March-Madness? Merriment Mania.....Meaningful March Thanks Denison!

Denison Day of Giving Link   All of the below happened because of Denison....Day of Giving- Philanthropy Matters!

It feels good to pause on this last Sunday in March and share the happenings in life on Newark-Granville Road!  It has been a full month for me with work travel, but also special times at home.

Spring Break! Spring break was LA and NC- it is the Coast to Coast Semester.  

LA- amazing event hosted by Dean Hansel, uniting all generations of Denisonians, some driving over three hours for the gathering, some planning not to have drive three hours and arriving early to work close by before the start time.  I don't visit LA often in my work and it is exciting to see the Denison brand build because LA area Denisonians want it to happen. Denison parents are really special and proud, thank you for your work- Care and Dave Lused deserve a special shout out!  Bonus is always time with colleagues, getting time with Brittany a new colleague, Caitlin an internal partner doing coast to coast Admission work, Greg and Gary- teamwork makes the dream work. But again volunteers, Denisonians saying- I'll host, I'll serve, how can I help- make our work happen and the world go around!

LA - also took me to Chapman University to see Men's Tennis and Women's Lax- WIN! I alwasy enjoy a college campus visit and this was no different. Parents and grandparents, and uncles and aunts, cousins gather to cheer and I value these introductions and hellos. Chapman's turf field nestled between academic buildings with a garage under the turf- cool, very cool!

NC- DIII Nationals, Swim and Dive- oh my goodness! I attended in 2016 and loved Greensboro and the experience then and the same for now. Highlight- the fans- the teammates of the swimmers and divers, not on the championships team (although some had qualifying times) cheering for every footstep, splash, DU announcement. The parents are always impressive, but the alums, current students carry the day- wow!  The athletes- oh my- the times, the PBs, the real emotions- what an honor to see it happen. The coaches, the managers- what a treat to sit with the current students supporting the team in this way- and bonus- legacy family- "I know your parents"!  Again, colleague time- Nathan and Julie, thank you, thank you for making the trip. Granville or Greensboro- cheering the Big Red is the best with you.  Hearing about your visits to college campus while there- awesome! I too took in new places! Matt- welcome, welcome- Affinity work is important- you're a great new addition to the DU family.

Nan, Nan, Nan- I was there because you invited me, thank you. Thank you for the quick comment- Feb 14 NCAC and Swim Nationals -this year- join us. Then, the invites at the end of days to decompress, meet the colleagues making it all happen behind the scenes- amazing- Denison alum coaches-Denisonproud! Our own voice of DIII Diving- Lynn Schweizer- again a privilege include.

And yes, woo hoo- National Champions- the Men's Team won- read all about it here-https://denisonbigred.com/news/2025/3/23/mens-swimming-and-diving-the-big-red-take-home-its-sixth-national-championship-parini-denison-coaching-staff-earn-ncaa-diii-coaching-staff-of-the-year.aspx

 https://swimintel.com/spotlight/  Check out this blog about the program too! This tells the story and gives credit to Adam Weinberg's leadership and commitment not only to this program but Denison students.  And want another great listen- can't help but share this one that tells the story of the Women's team winning our first national championship- when Gregg Parini took the streak from his coach and Kenyon!  https://soundcloud.com/justnotsports/she-sweats-chlorine-denison-kenyon-the-greatest-upset-never-told

 My time in NC didn't end with the championship.  The reality is I never have enough time in these cities/states.  Denisonians are everywhere and I could  always add another day...so this trip I did. I went back to Charlotte, our Denison parent haven! My day included interactions with 9 Denison parents- current and past, alums and pure- all providing insights that fuel my work. Thank you FLC members, thank you! What a cool city too!

Home, time at home has been amazing too! Just this weekend with fish fry-always a highlight in March- and this one didn't disappoint. The dedication of the Elliott Wall for Baseball, as Adam said in his remarks, when Alums come home, it means the world to us. For me it was also seeing families that have a rich history unite- Denisonians beyond just alums- my lunch with current sister, grandmother and parents was just lovely.  And again seeing Nan, now Matt and other colleagues in action, catching up with Nathan, Julie, Adam while cheering the Big Red- heaven on earth! And yesterday the home runs were happening- the new wall is working!

