In the News
The Power of Relationships
President Susan Hasseler, VP for Institutional Advancement Paul McClelland, Director of Cultural Engagement & Inclusion Valerie Yonker Smith '00, and Trustee Nik Deogun ’91 had the privilege of experiencing the power of relationships on a recent trip to Dubai, UAE and Delhi and Dehradun, India.
For over 40 years, the University has had a robust connection with The Doon School in Dehradun, India. Muskingum’s relationship with the Doon School started in 1978 with Vijit Ramchandani, son of the Doon School Headmaster at that time, who found Muskingum in a large directory of US Colleges – the only source of information in those days. That started a tradition of over 50 Doon graduates coming to Muskingum. Doscos, as Doon alumni are known, note the powerful partnership was built upon profound connections with faculty and staff and generous scholarship offerings.
Muskingum professors Joe Elkins (religion and philosophy), Herb Thomson (economics and accounting), and Bill Fisk (history) played an important role in educating and mentoring the first generation of Doscos when they arrived on campus. With the establishment of an International Programs Office, the students now receive support from Valerie Smith as well as developing strong relationships with faculty and staff across many disciplines.
As students, Doscos have enriched Muskingum’s campus culture and education by their active participation in academics, communications, the arts, and campus life. As alumni, they are leading exceptional lives, with careers that span the globe - demonstrating the powerful impact of the Long Magenta Line.
As part of the delegation, Muskingum Trustee, Nik Deogun, shared the rich history and heritage of the Muskingum-Doon relationship with current Doon students. It was Nik’s first time returning to The Doon School since his graduation in 1987. The visit included a special trip to the archives which uncovered a letter Nik had written to his Headmaster asking for a recommendation to attend Muskingum. You can view a video of a current Doon student interviewing Nik at https://youtu.be/Udv1YxJfGJo.
“We saw the power of relationships in the warm hospitality that was extended to us by all Doscos, both Muskingum alumni and others who saw the great value of this partnership,” said President Sue Hasseler. “They opened their homes to us, arranged our travel, and created opportunities for us to visit other high schools and universities.”
While both schools have evolved over the decades, one key ingredient remains: relationships. Relationships endure and are foundational for growing global partnerships and welcoming new Doscos and the next generation of international students to Muskingum’s campus.
