Cultures and Community - Denison University

C U L T U R E S & C O M M U N I T Y

“So much of what students
learn in college, they learn
from one another—in the
classroom, in residence halls,
and in co-curricular
activities. Everyone learns
most by interacting with
others who have backgrounds
and experiences different
from their own. Diversity
at Denison is at the heart
of education at Denison.”
— Dale T. Knobel
President,
Denison University
hat’s your perspective?
We want to know. Where did you come from? What do you like?
What’s the one thing you wish you could tell the whole world? At Denison, we
celebrate your perspective on life. It’s something you have that no one else does.
Denison is not just a multicultural university—we are an intercultural university.
We actively invest our time and resources into bringing different people groups
together. Our faculty and students work to create a community that values each
member for his or her uniqueness while building on common strengths.
Your Denison experience will take you places: to a faraway land or to lunch with
a student from Australia, to an anti-racism meeting or to The Roost for a
smoothie with your Nicaraguan roommate. Wherever you go, you’ll discover new
ways of looking at things, and you’ll teach others what it’s like to see the world
through your eyes.
Denison students, faculty and staff gather on the academic quad to continue a
discussion on promoting respect and the appreciation of diversity.
At Denison,

we know that true perspective often means learning that yours is not the only one.

Denison has a proud history of cultural diversity. We graduated our first
2
A History of Culture in Community
African-American student in 1886—William Ambler Meredith—at a time when
many still believed in denying education to people of color. Our tradition includes
students from all nations as well, with the founding of the Cosmopolitan
Club in 1921, a group “open to all citizens of the world.”
In 1990, Denison took another dramatic step toward improving
the campus community for all students with the introduction of
the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Through workshops, open
forums, residence hall activities and other programming, the
Office of Multi-Cultural Student Affairs strives to make
Denison a better place to be who you are.

“As our society
becomes more
globally connected,
fostering cross-cultural
interactions among
students is increasingly important.
The core of a liberal arts education is to
experience the dynamics of diversity both
in and out of the classroom. At Denison,
every student has a voice and it is our
intention to lift each one. It is within this
context that we promote a safe space for
the exchange of teaching and learning
through forthright discussions. The
Office of Multi-Cultural Student
Affairs works closely with academic
and administrative offices across the
university to ensure quality student
support services. Through campus-wide
educational and cultural initiatives, we
constantly strive to create and sustain
an enriching living and learning
environment that acknowledges and
respects everyone.”
— Erik S. Farley ’03
Assistant Dean of Students
and Director of Multi-Cultural
Student Affairs
In 2011, Denison’s first-year class had a 28%
multicultural population that included:
7% African-American students
4% Asian-American students
7% Hispanic/Latino students (highest ever)
3% additional students describing themselves as other than white
7% international students
“None of this indicates we are satisfied with where we are in achieving a diverse
student body, but it does indicate good movement in the right direction.”
2011-2012 student body statistics:
7% African-American students
3% Asian-American students
6% Hispanic/Latino students

The Global Classroom
Academics That Take on the World
Explore black culture,
history and the many
expressions of black
experience in Denison’s
Black Studies Program,
an interdisciplinary
major that combines
coursework in
humanities, social
sciences, natural
sciences and fine arts
to investigate the past,
present and future of
the worldwide African
community. Our
innovative classes
include:
• Racialized Perspectives
of Media
• The Harlem Renaissance
• Cross-Cultural Study of Art
• History of Gospel Music
• Culture, Identity and
Politics in Caribbean
Society
• Representing Africa on
Film
• African American Women’s
Literature
• Rebellion, Resistance
and Black Religion
• Social Movements
• Postcolonial Literature
and Criticism
4
Many of Denison’s academic programs are built
on the foundation of our commitment to cultural
diversity. We offer a variety of majors, minors and
concentrations that focus on unique people and groups. Each
student is required to take at least one course in Interdisciplinary
and world issues in his or her General Education coursework.
Whatever major you choose, Denison’s ethnically diverse faculty and staff
bring a world of perspectives to your college experience. From classics to
computer science, you’ll discover how different cultures have contributed
to the academic discipline you love.
Denison also offers majors and concentrations in East Asian Studies,
International Studies and Women’s Studies.
“Denison’s Black Studies
Program offers
students a real edge
nationally. In
1978, we were the
first college in the
country to require
our students to
successfully complete a Minority Studies,
Women’s Studies and diversity course.
Cooperation between Women’s Studies,
Black Studies and Latin American Studies
made this possible. More than 50 faculty
members contribute to the teaching of courses
on race, gender and ethnicity annually.
Our collaboration across disciplines both
within and beyond the classroom makes
exciting programming available to the
campus at large and gives students an
exceptional foundation for living and
working in a global society.”
— Dr. Toni King
Associate Provost and
Associate Professor of Black
Studies and Women’s Studies

