Why Dickinson

Because when Benjamin Latrobe, architectural history superstar, requested a weather vane bearing a likeness to the Greek god Triton to cap his landmark Dickinson building, the local metalsmith, who had never heard of Triton, crafted a mermaid instead. At times in Dickinson's history, the 34" tall sculpture has been the object of pranks, including her abduction and transport to New York.

Because Dickinson students don't live on books alone, and there's much more to campus life than what's available on campus. It's hard to count yourself a Dickinsonian if you haven't enjoyed Sunday brunch at Fay's, the 1940s Carlisle diner. The pancakes have three claims to fame: They're huge, they're delicious and you choose your own toppings (including sprinkles).

Because sustainability is a part of Dickinson’s campus culture, and all members of our community are active participants. From the Green Devil to the certified-organic College Farm, the Handlebar bike shop to LEED-certified buildings, everywhere you look there’s evidence of our responsible environmental stewardship.

Because Dickinson believes that the student voice matters, so our students are voting members of all-college committees making decisions and being part of discussions that affect the entire campus.

Because with With myriad downtown restaurants and shops, the Carlisle Theatre and more, students find much to do in walking distance. With the Appalachian Trail and award-winning fly-fishing nearby, the great outdoors beckon. Our students are actively engaged in the Dickinson and Carlisle communities from day one.

Because no matter where you go, every Dickinson experience begins at the Cushies. The Cushies, centrally located in the HUB's main lobby, are the place to meet to get a meal in the caf, to connect before a show in Mathers Theatre, to walk downtown, to snag a bagged lunch from Grab 'N Go or to attend a cultural event in the Social Hall. I'll meet you at the Cushies!

Because passing through the double doors on the front of Old West more than two times would violate a longtime Dickinson tradition, which declares that students ascend the venerated steps during Convocation to formally sign in the college and descend the steps during Commencement to retrieve their diploma.

Because Dickinson students need ways to stay active, have fun and form lifelong connections, and clubs and intramural sports are the perfect way to do that. Whether you're into Ultimate Frisbee or swing dancing, volleyball or ice hockey, you don't have to be a varsity athlete to get your game on.

 

Because our students like to make their own spaces on campus, and these movable campus icons are perfect for doing just that. Whether it's a whole class outside on the academic quad or a couple of students setting up to study on Morgan Field, the chairs are everywhere and always on the move.

Because at Dickinson, we don't just talk the talk about being committed to the environment—we walk the walk. The Treehouse is a special-interest house whose residents—known as Treekids—pledge to live sustainably, from taking three-minute showers and hanging laundry to dry to utilizing solar power and composting their food waste.

Because Dickinson is committed to preparing students to solve problems creatively and address important social issues purposefully as they address security, defense, conflict and strategic issues across our nation and the globe. Enhanced by our proximity to and partnerships with the U.S. Army War College and the Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute, security is broadly infused throughout Dickinson's curriculum, including policy studies, political science, economics, international business & management and environmental science.

Because when it comes to intense athletic match-ups, we don't need some flashy trophy—winning is our satisfaction. The Conestoga Wagon represents our football feud with Franklin & Marshall—the longest, most active rivalry in the Centennial Conference. The Little Brown Bucket gets passed between us and Gettysburg.

Because when Dickinson establishes its programs overseas, it deliberately seeks out less tourist-trodden and more authentic locations—so that students immerse themselves in another culture rather than simply hang out with other Americans. This sometimes results in destinations that are hard to pronounce and lack really famous landmarks.