Classes for the Granville Literary and Theological Institution began on December 13, 1831. That college, now known as Denison University, will celebrate the 175th year of its founding at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday (Dec. 13) on the third floor of Slayter Hall. The "Mighty Denison Art Players" will portray a number of the early leaders central to the establishment of the institution. Historical photographs will be projected to illustrate the early days of Denison, from the site on the farm on Columbus Road to the move to College Hill.

Community members are invited to join University faculty, staff and students for the reenactment. Bring your lunch and enjoy birthday cake and coffee/tea, which will be provided for dessert.

The reenactment, which will last about 35 minutes, will feature Professor Tony Lisska narrating the story as Francis Shepardson. Text for the reenactment comes largely from Shepardson's "History of Denison" written in 1931 and from letters written by the historical figures portrayed. Members of the Mighty Denison Art Players are: Professor Emeritus Jon Farris as John Pratt; Laura Bracken '83, staff assistant to the vice president of student affairs, as Ellen Hayes; Professor Tom Schultz as Samson Talbot (an 1851 Denison graduate); Jon Bridge '82, senior development office, as John Pratt; Louis Middleman as Charles Sawyer; Greg Sharkey '84, director of planned giving, as Jeremiah Hall. Tom Martin '68 as Jonathan Going; and Assistant Professor Sue Davis as Jerusha Gear.

This is the first event planned by the 175th Anniversary Committee to celebrate the founding of Denison University.

Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville -- Historical reenactment to celebrate the founding of the University 175 years ago on Dec. 13, 1831; 12:30 p.m., Wednesday (Dec. 13), third floor of Slayter Hall (200 North Road). Free and open to the public. Call 740-587-6266 to confirm information.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575