GRANVILLE - Denison University's 2002-03 academic year opens today (Sept. 2) as fall semester classes begin for at 8:30 a.m. By now, however, the University's first-year students are well-acclimated to campus life at this 2,100-student college of liberal arts and sciences, having experienced an enlightening and very busy August Orientation program over the past four days.

On Thursday (Aug. 29), parents and first-year students tackled stairs, lofts and lots of boxes as Denison University's Class of 2006 moved into residence halls. With the help of residence hall assistants, the Office of Alumni Affairs' "lemonade brigade," and an enthusiastic orientation staff, the physical tasks were completed and families gathered in the Mitchell Center for Denison's traditional Opening Convocation later in the afternoon. Faculty in full academic regalia witnessed the installation of some 630 new students in the class of 2006.

Thursday's convocation began with an academic processional, after which University Chaplain Amy Ard '96 delivered the invocation. That was followed by opening remarks from Dean of Student Sam Thios. Faculty Chair Anita Waters welcomed the new students on behalf of the Granville community, then Director of Alumni Affairs Sandy Ellinger '65 addressed the group representing the University's Society of Alumni. Next, Denison Campus Governance Association President Elisabeth Imhoff '03, gave a student welcome and a call to service, followed by Provost David Anderson's official installation of the Class of 2006. The convocation concluded with University President Dale Knobel delivering his charge to the class and Anusha Jogi '05 leading the new students in the singing of "To Denison," the University's Alma Mater. The text of President Knobel's remarks is available online by linking here.

Representing the student body, Elisabeth Imhoff '03, president of the Denison Campus Governance Association, delivers a student welcome and call to service to the Class of 2006 during the Opening Convocation on Thursday.

Building on the momentum and strength of recent entering classes, the Class of 2006 is one of the most diverse and academically talented in recent memory. Highlights of this impressive class include:

Denison's August Orientation program concentrates primarily on issues of adjustment and the development of skills, both of which are critical to success in college. The main goals of the orientation sessions are: to assist students in the development of skills needed to perform well in an academic environment; to make students aware of the full range of opportunities and resources available at Denison; and to introduce students to the values and expectations of Denison as a campus community. Mini courses in information technology, study skills and time management, wellness, and leadership development are among the classes offered during orientation.

Also of note on this year's program was an encore presentation by Andrea Fuller Cooper of "Kristen's Story" on Friday (Aug. 30) in Swasey Chapel. Cooper's daughter, Kristen, was the victim of date rape and suffered from depression following the incident, eventually leading to her suicide.

The new Denison students also experienced a "fire drill" in a realistic setting on the second floor of Curtis East Hall Thursday evening. Led by Granville Volunteer Fire Department members, students experienced "The Great Escape" as they were each walked through residence hall evacuation procedures in a hallway filled with "smoke." Denison's Campus Safety and Security officers also were on hand to demonstrate use of fire extinguishers on the Curtis lawn. A video, "Get Out and Stay Alive," was also shown in the Curtis West lounge. The fire department had a ladder truck and an emergency squad vehicle standing by near Curtis Hall. Participants praised the program for its ability to simulate a real fire situation and to drive home its safety message.

Sunday evening (Sept. 1), Orientation activities continued with an All-Campus Convocation in Swasey Chapel featuring renowned author and ethnobotanist Mark Plotkin's presentation titled "Journeys in the Rainforest: Shamanism, New Pharmaceuticals and the Rise of Drug-Resistant Bacteria." An online news release with more information about Plotkin and his talk is available online by clicking here. An ice cream social welcoming the Class of 2006, sponsored by the the local Denison Alumni Association, followed Sunday's convocation on the Swasey Chapel Lawn.

Events of interest which took place during the August Orientation Program included:

Thursday, Aug. 29

Friday, Aug. 30

Saturday, Aug. 31

Sunday, Sept. 1

Monday, Sept. 2

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575