“The Big Mo”
by President John E. Jones III '77, P'11
A simple definition of momentum is the strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events. Less technically, some refer to it as “The Big Mo.” As amply reflected within this magazine, it is safe to assert that Dickinson College has “The Big Mo.”
I am well into my fifth year at the helm of this storied institution. My nature has always been to look ahead and not to dwell on the past. After all, the Dickinson Forward initiative we launched in my first year as president was meant to hallmark that notion. Still, it is sometimes a useful exercise to take stock of where we are as a college. I’d submit that not only was 2025 a remarkable year but it also portends even greater years ahead.
Part of the Dickinson Forward initiative was, of course, the $75 million Campaign for Scholarships. Thanks to your generous support and the phenomenal work of our advancement team, we blew through that goal last spring. Not only that, but we also announced the Dickinson Promise, which will allow members of our incoming class with family incomes of less than $125,000 to attend Dickinson tuition free, and for those earning less than $75,000 to also graduate loan free. We are one of a small percentage of colleges that can offer such an advantage to our students.
We are in the second year of the Burgess Institute for the Global Economy. It is doing exactly what we designed it to accomplish. That is, providing our students, no matter their course of study, with business and financial literacy, as well as leadership, public speaking and investment skills. It fosters internships and career paths and allows our students to get up close and personal with visiting executives in residence. I urge you to watch as we grow this game changer to even greater heights in the years ahead.
One of the true hallmarks of momentum for a college is alumni engagement. By every metric, our alums are stepping up in support of Dickinson. While the most fundamental measure is financial, there are other ways to witness the enthusiasm of our vast network of alumni. Consider that in October we celebrated the 60th anniversary of our program in Bologna, Italy, and at the capstone event, over 300 alumni, family members and friends gathered to mark the occasion. Beth and I joined them, and the vibe was incredible.
As we moved into the fall, we announced the construction of the Jim Thorpe Center for the Futures of Native Peoples and Sam Rose ’58 Art Gallery, which you’ll see detailed within this publication. This magnificent building at the gateway to our campus is the product of our dear friend Sam’s vision and unparalleled philanthropy. I predict it will be a destination location and add even more prestige to our beautiful campus.
No matter the progress, and as noted there is much to report, our North Star remains the same. It is to provide our students with a muscular, world-class liberal-arts education like no other. I assure you that we are doing so, and our exemplary faculty continues to impress me with its dedication and passion for teaching.
Finally, a word about our students. They’re terrific, and each day I see in them the sheer joy of learning. Getting to know them is the very best part of this job. We are educating and producing graduates who are changing the world, just as we always have at Dickinson.
Yes, we have “The Big Mo,” and I cannot wait to see how the years ahead unfold. Thank you for all you do to support this incredible college.
Read more from the winter 2026 issue of Dickinson Magazine.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published March 18, 2026