Matthew Deibert's journey back to school at Stockton University after 35 years has been extraordinary. Graduating from Mercyhurst University in 1989 with a degree in graphic design, Matthew initially worked as a graphic artist in Atlantic City while also serving as a career firefighter — a role from which he retired seven years ago. However, it was a combination of familial ties and a passion for art that led him to Stockton.

"Stockton is a household name in my family," Matthew said.

With his mother-in-law, wife, son, daughter and sister-in-law all having graduated from Stockton, it was almost inevitable that he would find his way there. When his youngest son, Liam, started taking art classes at Stockton, Matthew’s curiosity was piqued. Matthew decided to apply. Accepted into the University, he began his first class in the spring of 2023, a sculpture class he took alongside Liam. Liam is a Visual Arts major, with a concentration in Interdisciplinary Arts and is on track to graduate in 2026.

"Taking a college course with my dad was a dream come true," he said.

Since then, Matthew and Liam have shared classes every semester, and Matthew is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, emphasizing sculpture, after the Fall 2024 semester. This experience has not only rekindled Matthew’s love for learning but has also deepened his bond with his son.

Matthew’s venture into sand sculpting began 24 years ago, drawing on his graphic design background where everything was done by hand. His natural talent and dedication allowed him to build a successful career in sand sculpting, establish a business in New Jersey and travel the world for competitions and exhibitions.

Carving sand on Albany Avenue Beach, the beach he grew up on, for Stockton this summer with Liam holds a special place in his heart.

"It was a real treat," he said, reflecting on his childhood memories. “This is the beach that I grew up on. I am one of eight children, and my family would go to Albany Avenue beach. It was right down the street from home.”

Matthew’s sand sculpting career led him to win the world championship in 2003 and claim victory on the Travel Channel’s "Sand Wars" in 2013 with his oldest son, Ian. Another highlight was traveling to Normandy, France, to carve sand for the 60th anniversary of D-Day — a poignant and memorable experience. 

Working with family has been a recurring theme in Matthew's sand sculpting journey. He has collaborated on projects with all three of his sons — Ian, Matthew Jr. and Liam. Most recently, he and Liam traveled to Canada last August to film four episodes of a Canadian TV show "Race Against the Tide." 

“It was an amazing experience to be part of the show, both in the sense of being in another country and then also competing on a professional level in sand art. It was great to be able to do it with my dad and create the lasting memories that I did,” Liam said.

As Matthew looks forward to his graduation and the senior art show in December, he reflected on how his training at Stockton will improve his sand sculpting career.

"I believe my classes at Stockton will enhance my artistic work in sand sculpting," he said.

Matthew and Liam's story is a testament to the power of embracing lifelong learning, and the unique joy of sharing these experiences with family.