‘Interesting, Diverse and Impactful’ Connections
Student Snapshot: Matthew Craig '25
As a dialogue facilitator with Dickinson’s Dialogues Across Differences (DXD) program, Matthew Craig '25 has gained tools to build and strengthen relationships among those with different viewpoints, and he’s sharing what he's learned with fellow students. He also practices what he preaches: Leading up to the 2024 presidential election, Craig and his roommate, Ryan Thies '25, were featured in local news outlets, celebrating their bipartisan friendship, as Craig is the president of the Dickinson College Republicans (and in 2024 he earned a seat on the PA Federation of College Republicans), and Thies is president of the Dickinson College Democrats.
Hometown:
Cape May, N.J.
Major:
Political science, with a minor in ethics.
Clubs and organizations:
Pennsylvania Federation of College Republicans (2024 chairperson), Dickinson College Republicans (president), Magic the Gathering Club (cofounder, president), Dickinson’s Dialogues Across Differences program (student dialogue facilitator).
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Pi Sigma Alpha honor society, Dean’s List, Benjamin Rush Scholarship and Eagle Scout.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience:
In my experience, the best aspect of Dickinson is the abundance of networking opportunities. I have met so many interesting, diverse and impactful people during my four years at Dickinson. Through political volunteering and Dickinson’s extensive alumni network, I’ve developed a rapport with many successful and insightful individuals. In addition to these professional connections, I’ve also had a chance to develop lifelong friends through various classes, clubs and outings. I’m thankful that my alma mater provided me with these cherished connections and friendships.
Best thing about my major:
As a political science major, I enjoy nearly all aspects of the subject of politics. At Dickinson, one thing that stands out to me is the open style of debates and conversations that I have in most of these classes. After the professors finish their lectures, they often open the floor to students in the class, asking for their opinions and/or for solutions to the subjects at hand. The diversity of thought is made evident in these verbal exchanges, as conservative and liberal talking points are brought to the forefront. At Dickinson all my professors and peers are tolerant of differing political leanings. In class, students have respectful exchanges of ideas and do not challenge conflicting viewpoints out of spite but out of curiosity. I admire the professional and often unbiased structure of political science courses at Dickinson.
On choosing Dickinson:
My grandfather, Arthur "Toby" Craig, attended Dickinson in 1959-60. During his short time at Dickinson, he was the varsity quarterback for the Red Devils football team. As I was looking into colleges, he often told me how much he loved his time in Carlisle and the beauty of the Dickinson campus. On the other hand, my father, David Craig, was the running back at Dickinson's athletics rival, Franklin & Marshall College, from 1983 to 1987. I chose Dickinson despite my father's joking dismay. I was impressed with Dickinson's admissions department. Their gifts of Dickinson-themed memorabilia and their heartwarming letters of interest made me feel wanted on Dickinson's campus.
Favorite book:
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers by J.R.R Tolkien.
Favorite place on campus:
East College.
Favorite class:
Ethical Theory with Amy McKiernan, director of the ethics program. We discussed the history and development of care ethics as an ethical framework. We read several scholarly works from various philosophers and ethicists. I wrote my final paper on the Carlisle Indian Industrial School and how the creation of this institution related to the concept of bad care.
I enjoyed the open dialogues, which made up the majority of the class time. This gave all students the ability to listen to and engage with peers. I also appreciated the freedom to write about topics that I found meaningful.
Favorite off-campus spot:
Gingerbread Man.
As a kid, I wanted to be …
… mayor of my small town.
Proudest accomplishment so far:
Winning my seat during the competitive statewide 2024 PA College Republican elections.
About my research:
For my senior seminar, I took Professor of Asian Law & Society Neil Diamant's course Comparative Political Corruption. In this class we examined cases of corruption within different countries. At the beginning of the year, we wrote an in-depth chronology of a corruption case within the country of our choice. I chose a 2013 scandal in Turkey, known as the 17–25 December Corruption and Bribery Operation.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I’d like to be involved in state or federal politics.
Advice for younger students:
Cherish every moment you have at Dickinson. I promise it will go by extremely fast.
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Published January 7, 2025