Reunion Weekend Highlights 2025 Distinguished Alumni Shana C. Waterman ’90 and Dirk Denison ’75

 

Dr. Jeff Suzik, Director of Schools kicked the program off, turning things over to Cranbrook Kingswood Alumni Association President Ekta Lobo Wilcox ’89 who introduced and presented Shana with her award, followed by President-Elect, Ian Perkins ’05 who introduced and presented Dirk with his award. Both Shana and Dirk shared their experiences of addressing the graduating Seniors of Cranbrook Kingswood Class of 2025 with their commencement speeches the day prior, as well as the excitement of being back for their milestone reunions; Shana’s 35^th reunion and Dirk’s 50^th reunion. The two addressed their fellow alumni, friends and family in a beautiful and intimate way, encapsulating the nostalgia of being back to a campus that was such a vital part of shaping them into the person that they are today.

 

Now a successful film and television producer, Shana has spent her career creating storytelling content that audiences love, working behind the scenes to bring series like Glee and House to screens around the world. Storytelling has been her passion since childhood. During her time at Cranbrook, she embraced the arts. She took dance classes, joined Madrigals, and acted in Upper School musicals and dramas. “Even at a very young age, I was empowered to be creative and share stories and language with other kids,” she said. “At Cranbrook Kingswood, I was taught how to be creative, to be a leader. Cranbrook Kingswood excelled at shaping education to the interests and talents of each child. I felt very much at home and I thrived in that environment.”

 

As for Dirk, he was part of the Cranbrook family even before he was born. His parents met and fell in love there, and scores of other family members walked its halls. Dirk himself is a Cranbrook “lifer.” Today, he is known for his award-winning firm, Dirk Denison Architects, based in Chicago. He also has built an extraordinary career as an educator, having served as a professor at IIT College of Architecture for more than 30 years. During his tenure as faculty member, director, and dean, he was responsible for launching the school’s master of architecture program. He also served as campus architect, overseeing legendary buildings designed by modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. For many years, Dirk has been deeply involved in giving new life to historically significant architecture, with a focus on restoring 20th-century modern masters. In his design practice, he has revitalized buildings by Mies van der Rohe, Minoru Yamasaki, Louis Sullivan, and now Eliel Saarinen, through his work toward the renovation of student housing at Cranbrook.

 
Alumni Assembly and Distinguished Alumni Award Presentation - Click here for video