Thinking Ahead to Your Future
Selecting a college carries natural implications for the
direction of your future. Denison prepares you well—
for living and making a living.
You can find Denison alumni in just about any career
field imaginable around the globe. We intend to pass
along the skills you need for your chosen path and we
offer professional placement services to help you on your
way. The Career Exploration and Development Office
welcomes all students for counsel and practical assistance.
“In 1975 when Denison and I met, I loved
music, dancing and poetry, yet I felt that
getting a B.A. in something like Economics
made more sense. Today, I am a banker,
based in Dubai and responsible for a
global business. But with my liberal arts
fabric, I still love music, dancing and poetry.
Thank you, Denison!”
— Alberto J. Verme ’79
Citigroup Global Marketing
CEO of Europe, Middle East and Africa
“My education at Denison taught me
how to think. I was an economics and
history double major, but I took classes
in many disciplines, ranging from drama
to chemistry. My multifaceted education has
allowed me to approach real world problems from
different angles and has ultimately helped me stand out in my
career.”
— Andy K. Nguyen '06
M.B.A. student
University of Michigan
Where can you go with a degree from Denison?
Consider these Multicultural alumni careers…
Career Employer Location
Financial Consultant Wall Street Financial Group Rochester, N.Y.
Program Coordinator Prevention Council of Central Ohio Columbus, Ohio
Vice President Merrill Lynch New York, N.Y.
Record Producer/Music Director iBryton Music Group Cleveland/Akron, Ohio
Press Assistant U.S. Embassy Santiago, Chile
President Reid Dugger Consulting Group Cerritos, Calif.
Spanish Teacher Hilliard Davidson H.S. Hilliard, Ohio
Pastor Calvary Baptist Church Morristown, N.J.
Physical Therapist Chesterfield Physical Therapy Midlothian, Va.
TV Sports Anchor KENS-TV Chicago, Ill.
Surgeon Cleveland Clinic Cleveland, Ohio
Judge Tennessee Court of Appeals Nashville, Tenn.
Speech/Language Pathologist Chatterbox Communications Oklahoma City, Okla.
Customer Service Agent British Airways London, England
Dentist Garrison Dental Care, L.L.C. Groveport, Ohio
Photographer/Owner Chuck Brown Photography Pittsburgh, Pa.
Curator National Afro-American Museum Wilberforce, Ohio
Chaplain Harlem Hospital New York, N.Y.
Account Executive ABC Los Angeles, Calif.
Program Specialist Dept. of Homeland Security Washington, D.C.
Attorney IBM Corporation Bethesda, Md.
Independent Filmmaker Fresh Productions Brooklyn, N.Y.
Research Scientist Eli Lilly Indianapolis, Ind.
Geologist Fingers Nigeria Ltd. Nigeria (Africa)
Associate Producer Discovery Communications, Inc. Silver Springs, Md.
Owner Top Language School Borgosesia, Italy
Academic Advisor Kent State University Kent, Ohio
Assistant Attorney General State of Ohio Columbus, Ohio
5

6
Social Action
Extracurricular Life at Denison
Agood education broadens your perspectives both in and
out of the classroom. Throughout the year, we offer
numerous lectures and concerts that introduce our community
to new art forms, cultures and ways of life. Our convocations
and special events attract big names in multicultural
communities, and extensive extracurricular programming
offers all students the chance to express themselves, explore
their roots or expand their horizons.
Convocations treat the Denison community to lectures and performances
from internationally known guests, including Spike Lee, Nikki Giovanni,
Maya Angelou, Edward Albee, Jocelyn Elders, Yo-Yo Ma,
Bobby McFerrin, Capoeira Angola artist Cabello Rolim and Dr. Mae Jemison.