So much more I could reflect on including one on one coffees and meetings, care from those that make it happen (Lucy took a break from her electric fence, thank you Granville Pet Sitting). Check out my social media posts as I have updated on some of those! Thank you to all those that come home, attend the events, cheer on the Big Red, respond to a text or drop an email and pick up the phone! My drive and travel time allows me to read and energize and I'm very grateful for all that it means.  Even if it is a bit mad and sometimes too merry, life on NG Road is special.

Times around the table, time to reflect, thank and honor and times to cheer on the Big Red!

 

 

 

 

 

I write from Chicago, preparring for CASE Conference, thank you Julie for asking me to co-present with you! I have not been here in years and it is lovely to return. CASE does important work and I value the figure eights I'll encounter and the time to share and learn about our own work and partnership. 

And today is the Denison Day of Giving- join us in making a gift- find your passion, the place that has an impact...philanthropy matters and makes a difference- thank you!

Denison Day of Giving Link

 

 

Leithausers Unite- Moms Weekend, Basketball Energy

Lucky me, I saw all three kids in their natural habitats this first quarter of 2025! I posted about Peter and Clare time, so now, it's Sally's turn!  My first Mom's weekend at DePauw.  Make that my first Mom's weekend! We have loved family weekends, tailgates, Monon Bell, lax and field hockey games...but this was the first- Ladies Weekend hosted by the Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta!

I felt like I was such a winner! As soon as Sally gave me the date I booked the room at the DePauw Inn. As soon as I saw the agenda and dinner was on our own, I made a reservation for a group at Bridges. These are things in the past I've missed when planning visits.

It really was a great weekend and we continue to know Sally is in the right place. She has great friends and it was fun to get to know them better. It was great to just hear about happenings and see Sal in action. And bonus- fun Moms (and one great Dad)! Here are highlights:

• impressed by the coordinator, who actually could not join us- she is on the basketball team and they were away for tourney! They won the whole thing and we were able to say hi and great job when she arrived home late Saturday night!
• basketball fun- Sally connected her lap top and we watched both NCAC tourney games in the comfortable room at the house- Friday and Saturday. And yes was watching the DU Men's game on my phone!
• Yoga- ahhh a really great class taught by a sister...in that same great room
• Fraternity parties- three- two specifically for us...these young men were a lot of fun- we danced, played games and enjoyed the time with our daughters and engaging. We had tours and I felt like I was back at Phi Delt or Sig or KZ in 1988 at Denison.  Saw Denison era friends' children- always a treat!
• Just fun hang out time- really enjoyed the Moms that Sally connected with me for a family lunch, pre party, late night walks back to the Inn.
• Painting activity- creative time, hanging out time....
• Great play lists at the house and at Phi Delt- so Mom oriented!!

Thank you Sally and all the made it possible and spent time with me. It was certainly a highlight this year in my life on Newark-Granville Road!

Basketball energy continued- so fun to have Depauw win and Denison win! Peter also texted that Central Won- he went to that game in Lincoln, Nebraska! On Monday the NCAA brackets revealed DU and Central in the same bracket- Wash U hosts this Friday in St Louis- too fun!! Peter will attend for work. We're busy here, fun full Granville/DU weekend, but excited the dancing continues!!

Thanks for reading and sharing the happy on Newark-Granville Road!

Journey & Adventures

 This is the word that keeps finding its way into conversation, presentations, lessons...

I start this entry on the Sunday of a really special weekend. Denison's Family Leadership Council Spring Semester Meeting, aligned with Denison's Bluegrass Festival, aligned with Anniversary/Birthday fun! Regular readers or social media post observers will recognize Joe's birthday is two days after our anniversary, so love is exponentially celebrated in February for us!

The chair of the FLC, Mike Trigg P'25, has done a fantastic job in his role. It has been an honor to share the journey! During his excellent interview with Nan Carney-DeBord '80 facilitating lessons and relfection at this time of Nan's retirement for students in regard to career advice...he reminded us it is the journey not the destination. I met this morning with the incoming co-chair, Margot Brinley P'27, and was was reminded we're on a journey together, and again it is an honor to be so!  

