Outstanding Senior for Spring 2023
Katherine Leddy graduated in spring 2023 with a major in Comparative Cultural Studies with an art history emphasis and a second major in Anthropology. She will begin the graduate program in Archaeology at NAU this fall and continue to work at the Clara M. Lovett Art Museum on campus. Katherine originally wanted to major in nursing until she enrolled in ARH 143 Arts of Asia. She loved the class and material so much that she changed her major and later she even served as a teaching assistant for the class. Katherine considers her recent research project “Wartime Trauma in Greek Vase Painting: The Suicide of Ajax” her biggest accomplishment in the last two years. She writes “Working with Dr. Carpino, my faculty mentor, I created a speech and poster which I presented at two different symposiums. This project felt like a culmination of my art historical knowledge and writing skills that I worked on for the last four years.”
2023 Comparative Cultural Studies Scholarship Recipients
Morgan Wood, Gary Kane Study Abroad Scholarship and the Lois Kellogg Duncan Scholarship
Morgan Wood received the Gary Kane Study Abroad Scholarship and the Lois Kellogg Duncan Scholarship. Morgan is a major in Comparative Cultural Studies with a minor in Museum Studies. Morgan will study abroad next year at Aix-Marseille University in Aix-en-Provence in the south of France. Morgan writes “The interdisciplinarity of CCS along with my minor in museum studies allows me to consider a wide variety of paths in life. This time abroad poses an entirely new landscape of learning and exploration, and as a life-long learner, I am dedicated to inquiry and curiosity both in and out of the classroom.”
Joce Dolezal, Lakeview United Methodist Scholarship
Joce Dolezal is a major in Comparative Cultural Studies with an emphasis in Public Humanities and a minor in Museum Studies. Joce writes “Majoring in Comparative Cultural Studies with an emphasis in public humanities was an opportunity which felt like it fell into my lap my freshman year when I found myself feeling unsatisfied in my original major. When changing my major to CCS and beginning my journey, the only things I knew for sure were my interests in history and humanity. Little did I know that I would fall in love with the classes I took which discussed culture, religion, the act of memory-keeping through institutions such as museums and archives, and how to meaningfully interact with and honor history through its critical examination and careful curation. Dr. Pratt-Sturges and her classes have been imperative to my success and enjoyment of CCS as she has consistently pushed me to do the best work I can and has truly been an irreplaceable mentor through these last few semesters. Without her I know without hesitation that I would not have found myself in CCS in the way I have and be able to look to my academic future with so much excitement.”
Kieran McKinney, Lakeview United Methodist Scholarship
Kieran is in the Asian Studies-Integrated Global Program and will graduate with two degrees, one in Asian Studies with a Japanese emphasis and another in Applied Computer Science. Kieran writes “my favorite class so far would definitely have to be ARH 270 Arts of Japan with Dr. Gulacsi” and despite the challenge of two rigorous majors, “I am gaining experience in the language of my choosing, while also learning about the history and culture of Japan, where I plan on studying abroad through the IGP program.”
Junior Book Prizes for Spring 2023
Mckenzi Monical, Art History
Mckenzi is pursuing the B.A. in Comparative Cultural Studies with an emphasis in Art History and minors in Museum Studies and the Comparative Study of Religions.
Joce Dolezal, Public Humanities
Joce is pursuing B.A. in Comparative Cultural Studies with an emphasis in Public Humanities and a minor in Museum Studies.
Lee Wiechmann, Museum Studies
Lee is pursuing B.A. in Comparative Cultural Studies with an emphasis in Public Humanities and a minor in Museum Studies.
Outstanding Senior for Spring 2022
CCS major (emphasis in the Comparative Study of Religions) Dominic Counihan has been recognized as the Outstanding Senior for the department. Dominic previously received the Lakeview United Methodist Scholarship in 2020. He is from Tehachapi in California and also pursued a major in Military Science. Dominic chose to major in CCS out of his desire for promoting interpersonal relationships and says that he “wants everyone to feel accepted and respected, which is why I chose to study CCS- so that I could gain a better understanding of people and the communities/values that exist between them.” Dominic also remarked on how his experience in CCS has helped him gain perspective of other cultures and “I can honestly say that I have become more open-minded and accepting of change, adversity, new concepts, and especially of different religions and their beliefs.” After graduation, he will commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. He will initially be a Chaplain Candidate with an Education Delay to his active duty service obligation as he completes his seminary education to become a Catholic priest. The Diocese of Phoenix recently accepted Dominic as a seminarian and he will attend St. John Vianney’s Seminary in Denver, Colorado in the Fall of 2022.
