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2011-12 Dimensions


What sets Dickinsonians apart from others? It’s the habits of mind and action that are learned here and in life beyond the limestone walls. Your actions are cumulative—they add up to define who you are. We hope this list of dimensions—derived from the writings of college founder Dr. Benjamin Rush and from the reflections of Dickinson graduates— will take on meaning during your education at Dickinson … and beyond.

Jason Gong

Dickinson challenged Jason Gong ’06 to step out of his comfort zone; today, he encourages business leaders to do the same. 
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Marissa Faith Folk

For Marissa Faith Folk ’08, change is a way of life. 
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Michelle Kramer Sherven

Michelle Kramer Sherven ’96 builds her business from the ground up. 
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Ronald Tomalis

From helping implement No Child Left Behind to tackling budget challenges, Ron Tomalis ’84 is at the forefront of education policy.
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Wendi Springer

For Wendi Springer ’02, a first-year language class led her to a new country and vocation. 
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Develop global sensibility

• Associate confidently in unfamiliar environments

• Pursue intellectual interests in the context of global affairs

• Seek to understand others and to be understood by building bridges of communication with people you meet

• Demonstrate commitment to inclusiveness, pluralism and democracy

Engage the world

• Seize learning opportunities through travel, internships and volunteerism

• Move beyond that which is comfortable to embrace intellectual risk and gain self-knowledge

• Practice leadership in useful service to society—locally, nationally and globally

• Work to build a just, compassionate and economically viable society

Seek connections

• Use the energy created by these connections to generate meaningful action

• Exert intellectual flexibility and innovation

• Discover new knowledge to shape the future

Practice civility

• Find your distinct “voice” and speak out on issues of importance

• Search out facts to support opinion

• Approach challenges and adverse situations with determination and confidence

• Employ active empathy to establish substantive communication

Strive for accountability

• Contribute through high accomplishment driven by integrity and tempered by modesty

• Think independently but objectively, and act responsibly

• Work to develop lifelong habits of mind and action that are critical characteristics of personal success

• Remain mindful of the ecological, financial and social consequences of actions in support of global sustainability