By Kaede Takaishi '26

When Savannah Dennison ’27 transferred to the University of Mount Union in the fall of 2025, she wasn’t just changing schools, she was starting a new chapter in her life. A track and cross-country athlete majoring in marketing and management, Savannah was looking for a place that felt a little closer to home, both literally and emotionally.

“Before I transferred, I hoped my new college experience would include better relationships with my teammates, professors, and coaches,” she shared.

Savannah had actually been recruited by Mount Union back in high school. At the time, she chose to attend a different university, but Mount Union always stuck in her mind. When she started thinking about transferring, she remembered how much she loved the campus, the people, and the team.

“I liked everything about Mount Union from the first time, so I wanted to give it another chance, and I realize this would be a great fit for me,” she said.

Setting into a New Beginning

Transferring can be both exciting and intimidating. For Savannah, adjusting to new class sizes and different academic expectations took some time.

“It was difficult to feel like I fit in at first,” she recalled.

Fortunately, she found a strong support system that helped her navigate those early days. One resource stood out: the transfer seminar class, which helps new transfer students learn about campus life and make connections.

“The transfer seminar class was good because it helped me adjust to a new school and learn everything I needed to know,” she said.

Through that class, and through her involvement with the track and cross-country teams, Savannah began to build friendships, confidence, and a real sense of belonging.
 

A Defining Moment on the Course

One moment in particular stands out for Savannah: the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Championship meet for cross country. It wasn’t just another race; it was the culmination of a year of personal growth and change.

“I won the meet individually,” she said. And it was a huge relief because I had completely changed my life in the last year. It felt like it all paid off. I got emotional after because I just felt like I was finally at the right place and where I need to be.”

The victory wasn’t just about crossing the finish line first; it was about finding herself again. Everything she’d worked for, her courage to transfer, her dedication to her sport, and her faith that things would fall into place had all come full circle.

More Than a Team, A Family

Savannah says what makes Mount Union special isn’t just the academics or the athletics, it’s the people. From professors to teammates, everyone genuinely looks out for one another.

“I would tell prospective transfer student-athletes that it’s a family-like culture,” she said. “Everyone is very supportive.”

That sense of community turned Mount Union from just a university into something much more meaningful, a place where Savannah could truly belong.

Words of Wisdom for Future Transfers

Now that she’s settled into life at Mount Union, Savannah has some heartfelt advice for other students who might be feeling nervous about starting over somewhere new.

“Even though it is hard at first,” she said, “once you find the right place for you, everything will all come together.”

For Savannah Dennison, that “right place” was Mount Union. And after a year of new experiences, new connections, and personal victories, she’s confident she made the best decision possible.

To learn more about Mount Union's transfer student, check out the transfer student web page.