2022 Comparative Cultural Studies Scholarship Recipients
Mckenzi Monical, Atkin Family Scholarship
CCS major (B.A. in Comparative Cultural Studies, emphasis in Art History, Museum Studies minor) Mckenzi Monical has been awarded the Atkin Family scholarship. Mckenzi is from Joshua Tree, California. She is interested in a career in museums as a curator or an archivist. Mckenzi writes “I have thoroughly enjoyed every CCS and Art History course at NAU but I especially loved my CCS 250 class with Dr. Dunja Jelesijevic on monsters and the supernatural in Asian cultures.”
Angela Brauer, Atkin Family Scholarship
CCS major (B.IS. in Humanities) Angela Brauer has been awarded the Atkin Family scholarship. She is lives in Tucson and recently transferred to NAU from Pima Community College with her Associate in Arts degree. Angela writes “The cross-cultural aspect of Humanities is what I really love about the major. I am able to look at things in a new way and better understand other people and their culture because of what I have learned. Overall, my favorite CCS class so far was HUM371 Technology & Culture. In this class, humanistic values like tolerance and freedom are examined in relation to the technological society that we live in today. I learned so much and my perspective on technology really changed. The professor, Dr. Pratt, was so helpful and supportive as it was my first full year at NAU.”
Brandi Vega, Kellogg Duncan Scholarship
CCS major (B.IS. in Humanities) Brandie Vega has been awarded the Kellogg Duncan scholarship. Brandie is pursuing triple majors, including a B.IS. Strategic Leadership and a B.S. in Communication Science and Disorders. She currently lives in Tucson and is nearing the end of her programs. Brandie writes “ Each CCS class has been amazing and I am so thankful for each. Every instructor has made a lifetime impression on me. Dr. Pratt, Dr. Coleman, and every other instructor I’ve had has been amazing! I’m especially thankful that Dr. Pratt’s digital humanities class, as it helped me to enjoy working in technology again because I see that now more than ever, how technology could be used to help people and achieve meaningful things.”
2021 Comparative Cultural Studies Scholarship and Junior Book Prize Recipients
Alexis Nelson, Kellogg Duncan Scholarship
CCS major (emphasis Public Humanities) Alexis Nelson has been awarded the Kellogg Duncan scholarship. Alexis is pursuing also a minor in Public Administration and a certificate in Non-Profit and Social Entrepreneurship.
2020 Comparative Cultural Studies Scholarship and Junior Book Prize Recipients
Dominic Counihan, Lakeview United Methodist Scholarship
CCS major (emphasis Comparative Study of Religions) Dominic Counihan will receive the Lakeview United Methodist Scholarship. He is from Tehachapi in California and is also pursuing a major in Military Science. Dominic’s favorite CCS classes so far have been HUM 130 Introduction to Southwest Humanities and REL 221 Christianity. He writes “I chose this major because I feel that religion is the most inspiration and influential force in our lives. I want to become an Army Chaplain and I thought this major would be an excellent trail for understanding religions more.”
Ronald Finley, Junior Book Prize for Humanities
Ronald Finley is pursuing the CCS Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies-Humanities 90-30 and has been awarded the Junior Book Prize for Humanities. Originally from Waukegan in Illinois, he returned to college after thirty-eight years to complete his degree and pursue a career as a college professor in the future. A father of four boys and one girl, four of whom are currently in college as well, Ronald writes ” My mission is to engage in academic excellence to accomplish finishing what I started in 1982. In attaining my Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities, my master’s degree in humanities or sociology, and finally graduating with my Ph.D. in related fields of study. Thus demonstrating to myself and my children that it is never too late to redefine whom you are personally and professionally while inspiring your children to achieve their dreams.” Ronald has enjoyed all of his classes so far, including CINE 383 Cinema of Spain, HUM 345 Critical Writing in Global Humanities, and HUM 371 Humanistic Values in a Technological Society. He writes “I chose my major because I have found that I enjoy learning about subject matter related to the Arts, Humanities, Sociology, and Religion. I have also identified through my Retail and life experiences that I value and enjoy helping others and serving people. These values and actions give me a sense of accomplishment, integrity, freedom, variety, and creativity, while continually learning and sharing what I have learned with others.”