The Power of Community
Students wearing handmade Burmese
costumes prep for their entrance in a World
Dance performance in the Doane Dance
building.
A sampling of campus events and programs:
• Black History Month Celebration
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Learning & Celebration
• Chinese (Lunar) New Year Celebration
• Semana Latina: a week celebrating Hispanic culture
• Denison Showcase: a student celebration with dress, exhibits,
music and food
• Cultural Fashion Shows
• Sustained Dialogue
• Diwali Festival of Lights
• Eid al-Fitr, Muslim feast celebration
• Gospel Choir concerts
• International Festival
• Paving the Way, Each One-Reach One! Pre-Orientation
• Black Love Week
• Vail Series
• Culture Jam
• Coming Out Week
• Posse Plus Retreat
Support Services
Besides the Office of
Multi-Cultural Student
Affairs, Denison offers
the following student
services to help make
your transition to
college life as easy as
possible:
• The Academic Support and
Enrichment Center offers
programs and services to help
students improve their
overall academic performance
and achieve excellence.
• The Counseling Center
assists students in adapting
to university life, with
programs and services
that include information
on racism and stress
management.
• The Residence Hall Staff
offers peer support and
conflict resolution for
students in the residence
hall community.
• The Office of Religious and
Spiritual Life provides
support for each student’s
spiritual, moral and ethical
growth through services,
study groups and service
projects.
7

8 Passion with Purpose
Denison’s Shared Interest Groups
A contemporary African dance piece called
“Kente” showcased 17 student dancers, 4
musicians and explosive, high energy
choreography during a spring concert.
Do you want to get to
know exciting people?
Share your ideas? Be
challenged to go beyond
yourself? No one
understands more than
the people who know
where you’re coming from.
Denison encourages you
to join with multicultural,
international students or other
special interest groups in one
of our influential shared interest
student organizations. You’ll be
surprised what you can accomplish
just by working together.

Members of the multicultural sororities and fraternities wore their Greek T-shirts to the annual Campus Involvement Fair.
Denison’s Shared Interest Groups include:
American Heritage Club
Asian Student Association (ASA)
Asian American Student Union (AASU)
Asian Culture Club (ACC)
Black Student Union (BSU)
Deaf Culture Awareness Club (DCAC)
Denison International
Student Asociation (DISA)
Global China Connection
Hillel
La Fuerza Latina
Multi-Cultural Epistemology
Muslim Student Association (MSA)
Outlook
Students of Caribbean Ancestry (SoCA)
Sustained Dialogue
Denison groups include
various religious, social and
political organizations, as
well as seven multicultural
sororities and fraternities:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, Inc.
The Denison Community
Association (DCA) also engages
students in volunteer
experiences with:
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Girl Scouts
Habitat for Humanity
Homelessness/Hunger Committee
Hospice
HOPE for Autism
Humane Society
Legal Aid
Mental Health Connection
Nursing Home Companions
English Speakers of Other
Languages (ESOL)
Red Cross Blood Drive
Student Global AIDS Campaign
"“Denison’s beautiful brick
buildings really appealed to me
and I wanted to go to a small
school. I’m playing rugby,
have pledged Tri Delt and
found many new friends. I’ll be
a mentor to three incoming
students as part of the Paving
the Way orientation. It should
be a good year.”
— Saki Crabb ’14
Oakland, Calif.
Undeclared major
9

