GRANVILLE, Ohio — It occurred to me I spent four years here, and I had only about a dozen pictures of the campus.
So I set out to correct the only mistake I made in college — to take pictures of my alma mater, Denison University.
Well, that wasn’t my only intention — it was homecoming. So, I used last weekend’s event as an excuse to get away and take a few pictures of the changing leaves between Atlanta and central Ohio.
And I’m glad I did. It was for more than just the pictures, too.
I’m not one of those sentimental types to get all worked up about a reunion. I see most of my close friends every few months, if not more often. But, I have to admit it was nice to be back on campus and relive my college life, if only for just one night.
Denison University is one of the prettiest college campuses you’ll find anywhere, if not the prettiest I have to admit, though; I’m not an impartial judge.
Perhaps the greatest difference I noticed this past weekend was change. That sounds like an obvious difference — there’s all new students and new faculty. But no, I mean the campus looked different — new buildings, roads and green spaces that weren’t there two years ago. It was easy for alumni to get lost.
It was incredible yet hard to believe at the same time. Denison University, which U.S. News & World Report ranked as one of America’s top national liberal arts colleges, has invested millions in new buildings.
But this visit was more than a chance to marvel at multimillion-dollar buildings. It was a chance to spend time with some of my fraternity brothers, catch up with some folks who I lost touch with and rekindle some old friendships.
And, after hours, there was the great college tradition of Late Night Dining. In the working world, it’s hard to imagine heading to an all-night establishment at 3 am. for some greasy food. But in college, it was the norm And luckily, I had a chance to relive that great tradition once again this past weekend.
My only regret this weekend: I missed Walt Disney Co. Chairman and Chief Executive Michael Eisner, the school’s most famous alumnus. Everyone I spoke with asked, “Did you see Michael Eisner? I heard he was here.”
Maybe next time. (Mr. Eisner, if you read this, please give me a call, perhaps we could meet up for next year’s homecoming.)
And by the way, the Denison University football team beat Earlham College 28-17 for its first two-game win streak since 1999.
Go Big Red!
