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DENISE JEFFERSON '65
Your teacher Martha Graham once said, "Dance is the hidden language of the soul." Denise Jefferson, you speak that language with fluency and eloquence.Classically trained in ballet, it was at Wheaton where you first encountered modern dance and the Martha Graham technique, the expressive style you have adopted as your forte.
Legendary dancer-choreographer Alvin Ailey chose you to carry on his legacy as director of the Ailey School 16 years ago. As director, you have grown the school's enrollment to astounding numbers and have developed innovative programs such as a joint Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with Fordham University.
Your dedication to dance education is also evident in the energy and high expectations you bring to the classroom. Your students say you encourage them while demanding accountability. Your love of learning has never ceased, and in addition to your teaching here and abroad, you have returned to Wheaton's classrooms and shared your gifts with alumnae/i and students, teaching master classes in dance and participating in intellectual discourse on civil rights.
Educator, dancer, leader and student, you are a credit to the Wheaton family. Denise Jefferson, it is our great pleasure to honor your dedication and achievement today.
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