison University
Please note, recommended attire for all events is business casual unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, Oct. 22
Cocktail Reception and Denison Prism Concert
Sharon Martin Theater, Michael D. Eisner Center for Performing Arts
6-8 p.m.
This concert brings the Denison Music Department ensembles together to share the stage for one night, featuring the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Choirs, Jazz and American Roots Ensembles performances. Concert begins at 7 p.m. Reserved seating will be available for guests.
Thursday, Oct. 23
Breakfast
Knobel Hall, Burton D. Morgan Center
9-9:30 a.m.
Student Leader Panel
Room 115, Burton D. Morgan Center
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Join us for a dynamic panel featuring current student leaders as they share personal reflections of their Denison experience, highlighting how the university has shaped their growth, values, and aspirations. Their stories will offer an authentic glimpse into campus life today.
Faculty-Led Session
Room 115, Burton D. Morgan Center
10:45-11:45 a.m.
Lunch
noon to 1 p.m.
Enjoy lunch while learning about Denison’s Alumni & Family Engagement Strategic Plan. An ambitious vision to deepen connections, foster lifelong relationships, and strengthen our Denison community. This conversation will also highlight how donor support is fueling this work, advancing a key pillar of the campaign.
Faculty-Led Session
Knobel Hall, Burton D. Morgan Center
1-2 p.m.
Tour of the Doane Hall Renovation Project
Doane Hall
2:30-4 p.m.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the future home of Denison’s center for data science during a special tour of the in-progress Doane Hall renovation. The project’s lead architect will share insights into the vision, design, and the impact of donor-named spaces that bring this interdisciplinary hub to life.
Recommended attire is business casual and closed-toe shoes are required.
1831 Society Induction Reception and Dinner
Lower Lobby and Woodhull Ballroom, Cherry Valley Hotel
5:30-8 p.m.
In honor of Denison’s founding year, the 1831 Society recognizes alumni, parents, and friends whose lifetime giving of $1 million or more has made an extraordinary impact on the college.
Recommended attire is business formal.
Friday, Oct. 24
Breakfast
President’s Dining Room, Huffman Dining Hall
8-8:30 a.m.
State of the College by President Adam Weinberg
Herrick Hall
8:45-9:45 a.m.
President Adam Weinberg will deliver a special address to the Board of Trustees and invited guests, offering a forward-looking State of the College update. His remarks will highlight Denison’s strategic priorities and the transformative impact of the campaign’s key pillars on the university’s future.
Faculty-Led Session: Building Strategic Thinkers and Leaders
President’s Dining Room, Huffman Dining Hall
10-11 a.m.
Grand strategy is the study and application of how nations pursue their goals and objectives using the traditional instruments of power: diplomatic, informational, military, economic, and beyond. From the ancient world to modern times, nations have wrestled with decisions of great consequence in both peace and war. By immersing students in the writing of preeminent grand strategic thinkers and experiential learning, the Denison Grand Strategy Program will help students fulfill their future obligations as scholars, citizens, and leaders.
Leadership Development Through Athletics and Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies (HESS)
President’s Dining Room, Huffman Dining Hall
11:15 a.m. to noon
This session highlights how Denison Athletics and Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies (HESS) cultivate leadership both on and off the field. Denison coaches and student-athletes will share perspectives on teamwork, resilience, and the transferable skills that shape strong leaders. Participants will gain insight into the unique ways athletics supports personal and professional growth.
Lunch and Student Networking
President’s Dining Room, Huffman Dining Hall
noon to 1 p.m.
Following the panel, guests are invited to continue the conversation over lunch with Denison coaches and student-athletes. This is a unique opportunity to engage more personally with those who bring the university’s athletics program to life.
Campus Tour
Burton D. Morgan Center
1:30-3 p.m.
Guests will enjoy a guided campus tour via the Granville Concierge Service, highlighting spaces that have been transformed through generous donor support. At each stop, student ambassadors will share how these vibrant spaces are used daily and the meaningful role they play in the student experience.
What We Can Be — An Evening of Celebration
Mitchell Athletic and Recreation Center
6-9 p.m.
The campaign kick-off culminates in a spectacular gala featuring a seated dinner and program. The evening will showcase the talented Denison community and bring to life What We Can Be in an inspiring and memorable way.
Recommended attire is business formal. Evening gowns, cocktail dresses, tuxedos, and dark suits are all appropriate for this celebratory occasion.