Reflecting on his growth at Gettysburg, Diptiman Das ’27 discovered how opportunities in art, design, and community projects allowed him to give back and create spaces that bring people together. Continuing to do just that, he recently shared his story with the Class of 2029 at Experience Gettysburg, encouraging them to also embrace vulnerability, curiosity, and sincerity to open new doors.
When I wrote my remarks for the Majestic, I thought back to the version of myself who first arrived at Gettysburg—quiet, uncertain, and unsure of where to begin. I chose to focus on those early experiences of invisibility not because they were easy to relive, but because they were honest. I wanted the new students to know that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, and that the real magic of Gettysburg begins when you start knocking on doors, sharing your ideas, and letting people see who you are.
As one of the five student speakers, I had the privilege of carrying the pillar of giving back. For me, that meant showing how the opportunities I found here—whether through art, design, or community projects—were never just about me. They were about creating something that could touch others, whether it was painting in memory of Sara Gifford or helping design spaces that bring people together.
My hope for the first-year class is simple: you don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room or have everything figured out. You just need to show up with sincerity and curiosity. This campus has a way of opening doors, often in surprising ways. If my speech gave even one student the courage to knock on that first door, and in time to give back in their own way, then it was worth sharing.
Diptiman Das ’27 is a business, organizations, and management and interdisciplinary studies (design) double major from Chattogram, Bangladesh. He is currently involved in the Guided Pathways programs for Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, Leadership, Teamwork, and Collaboration, and Career Development. He is a communications assistant for the Eisenhower Institute, creative intern with Communications and Marketing Office, a designer at the Bullet Hole, and social media manager for the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. Das has also facilitated art workshops for events such as a Sara Gifford’s re-memory event and Gettysburg Loves Philadelphia, and his artwork has been featured in murals in the Center for Career Engagement and International Student Services offices.
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By Diptiman Das ’27
Photo by Corey Jewart
Posted: 10/03/25