ºìÐÓÖ±²¥app

High-impact networking and hands-on learning make for an unforgettable experience

by Tony Moore

Dickinson students got a front-row seat to Baltimore’s dynamic economic and cultural ecosystem thanks to a recent immersive trip hosted by the Burgess Institute for the Global Economy.

Spanning two packed days, the experience gave two dozen students across majors an opportunity to connect with high-profile alumni, go behind the scenes at leading institutions like the National Aquarium and explore how cross-sector collaboration drives a thriving urban economy.

From the outset, the trip emphasized connections—between organizations, between people and between classroom learning and real-world application.

“These moments remind us that our education isn’t confined to campus—it’s out in the community, in conversations, in relationships that matter,” says Evan McClure ’27 (law & policy), a Maryland native and Reynolds Leadership Scholar. “We’re engaging directly with leaders who shape the city, stepping behind the scenes of institutions we’ve admired for years and seeing how what we learn in the classroom connects to the world beyond it.”

National Aquarium

The group’s first stop: the National Aquarium, where students were welcomed by CEO John Racanelli and Dickinson alumna and board member Jennifer Ward Reynolds ’77. Racanelli spoke about the aquarium’s role in Baltimore’s broader ecosystem and its essential partnerships with the city and corporate stakeholders.

Afterward, students explored the exhibits in rotating small groups before gathering for a dinner and discussion at Guilford Hall Brewery with managing partner Richard Craft ’12, who shared how community collaboration was essential to building his successful business.

The next morning, students experienced a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the aquarium’s Animal Care and Rescue Center. “It was like stepping into the heart of the aquarium,” McClure says. “From acclimating animals to 3D-printing coral, every detail was fascinating. And the baby seals? Easily some of the cutest animals I’ve ever seen.”

Students get a tour of the Guilford Hall Brewery with managing partner Richard Craft ’12. Photo by Stephen Munchel.

Visit Baltimore, Visit With Alums

While the marine life was a draw, the deeper focus of the trip was Baltimore’s interconnected economy—and Dickinson’s alumni presence within it. A stop at Visit Baltimore included a presentation by President & CEO Al Hutchinson, who offered insights into managing a tourism agency accountable to a diverse range of stakeholders.

Later, a leadership panel featuring former Dickinson President Bill Durden ’71, John Frisch ’80 and Reynolds highlighted the challenges and rewards of leading in such a complex environment.

Jacy Duffy ’25 (political science), who works with Dickinson’s advancement office, found the experience eye-opening—even for students outside traditional business tracks.

“These events are still important to people of all majors,” she says. “I wanted to see how work and interest intersect at the aquarium. It was great to hear from people who are genuinely passionate about what they do.”

It’s ºìÐÓÖ±²¥app the Connections & the People

For Duffy, the trip was also a reminder of the power of networking across disciplines. “As much as our network is alumni, it’s also with each other,” she says. “These trips help you meet students you might not cross paths with otherwise.”

That spirit of connection—between students, alumni and professionals—was the heartbeat of the trip.

“People in Maryland often don’t realize how remarkable the Dickinson network truly is,” McClure says. “Experiences like this make my education feel all the more valuable. Uniquely hands-on, deeply connected and full of opportunity. We didn’t come [to Dickinson] for generic gen-eds or 200-person lectures. We came for a practical education that gives us real access and real impact.”

And that’s exactly what the Burgess Institute delivered.

Click through the gallery below for more moments from the experience...

TAKE THE NEXT STEPS 

Published April 28, 2025