I bought this card AGES ago and finally remembered to give it to Joe for our anniversary. As I reflect on our 26 years, celebrating our 25th with quite an adventure (see the December post about SE Asia) Our marriage has been filled with many chapters- babies, various jobs (or not), empty nesting, various sports, you get the idea..I do think that has been the success. We both do view it as an adventure and not just a journey. I pause now to reflect on MW's definition on https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adventure: "an undertaking usually involving danger and unknow risks, the encountering of risks, an exciting or remarkable experience, an enterprise involving financial risk".  Journey is "something suggesting travel or passage from one place to another". MV.com

There are risks with marriage, jobs, change, life....so isn't any journey an adventure? Just something I'm thinking about with you in my life on Newark-Granville road!  Today was an adventure in making my first from scratch angel food cake and with the price of eggs it checks definition four with finances!

For the record I've also loved the adventure of work travel lately, I'll chronicle it here! I feel the year has a coast to coast theme!  I've already shared the DC/MD, San Fran Bay Area trip. February brought Florida coast to coast time! I'm grateful to the alum/parents that hosted us for golf in Florida, prompting me to check my clubs for the first time! It was an adventure and I loved it! Two amazing work events on the east coast, followed by a journey west to Naples for an event and some friend time! I'm so fortunate to be inspired and energized by these relationships that do require travel.

It was the same for the weekend, a full weekend that required and provided energy, becuase Denisonians are special and being in Granville, in this life on Newark-Granville road is an adventerous journey!

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January Family Time Around the Country

 Or maybe I call this, mixing work with pleasure!  Last week I was in Baltimore and DC for work and was able to see my mother and Clare twice! I also stayed with the Christophers, which was just wonderful!

Since the blog is about chronicling life on Newark-Granville Road which means also off Newark-Granville Road, I feel compelled to share or maybe it will be seen as a brag about my Mom.  In her mid eighties this woman is amazing and last week proved it.

1st- she went to visit my brother and support him with eye surgery- yay and thank you.  Matt is making progress and in good spirits!  Lucky me- we ended up flying in ten minutes apart from one another to BWI and were at gates next to one another...how fun to greet her as she disembarked.  We snapped a pic and walked to baggage claim together and she went off to find Mike picking her up- independent, active, happy..saying see you Thursday for dinner!

2nd- dinner Thursday...after bowling in Hagerstown she hosted Clare and me for a yummy dinner- crabcakes, corn pudding, ceaser salad- all from scratch..applet cake for dessert! And we were late due to traffic and my work, she was cool and calm, no worries...we'll eat like the Europeans late...

 

The 2nd visit with Clare was for lunch on Thursday.  I ended up having time to work in my hotel, and then realized Clare's work was around the corner- literally- we texed and made the call to meet for lunch!

AND on the way to Sarah's I dropped in for holiday delivery for Will Leithauser in Baltimore...so nice to see where he is...proud of him and his good work that was based on excellent work wtih Co-Op at Univ Cincinnati!

A colleague reminded me to share that this travel isn't always fund...our hotel had no water...Friday morning...it happens!

This week, I am headed west for Dension Everywhere. Excited for a full schedule of visits and engagement in the Bay Area!  I took vacation time to make a stop on the way in Iowa to see Peter! Peter is working for Central College in Pella.  I cannot remember the last time I was in this true Midwest state, but I'm enjoying it very much.  Peter showed me around the college, his building (athletics), introduced me to colleagues- I like having his lay of the land.  I then took time to just explore Pella!

A fun connection to Denison.  Every year a generous alum sends pastries...I've always enjoyed them.  Well they'r from Pella! So my first stop was this bakery...and then the 2nd bakery I heard about as well..I had to do my own taste test! I prefer the alum's gift and now knowing the source!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small liberal art schools are important in our life on Newark-Granville Road, this trip affirms this. We're grateful to Central for this opportunity for Peter. We're proud of Peter for his willingness to move west and the work he is doing. We also value the role athletics plays in the college experience and are pleased Peter is playing a role to help. It also reminds me how fortunate we are to have what we have at Denison. With the news of dear friend Nan Carney-DeBord's retirement worthy of a future blog post, we're reflective of the role of leadership and so grateful for Nan's partnership and friendship to put us in this place in our lives on Newark-Granville Road!

