Donald Keough, Editor-In-Chief

Denisonians reveled and trudged through snow on Jan. 25., partaking in a variety of cold-centric activities as snow accumulated at a record breaking rate. 

In-person classes were cancelled on Jan. 26 due to inclement weather after a level three snow emergency was declared in Licking County. Denison’s last snow day was on February 3, 2022.

The snowfall on Jan. 25 was the highest recorded on that date according to the National Weather Service (NWS). 10.4 inches of snowfall fell, according to station data from Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) which was compiled by the NWS

Limited essential services remained open for students, with some departments in Hoaglin Wellness Center and dining services. Professors were also permitted to host online classes. 

Jake Preston, the Director of Physical Plant and Capital Projects said that “the decision was made by senior administration, informed by a wide range of information,” in an email response. 

“The ability for faculty and staff to travel safely to and from campus was a major consideration,” Preston said. “Limiting traffic on campus allowed snow-removal operations to be more effective.”

Under a blanket of snow, much of campus became difficult to navigate.

“The total snow accumulation, drifting, and freezing temperatures created challenging conditions,” Preston said. “Our grounds team has worked very hard. Some staff members make arrangements to stay near campus so they can access equipment and keep roadways open.”

He also said that outside contractors were utilized to assist with snow removal, and that staff from skilled trades, trash and recycling, building services and events worked together to make campus more accessible. 

“I think they’ve done a great job,” G Sai Sri Prabhat ‘26 said. “If I put myself in their shoes, I don’t think I would have been that efficient. I really respect them for [their work]. It’s a tough job to do.” 

Although the snow made travelling inconvenient, some students took advantage of the snow fall by enjoying activities such as snow ball fights . 

Preston emphasized that students should prioritize their safety when participating in these activities.

“Anyone spending time outdoors should wear appropriate clothing and to protect against the extreme cold and use good judgment,” Preston said.

Some students also enjoyed sledding down the hill facing the Intramural Fields. Sledding hasn’t always been permitted on campus at all locations, but students have exercised caution by sledding in safe areas of campus.  

Prabhat enjoyed sledding for the first time on Jan. 1. Originally from Delhi, India, he said that he hasn’t experienced much snow in his life. He said he was excited to get the opportunity to sled safely. 

“I’ve seen videos, and I always, always wanted to do it,” Prahbat said. 

He also said that despite the weather, the thrill from sledding made the cold bearable.  

“Climbing back up was the hardest part, because there was so much snow,” Prahbat said. “Then once we came back up, all of us would run into Preston [House] and turn the tap on with hot water, then run our hands below, and then go back out again.” 

One of his friend’s professors went as far as giving extra credit for those who participated in snow-themed activities, but he had gone out just for the experience. 

“It was really nice,” Prahbat said. “It was a bucket list item, I needed to sled once. Even the fact that we had to climb back up and put our hands under hot water, it’s all part of the experience, right? It was really fun.”