International Students
Whether we’re celebrating the music of Senegal, the cuisine of Thailand
or a national holiday of Greece, Denison welcomes the global perspective
that international students bring to our community. We’ll make sure you feel
Home Away
from Home
To enhance their
comfortable in our homeland by taking an active interest in yours.
cross-cultural
experience and to
provide further
support for their
educational efforts,
international
The vantage point and world outlook
of international students add greater
dimension and depth to the intellectual
climate of classroom discussion and
“As an international student from China, I
have received warm support and
encouragement from Denison's excellent
faculty and friendly students from the
students may choose
to have a host family
in the Granville area.
For more information,
contact the
International
Student Services
Office.
casual dialog among friends.
International students are required to
demonstrate proficiency in the English
language by submitting scores for the
Test of English as a Foreign Language
or by taking the Scholastic Aptitude
Test (SAT) of the College Entrance
Examination Board. Contact the Office
very beginning. I greatly appreciate
the small, close community here which
enables me to experience American
culture and take advantage of lots of
different intellectual, artistic, and cultural opportunities.
My college experience has definitely been a life-changing
one. At Denison, I have grown to be a better critical
thinker, engaged learner and active social worker.”
10
of Admissions for more information.
— Shuangqi (Joy) Wang ’12
Shenzhen, China
Communication and Sociology/
Anthropology double major
Each year, seven

You came to us—
we’ll come to you!
Denison offers all
students the
opportunity to study
abroad, with a choice
of more than 80
countries! Return
to your homeland
to see it with new
classmates and new
eyes, or travel some
place you’ve never
been and get even
more perspective on
the world.
international study
options have
included:
Argentina
Austria
Brazil
Chile
China
Costa Rica
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
India
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Kenya
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Scotland
South Africa
Spain
Tanzania
percent of Denison’s students come from countries other than the United States.
11

12
A
Financial Aid and Scholarships
t Denison, we are committed to helping multicultural
students finance their education.
Last year alone, Denison administered more than $66 million
in student financial aid; of that amount, more than 68 percent
was awarded from institutional funds. To apply for need-based
financial aid, you must be a U.S. citizen, complete the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1,
and have the information sent to Denison.*
In 2010-2011, 95% of first-year students
received Denison-Funded awards. Of these:
4% were all-need
awards
51% were all-merit
awards
40% were need and
merit awards
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
percentage of students
*International students should complete the College Board’s International Student Financial Aid Application
and Certification of Finances.

Denison also awards more than 2,100 merit-based scholarships to first-year students each
year. To be considered for these, simply submit your completed admissions application
(including all transcripts, recommendations, and test scores) by January 15. In addition to
these scholarship opportunities, students are eligible for the following awards:
Scholarships awarded to :
Scholarship/grants Amount per Year
Dr. Desmond Hamlet Scholarship $40,000
Dr. Betty Lovelace Scholarship $40,000
Bob and Nancy Good Scholarship $20,000
Tyree/ Parajon Scholarship $20,000
Upward Bound Scholarship $20,000
HLA/Fisher Scholarship $16,000
I Know I Can Scholarship $2,000
International Student Grant Varies
Financial Assistance at Denison is expanding to serve you more.
For more information about financial assistance, please request our financial aid brochure or contact
Denison’s Office of Financial Aid.
In 1992-93 In 2010-2011
Amount DU funded for scholarships and grants $8 million $45 million
Percent of first-year students who received some aid from denison funds 50 95
Percent of student body who received some aid from denison funds 42 94
Average award for first-year students from denison funds $4,858 $20,709
“During my years as an undergraduate, I was encouraged to explore interest areas
outside of my comfort zone—the sciences. My Denison experience certainly enhanced
my knowledge base for medical school, but it also enabled me to emerge more confident,
responsible, well-rounded and with a sense of purpose and belonging—invaluable
qualities that have helped me to shape my life and career as a physician.”
— Gina Love-Walker, M.D. ’86
Internal medicine, concierge physician
President, Your Private MD, LLC
13

Students
of color
for 2011-2012
represent
these states
and territories:
A rizona
California
Connecticut
Colorado
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Virgin Islands
West Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
14
Where We’re Coming From
Denison draws multicultural
students and international
students from locations across
the United States and around
the world.
In 2011-2012, 28% of first-year students
were non-white. Of these, seven percent
were international students. The total
multicultural student population at
Denison also represents 26% of the
student body and of these, seven percent
are international students.
Alaska Hawaii

