McKendree History Students Present Papers at International Conference
Lebanon, Ill. — Two McKendree University senior history majors shared their research
with historians from across the U.S. at the recent biennial convention of Phi Alpha
Theta international honor society, held in Albuquerque Jan 2-5.
Meghan Dohogne, of Cape Girardeau, Mo., presented “Altering American Art: The Hudson
River School.” She explained how this group of painters formed the first uniquely
American art school and broke the former European connection to create a new style
of landscape painting. “Through their interactions they created a close bond that
surfaces in comparing their paintings,” she said.
Andrew Olden, of Edwardsville, Ill., researched Southern Illinois gang activity during
the Prohibition era for his paper, “Bombs, Booze, and Bandits: The Social Stigma Surrounding
the Shelton and Birger Gang Warfare.” He was drawn to the subject by stories and recollections
his grandmother has shared. “As I got deeper into researching the topic, I had travel
to Southern Illinois University Carbondale to do research and my grandmother accompanied
me, which turned into quite the bonding experience,” he said.
“Few undergraduate students ever present or publish their research, and it is amazing
that two of our majors had the skill, courage and initiative to put their work out
there before the academic community,” said Dr. Patrick Folk, professor of history
at McKendree. “Having these seniors present their research papers at such a prestigious
conference is a real honor for McKendree University. We are extremely proud of Meghan
and Andy and their accomplishments. It was also great that the university paid part
of their expenses for the trip, showing our commitment to fostering excellence in
our students.”
Phi Alpha Theta promotes the study of history by encouraging research, publication
and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. Both students agreed the
chance to meet other historians from across the country was invaluable. “They were
all so helpful, open and willing to share their advice on how to succeed in my future
aspirations for attending graduate school to become an art history professor,” Dohogne
said. “It allowed everyone from the editor of ‘The Historian’ to an undergraduate
history major to make connections outside of the usual formal social conventions.”
Olden returned with new ideas for his future as a scholar and a historian. “It was
a valuable experience to be able to speak in front of other scholars and field their
questions, but the real experiences were gained through the networking opportunities.”
-McK-
