Amanda Fields, Special to The Denisonian—
In the age of LinkedIn, networking opportunities in person are becoming less and less common. The ReMix Entrepreneurship Summit overcame this by fostering meaningful connections between former and current Denisonians. The three-day event held Sept. 20-22 offered activities that emphasized the importance of professional development regardless of experience level. Coming this April, Denisonians can participate in ReMix + Women, a two-day event to connect women and non-binary students with alumni in a supportive, empowering environment.
This September’s ReMix included talks by Atomic Habits author James Clear ‘08 and renowned business culture author Jason Barger ’98. There were opportunities for students to receive 1-on-1 mentoring with alumni, and student entrepreneurs participated in a pitch competition. Besides an hour-long orientation with Red Frame Lab’s staff, ReMix did not require any preparation. There were no requirements or expectations beyond business-casual dress.
ReMix’s easygoing attitude toward networking has led to job opportunities and innovative collaborations. The event catered to alumni, but students were invited to attend and network. Alum David Howitt ’90, founder and CEO of the acclaimed Meriwether Group business development firm, said he has recruited students from ReMix.
In 2022, students Colin Ravin and Chase King connected with electric transportation consultant Chris Wolfington ‘90 to take on a new sustainability initiative. The project motivated Denison to sign a contract with Enterprise car rental company, allowing students to use Denison’s new electric vehicles on campus. Student leader Faith Boirard wrote an article on the project’s success for the Newark Advocate.
ReMix also connects students with like-minded mentors who keep in touch with mentees long after the three-day event. Sophomore Natalie Isberg attended ReMix for networking opportunities and gained mentors who exceeded her expectations. Isberg connected with alum Al DiLorenzo ’19, who invited her to a Newark Think Tank on Poverty event, giving her an inside look into the nonprofit world. She also connected with health education and sustainability consultant Leslie McCarthy ’84, who has kept in touch with her throughout the year. Isberg credits these strong connections to the environment ReMix creates.
“Alums are in this environment where they are encouraged to speak with students, so they are going to be in this relaxed mindset where they have taken time off to form connections,” she said. “That can be really exciting.”
Since 2018, ReMix has brought accomplished alumni back to campus, including Travelocity and Kayak founder Terry Jones ’70 and former SNL cast member Alex Moffat ’04. This past summer marked the first off-campus ReMix in Chicago. Rick Coplin, associate director of Red Frame Lab, emphasized the need for Denison to “have a presence in a city where we have a significant alumni population and provide a place for people to come together.”
The next on-campus ReMix event will be ReMix + Women in April, hosted by Red Frame Lab and Denison’s Women in Business group. Students can register for free through Eventbrite.