Student Accomplishments

   2009 Young Scholars Program-Summer Research Grants Awards

History Majors, Kati Lundell and Kelly Ward were awarded 2009 Summer Research Grants
in the Young Scholars Program, an undergraduate research and collaborative scholarship
program during summer working closely with a professor on a significant research project
or creative activity. For more information on the project go to www.stthomas.edu/urcs, or
dfsteele@stthomas.edu.

Their research, along with other scholars, was highlighted at the Inquiry at UST poster session.

Inquiry at UST: A Poster Session with the Results of Faculty/Student Collaboration at the University of St. Thomas, September 22, 2009

History students Johnthan Estes, Kati Lundell, and Kelly Ward participated in the session to showcase their research projects from their summer studies working with faculty members  Ivancica Schrunk, Tom Mega, and Joe Fitzharris.

Jonathan Estes's

poster entitled, " Roman Regional Economic Specialization: A Sea Economy in Dalmatia." with mentor Dr. Ivancica Schrunk was explained with the following text.The question of how the Romans dominated the Mediterranean area for so long has long been debated. One argument is how regional economic specialization within the Roman Empire was vital to its success and longevity. Whether it was through fishing, crabbing, or collecting salt the territories in the Mediterranean islands had economies that relied on the sea. Salt works are just a manifestation of this sea economy. The work I did in the salt works in the Soline Bay on the island of St. Clement, Croatia, gave an insight into the purpose of the site and confirmed beliefs. Also it gave me a comparative look at other salt works in the area, which helped to fill in the context of the site. The regional specialization throughout the territory under Roman domination was the foundation of Roman longevity, the salt works on the island of St. Clement is a representation of that specialization.

Kati Lundell’s
poster entitled, "The Development of Charitable Institutions Within St. Paul" with mentor Dr. Tom Mega, was explained with the following text. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the city of St. Paul began to see a dramatic population increase. Thousands of settlers were attracted by the new opportunities offered in the emerging businesses of the city. As St. Paul began its transition into a profitable economic center, how did this affect the formation of non-profit institutions within the city? My goal in researching this subject was to understand the development of St. Paul from a different perspective. Although the growth of St. Paul was heavily based on the emerging industries, the creation of charitable organizations further propelled another aspet of development. I wanted to connect how St. Paul business effected the formation of community-oriented non-profit organizations and thus a more completed city.

Kelly Ward’s
poster entitled, "Robert E. Lee and Lost Cause Mythology, with mentor Dr. Joseph FItzharris, was explained with this text.  The American Civil War raged between the Union and the confederacy from 1861 to 1865 claiming the lives of many and immortalizing the lives of a few. Robert E. Lee, a Conferderate General, was one such "Immortal." Admired in life, his stature grew and flourished after his death. This project explores the cult following of Robert E. Lee and his place in the Lost Cause mythology of the Confederacy. I examine Robert E. Lee, his public image from the Mexican War to the 1920s, and his place in the greater context of the Lost Cause mythology of the Confederacy. My primary research materials are letters and memoirs from Confederate and Union soldiers and newspaper and journal articles from 1861 to 1880.

Ireland Prize Winners

Paul Armstrong Receiving Certificate from Dr. David Foote, History Dept. Chair

The History Department announces the winners of the 2009 John Ireland History Research Paper Prize.

Seminar Paper winner: Anne Fuchs (No photo available)
Paper: "A Comparative Analysis of United States Segregation Policies and South Africa Apartheid Legislation"

Upper Level winner for best paper: Paul Armstrong
Paper: "The Failure of the November Insurrection"