Open houses, alumni college classes, receptions, a concert, a 5K run, a luncheon, a gala, athletic contests and more crowd the schedule of events for Denison's 89th annual Homecoming Weekend which began on Thursday (Oct. 20) and continues today (Oct. 21), Saturday (Oct. 22) and Sunday (Oct. 23). Many of these events are open to the local community in addition to the hundreds of alumni who will return to Granville and the campus to renew ties with friends and former faculty. The classes of 1995 and 2000 will return for their 10th and 5th year reunions, respectively, with an additional "rookie reunion" for members of the class of 2005.

The 13th Annual Career Fair in Slayter Student Union kicked off events on Wednesday with a large group of alumni representatives from companies across the U.S., as well as many other organization representatives, discussing internships and employment opportunities with current students.

At noon time today, there will be an unveiling of art work commissioned by the Burton D. Morgan Foundation for the Morgan Center on campus. The artist, Paul Hamilton, anative, also will open an exhibit of his works titled "Closer to Home" at the Bryn Du Mansion Gallery with a special preview reception on Saturday. The exhibit, sponsored by the Hammond Harkins Galleries, the Park National Bank and the Granville Bicentennial Commission, will be open for two weeks, closing on Saturday, Nov. 5. The Denison Gallery will continue its showing of "Around the World and Back Again: Denison and Granville" and "Textiles of the Burma Hills" from its permanent collections and from the collections of Barbara and David Fraser. The Denison Gallery is open daily from 1 to 4 p.m. Current students also will have an exhibit during the weekend. The Cleveland Hall Open House will feature "Peregrinations," an exhibit hung throughout the building by students in the art department.

Also scheduled for Friday afternoon are a women's field hockey game vs. Centre College at 4 p.m., a Black Alumni Association family meeting in Smith Hall at 6 p.m., the Varsity D Association Hall of Fame inductions and reception at the Mitchell Center at 6 p.m., the GLBAA cookout and conversations gathering at the home of Professor Julie Mulroy, and the "RedZone" bonfire at Ebaugh Pond at 8 p.m. Official Welcome Parties for the classes of 1995, 2000 and 2005 at set from 8 to 11 p.m. in the Burton D. Morgan Center.

At 8 p.m. on Friday evening, Idrissa Diatta will be featured in a concert of African dance and drumming. Open to the public at no charge, reservations are requested because of limited seating in the Doane Dance Center.

On Saturday (Oct. 16), energetic runners and walkers will start the day with the "Big Red Buzzard" 5K Fun Run/Walk at 8 a.m. departing from the circle drive on the eastern side of the Burton D. Morgan Center. Open to everyone, prizes will be awarded.

Other Saturday morning activities include: -an admissions open house at Beth Eden, 8:30 to noon - Alumni College presentation by Michael Mickelson on the Moonrise event at Newark's Octagon Mound, 8:45 a.m. in Olin Hall planetarium - Kidz Stuff (pumpkin painting, climbing wall, monster-truck bouncer, games, face painting and more), 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lamson Lodge and the Monomoy Tent.

The "Denny-DU" Homecoming Parade will delight onlookers starting at 11 a.m. The parade will line up on North Main Street and proceed east on Broadway to N. Pearl, north to College and west on College to Presidents Drive then over the college hill to the Mitchell Center. - The traditional Homecomers' Lunch in the Mitchell Center starts at 11:30 a.m. and is open to the public. Costs are $12 per adult and $6 per child.

Piper Stadium will host the returning alumni and guests for the day's football game against Earlham College at 1 p.m. - Hall of Fame ceremonies will take place at half time. - A women's soccer game again Allegheny College kicks off at 1 p.m. on Barclay-Thomsen Field - men's soccer at 3 p.m. vs. Oberlin College on Barclay-Thomsen Field - NCAC Diving Relay Meet at 1 p.m. in Gregory Pool.

The Homecoming Gala in Slayter Union closes Saturday's festivities from 9 p.m. till midnight. Music and dancing will fill the student union from the Roost on the 3rd floor to the Snack Bar. Refreshments will be served in multiple locations.

An ecumenical worship service closes the Homecoming weekend events. The Ecclesia service with the Rev. Mark R. Orten, University chaplain, presiding, is at 12:30 p.m. in Swasey Chapel on Sunday (Oct. 23).

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