Back to my time in Pella....it is important to go explore, see new things, even in small towns like this! There are many lessons and inspiration on the personal and professional...and volunteer level.  I stayed at an old fashioned bed and breakfast- what a treat! I slept so well- the bed was a dream and embraced a yummy breakfast being served to me and catching up with my host! I picked her brain about economic development, history and a few other things.

Now I'm sitting in the simple and easy Des Moines airporst ready for my next work advenure with my Denison family!

Celebrating Shirley Hale

 https://www.mcpeekhoekstra.com/obituary/Shirlely-Hale

Shirley Hale- our Granville Grandma, the House Mom for Pi Phi during my Denison tenure, a dear friend.

Here are the stories about Shirley that we've told for years in life on Newark-Granville Road but have not written them down, today we rectify that!

1. Shirley saw me at church my freshman year (I went once) and she said- Susan Stoner would make a great adopted granddaugther for Beth! That was a wonderful introduction.  It was a relationship that was a foundation and launch to time with dear Shirley! We would have tea parties and dinners and Shirley was part of that amazing group of women: Margaret (Theta House), Woodie (Tri-Delt), Janie Drake, Colleen Pitt to name a few.

2. As I would return to Granville for Denison visits and ultimately with Joe to raise our family, it was this group that welcomed me home and continued to host me for gatherings.  The relationship deepened as Shirley was was the anchor.  When looking for churches she looked at me and said, do not bother visiting other churches this is your home. Thank you Shirley.

No doubt a beautiful tea party and table was set in Heaven on Wednesday and this group was there to welcome you.

3. Shirley was our Granville Grandmother and went to school grandparent days, joined us at concerts and games. She was independent and busy but made time to celebrate and honor all of us. She was Clare's first babysitter- came to Columbus. She hosted Joe and I for a beautiful 25th wedding anniversary dinner - delayed due to her stroke- but a very special dinner for us. Her cross stitch pieces works of art that will always be cherished.  She came to Derby Party when she was celebrating her 90th birthday!

4. Shirley was a force at FPC! When I was Family Time Director she was the hero- we had no budget and really wanted table cloths to set the tables. She found sheets and made them into table cloths- they were fantastic. This action is classic shirley- her commitment, talent, frugality all roled into an important legacy!

I'm struggling to find photos- probably because we really didn't have phones to snap out or even at all durn LOGOS and other church moments. It is okay because the memories run deep and we have stories to share from time together. Shirley loved us, she was my special friend. And the best gift of all we said this to one another two days before she passed, before she want to see God.  Shirley's faith was beautiful and important. Shirley's faith and relationship with God, church and life was a gift and inspiration.

On the 12th Day of Christmas We Launch the 2025 Blog (and HB Sally!)

 

On the 12th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...our third child! Sally joined us on my grandmother's (Gaga) birthday. It was the winter of the 12 day without power ice storm! No wonder we all loved the adventure of celebrating Christmas this year in 70 degree plus weather on Key West (see Christmas post). So today we say, happy birthday to our youngest who is not as young any more! We love you dear Sally and loved our time with you this holiday break! We're so proud of you as you embrace sophomore year at DePauw, celebrating your day as J Term launches! Field Hockey, Management Fellows, Theta, Psych Major, Camp Alleghany Leader, darling daugther, sister, cousin, grandchild and friend- Happy Happy Birthday!

You are a light, epiphany is about sharing the light and that is a goal of 2025- bring the light, be the light, keep it light in our Life on Newark-Granville Road!

 

And...happy snow day...snow day here, snow day at DePauw!  I'm writing this in a very quiet office. I found the Granville roads just fine and I like working at the office.  Good thoughts to those that have ice and not so great weather. Congrats to Alexa Minton for her National News Debut with CNN live coverage from Lexington, KY last night. What a treat to see it live.  Granville gal with a WHIZ launch, way back when!!

 

Thanks for reading and sharing Life on Newark-Granville Road in 2025 with me.