Reina Jasper, Kellogg Duncan Scholarship
CCS major (emphasis Public Humanities) Reina Jasper has been awarded the Kellogg Duncan scholarship. A Flagstaff native, Reina is also pursuing minors in Civic Engagement and Arts & Cultural Management. She writes “I chose to pursue this set of degrees as I’m extremely passionate about the importance of cultural awareness and interaction as well as the ways in which the arts foster this. I plan to commit my life to creating community, understanding, and compassion between a wide array of groups.”
Ramona Mejia, Junior Book Prize for Cinema Studies
Aspiring filmmaker and Creative Media & Film major (emphasis in Film) Ramona Mejia has been awarded the Junior Book Prize for Cinema Studies. Born and raised in Tucson, Ramona will graduate in May 2021 and is pursuing minors in both Anthropology and Cinema Studies. Ramona writes “I chose my major because I knew it would open many doors to a more productive, visionary, and happier future working towards my dreams/aspirations. It would be an honor to inspire others through my film work as I have been inspired and molded throughout the years. So far on my journey towards graduating, I have had the privilege of taking many Cinema classes but the one that has impacted me the most would have to be Professor David Gray’s CINE 380 Topics of Modern Cinema class on Essay Films and Autobiographies.”
Dakota Nelson, Junior Book Prize for Arts & Cultural Management
Dakota Nelson has been awarded the Junior Book Prize for Arts & Cultural Management and is pursuing a major in Strategic Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Arts and Cultural Management. Original from Colorado, Dakota resides in Flagstaff and will begin a new position as the Communications Assistant for the College of Arts and Letters at NAU this summer. Dakota’s favorite CCS class so far has been ACM 350 Arts and Cultural Policy with Dr. Stephanie Stallings and writes “I chose Arts and Cultural Management as my minor because it connects me to new parts of the community and has so many different aspects to it.” During the fall semester, Dakota plan on conducting research into how gentrification affects culture and art expression in low-income neighborhoods.
Shea O’Neill, John Acker Foundation Scholarship and Junior Book Prize for Art History
CCS major (emphasis Art History) Shea O’Neill has been awarded both the Junior Book Prize for Art History and the John Acker Foundation scholarship. Originally from Tempe, Arizona, Shea discovered art history in her high school humanities class and her favorite course at NAU so far was ARH 335 The Politics of Images with Dr. George Speer. She writes “Politics and art have been significant parts of my whole life and learning about how politics have a profound effect on the art produced is a great integration of both.” Shea will begin work at the NAU Art Museum this summer and plans on pursuing a graduate degree in art history at Arizona State University after graduating in 2021 from NAU.
Abigail Paternina, John Acker Foundation Scholarship and Junior Book Prize for Museum Studies
CCS major (emphasis Art History) Abigail Paternina has been awarded both the Junior Book Prize for Museum Studies and the John Acker Foundation scholarship. Originally from New Jersey, she moved to Arizona at a young age. Abigail is also pursuing minors in Museum Studies and Anthropology. Her favorite class so far has been HUM 395 Public Humanities in the Digital Age with Dr. Pratt, as it is “a class unlike any I’ve taken before and has given me the opportunity to create a digital exhibit on a topic I am interested in, and hope to continue working on through my senior year.” Abigail looks forward to moving to New York after graduation to pursue a career in museums while continuing to write and explore her passion for photography.
Megan Yurk, Atkin Family Scholarship and Lakeview United Methodist Scholarship
CCS major (emphasis Asian Studies, minors in Art History and Comparative Study of Religions) Megan Yurk has been awarded two departmental scholarships, the Atkins Family Scholarship and the Lakeview United Methodist Scholarship, and the Junior Book Prize for the Comparative Study of Religions and Asian Studies. Megan is from Anthem, Arizona and will graduate in December 2020. Megan writes that ” I chose my major because I felt my middle school and high school education completely ignored another half of the world, I am very glad I chose this major because I’ve not only filled out my education but also discovered so much about what I wish to pursue.” Her favorite class so far in CCS has been Dr. Dunja Jelesijevic’s REL 395 Indigenous Religions of East Asia.