Remembering Denison Campus Traditions

If there’s one thing we’re certain about in 2020, it’s that everything is uncertain. Just ask any corporate advertisement ever (watch this video for a laugh).

New announcements about fall at Denison are coming out every day, and it seems like many of our favorite campus activities are being postponed, moved online, or even cancelled altogether. Many universities are cancelling athletics too, meaning we’re likely to miss our favorite tailgates and homecoming in Granville.

Current Denison Big Reds may miss out on many of the things we loved about our Denison experience. But in the midst of these unfortunate cancellations, we suggest looking back on better days. In remembering our traditions, we reassure ourselves that someday they will return, for us and future generations of Denison Big Reds to enjoy.

We’d like to remind you of 3 traditions that made coming back to campus feel like coming home.

  • Every year, a big secret is kept from Denison students. D-Day headliners are kept a secret until D-Day. This tradition has been a part of Denison for 65 years and some recent D-Day concerts included Third Eye Blind, The Ataris, Matt and Kim, Ben Folds, Rufus Wainwright, The Roots, Reel Big Fish, and Mos Def. This can’t miss event always makes for a fun night, great memories and a much needed break from exams.
  • Another annual event that always brings the campus and community together is Denison’s Relay For Life. Raising money for the American Cancer Society, this student-organized event is a Denison institution. During the relay, students, faculty and community members on various teams spend 18 hours walking, jogging or running to raise donations.
  • The Snaggle! The ingredients are pretty simple; toasted bagel with cream cheese topped with a ton of brown sugar. This Bandersnatch treat is a famous favorite among Dension students and alums.