Presidents of Dickinson's College Republicans and College Democrats Share a Room—and a Friendship
Friends and roommates Ryan Thies ’25 (left) and Matthew Craig ’25 don't let politics get in the way of their friendship.
video by Stephen Munchel
Meet the Unlikely Roommates
At a time when political polarization dominates headlines, Matthew Craig ’25 (political science) and Ryan Thies ’25 (history, medieval & early modern studies) offer a refreshing example of what respectful dialogue and genuine friendship can look like across ideological lines. Craig, president of the College Republicans, and Thies, president of the College Democrats, aren’t just student leaders—they’re also roommates.
“Certainly, we do have our political disagreements,” says Thies, “but we always come back to our friendship and show humility and understanding. It’s not going to spill over into our personal lives.”
The two met on Halloween during their first year at Dickinson—one dressed as Donald Trump, the other as Walter White—and struck up a friendship that’s grown stronger through shared values like openness and compassion.
“We can have a political fight about an issue, but it can’t get personal,” Craig says. “We elaborate on our positions with a level of respect.”
Both students credit Dickinson’s community and values for fostering the kind of environment where relationships like theirs can thrive.
“Having a college administration and a college community that is respectful and kind—I think it’s really important for our society,” Thies says.
Craig agrees: “If we do that as a campus, if we do that as Dickinson College, we’re going to really make a change in the world.”
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published May 19, 2025