Located on the third floor of Old Falvey Library, the Matthew J. Ryan Center for the Study of Free Institutions & the Public Good offers far more than a space for spirited debate, but actively works to cultivate intellectual growth beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through the distinctive “Ryan Scholars” program, which opens applications each Fall Semester, students gain access to a curated schedule of readings, conferences and networking opportunities that foster genuine academic discourse. As a Ryan Scholar myself, I strongly encourage students of all majors and academic interests not only to engage with the Center, but to apply for the next cohort of Ryan Scholars. For students who crave thoughtful discussion, personal growth and a chance to wrestle seriously with big ideas, this program serves as a rare and rewarding academic home on campus.
The program’s semester calendar is rich with both academic and social events. Scholars participate in bi-weekly dinner discussions led by Dr. Brian T. Satterfield, each centered around a major classical work. For the current Fall Semester, we are studying Herodotus, as translated by Dr. David Grene. These discussions allow students to exchange interpretations, challenge assumptions, and gain deeper insights through dialogue with Satterfield and fellow scholars. The small-group, seminar-style format fosters an environment where students feel comfortable pushing their thinking and developing the confidence to articulate complex ideas aloud.
Beyond the intellectual rigor, the program also emphasizes the value of community. The Ryan Scholars foster friendships and networks through social gatherings such as cookouts, holiday celebrations and intimate dinners within the relatively small group. These informal settings not only strengthen relationships, but also serve to create space for continued conversation on the ideas explored during discussions. Many students find that the Ryan Center becomes a reliable academic and social anchor on campus, offering both clarity of thought and a break from the pace of daily student life.
Additionally, scholars enjoy exclusive access to conferences designed to deepen their philosophical, political and economic understanding of the world. Most recently, the Ryan Scholars attended a roundtable on “The Market Process and Human Flourishing,” where economists led a discussion on the role of markets in promoting the common good. This experience provided valuable opportunities for engagement, networking, and reflection on post-graduate paths.
There truly is something at the Ryan Center for students of every background and interest.
“It’s a great place to have open minded discussions and debates about the things that matter,” political science and legal studies student Dimitri Moujaes said. “It’s helped me see different perspectives and think more critically.”
Ryan Center President, sophomore Nicholas Shapkarov, offered a thoughtful overview of the program.
“The Scholars Program was founded a few years ago to promote inquiry into free thought by building a solid foundation in classical political philosophy for a select and intellectually diverse group of students from different disciplines,” Shapkarov said. “So far, it has been a great success. Its primary aim is to help students understand the context of Western philosophy and history upon which our country was modeled.”
I hope to encourage readers not only to apply for this wonderful opportunity, but to seek out learning experiences beyond the confines of one’s required credit hours.
One way to start is by attending the weekly Wednesday night discussions at 7:30 p.m. in Old Falvey 304, where students gather to explore contemporary topics in an open forum, regardless of scholarship status. The Ryan Center can also be found on Instagram at @vuryancenter, where updates, photos, and upcoming events are regularly posted. In conclusion: Rush the Ryan Center.