Puerto Rico
International Students
Top Five Countries Represented
by the Class of 2015
China
India
Ecuador
The Netherlands
Ghana
U.S. Virgin Islands
“People do make a difference and the ones with real character shine here. I have found a
group of people who are my friends – both teachers and students – they
make Denison special. And this year, I’ll be an R.A. in Smith Hall.”
— Latasha Hoard ’14
Chicago, Ill.
Communication major
“Being at Denison has been an eye-opening experience
– the activities, music, games, people from everywhere
opened a whole new world for me. As a Posse
Scholar, and member of Phi Iota Alpha, I have learned
to be more spontaneous. It’s a great place to learn!”
— Ramon DelaRosa ’12
Hyde Park, Mass.
Psychology and Educational Studies double major
15

Denison knows that bringing cultures into community is a
challenging task. But it’s happening here every day. Each success
we have and each student we serve convinces us that the journey toward
16
community is worthwhile, the promises it offers are unique and the
rewards we receive are immeasurable.
Denison University Fast Facts
• Denison is a four-year, private co-educational
liberal arts college, founded in 1831.
• Denison students represent 50 U.S. states and
territories, the District of Columbia and 34
countries. Thirty percent come from Ohio,
64 percent come from other states and six
percent represent foreign countries.
• Denison has 212 faculty members, 100 percent
of whom hold doctorates or the highest
degree in their fields.
• Denison is located in Granville, Ohio,
a quaint New England-like village with
shopping, restaurants and services
conveniently located adjacent to the campus.
• Denison’s $650 million endowment places
it among the top colleges and universities
in the United States.
• Denison offers day-long and overnight visits.
The Admissions Office is open 8:30 am to
4:30 pm Monday through Friday throughout
the year. To arrange your visit, call us tollfree
at 1-800-DENISON or visit
us on the Web at www.denison.edu
You can choose a college or university that meets your needs, or you can choose one

Denison has 48 majors,
concentrations, and
programs of study, and
awards the Bachelor of
Arts, the Bachelor of
Science and the Bachelor
of Fine Arts degrees.
Majors and courses of
study:
Arabic
Art History
Art, Studio
Astronomy
(as a concentration)
Athletic Training
Biochemistry
Biology
Black Studies
Chemistry
Chinese
Cinema
Classics
Communication
Computer Science
Dance
East Asian Studies
Economics
Education
English Literature
English Writing
Environmental Studies
First-Year Program
French
Geosciences
Geophysics
(as a concentration)
German
Greek
History
Interdepartmental
International Studies
(as a double major)
Japanese
Latin American
and Caribbean Studies
(as a concentration)
Latin
Lugar Program
(as a concentration)
Mathematics
Music
Neuroscience
(as a concentration)
Off-Campus Study
Organizational Studies
(certificate program)
Philosophy
Philosophy, Politics
and Economics
Physics
Political Science
Portuguese
Psychology
Queer Studies
(as a concentration)
Religion
Sociology/Anthropology
Spanish
Theatre
Women’s Studies
Pre-professional programs
leading to graduate
studies in:
Business
Dentistry
Engineering
Environmental Management
and Forestry
Law
Medical Technology
Medicine
Nursing
Occupational Therapy
Veterinary Science
that hears your voice. Choose Denison, and choose both.
Columbus, Ohio’s largest city and state capital, is about 35 minutes from campus by car and offers broader access
to professional sports, cultural activities, worship and shopping for clothing. Denison students can sign up in the Student
Activities Office for the Big Red Shuttle service that runs to and from Columbus on Saturdays.
”As an artist, educator and human being, it is fundamental to be
connected to the world, to learn and understand various perspectives.
Denison is the place where different points of view, experiences and
lives converge, and are being embraced to foster an intercultural
environment.”
— Micaela de Vivero
Associate Professor of Art
17

DENISON
U N I V E R S I T Y
Admissions Office
P.O. Box 740
Granville, Ohio 43023-0740
Admissions Toll-Free Phone:
1-800-DENISON
1-740-587-6276
Email: admissions@denison.edu
www.denison.edu
Denison University admits students of any race, color, religion, age, personal handicap, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status and national or ethnic origin. 20K/11