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Student Snapshot: Ryan Bergh Thies ’25

From studying abroad in the U.K. to leadership roles on campus, Ryan Bergh Thies ’25 is making the most of his time at Dickinson. And his majors in history and in medieval & early modern studies—combined with a solid background in the liberal arts—are providing him with a well-rounded, in-depth understanding of historical events and phenomena.

Hometown:

Scotch Plains, N.J.

High school:

Oratory Preparatory School.

Major:

History and medieval & early modern studies, with a minor in religion.

Clubs and organizations:  

ºìÐÓÖ±²¥app Democrats (president) and History Majors Committee.

Honors/scholarships/awards:

1783 Scholarship, Dean's List (2021-24), 2023 Department of Theatre & Dance Outstanding Employee Gold Hammer Award and Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society.

Best part of my Dickinson experience:

Getting involved on campus with the ºìÐÓÖ±²¥app Democrats. Serving on the executive board and now as president, I've learned so much about the local Carlisle community while also guiding others to help serve the joint Dickinson-Carlisle community.

Best thing about my major:

The best part of majoring in history and medieval & early modern studies is the ability to explore a wide variety of courses from different time periods and regions. I have been able to learn how to think like a historian when approaching topics from the Holocaust to early-modern Latin American history. With such diverse course offerings (all with small classes oriented toward discussion and experienced professors), I have explored so much about a wide range of historical topics.

Advice for younger students:

My number-one piece of advice for younger students is to take advantage of all of the opportunities available at Dickinson. From studying abroad to clubs and sports, Dickinson offers so much to get involved in and learn through. Your time at Dickinson can be a life-changing experience if you go out there and get involved!

Favorite place on campus:

Denny Hall.

Favorite off-campus spot:

Gingerbread Man.

On studying abroad: 

I studied abroad at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, U.K., in spring 2024. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Norwich and my courses at UEA. The best part of the six-month experience was traveling throughout the U.K. (Cambridge, Manchester, Scotland and London) and in Europe (Amsterdam, Dublin and Istanbul). I learned a great deal about different cultures, cuisines and cities through these trips.

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Published February 14, 2025