Denison Pride once again hosted returning alums and allies at its Reunion Weekend gathering on Saturday, June 2, 2018.

Roughly two dozen alumni, faculty, current students, recent grads, allies, and friends of the groups gathered for socializing and discussion of campus issues in the Faculty Common Room of the Burton D. Morgan Center. The event was hosted by Patrick Hewitt ’10.

Among the many faculty and staff present, President Adam Weinberg, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Julie Houpt ’75, and Associate Provost for Diversity and Intercultural Education Alison Williams joined the group for an update on campus climate. Also in attendance was Mary Frazell ’79, director of Alumni and Family Engagement, whose efforts to coordinate the event should be commended.

Alums, current students, allies, faculty, and staff at the Denison Pride Reunion gathering

This year, DenisonPride’s members, current students, faculty, and staff were asked to think back to their first LGBTQ+ event on campus and where it was located. The discussion was enlightening—from quiet, initial meetings in the basement of Doane Library to the more than 100 students who currently pack space on campus for the year’s first Outlook meeting. The difficulties, priorities, and experiences of being an LGBTQ student or ally were uniquely on display.

After this discussion, Outlook’s Hannah Getto provided an update on Outlook’s current initiatives. Special importance was given to the issue of a permanent space for the group on campus. Outlook has worked diligently to identify potential meeting spaces that could provide a permanent home for the group as it has outgrown existing spaces.

A Big Red thanks to all students, faculty, alums, and friends who attended the event–every year the stories that are shared provide new insights into past and current life for Denisonians. These shared experiences have shaped the struggles for inclusion and acceptance on campus and in the world. Thanks to all who attended and participated!