Story By: Audra Mahoney
Photos By: Joshua Rainey
Zachary Twardowski
2014 Essay Scholarship Recipient
During commencement, Cinema Studies proudly awards Merchant Ivory Scholarships to undergraduate students who demonstrate extraordinary skill and creativity in research and writing. These annual awards, the Society for Cinema and Media Studies Award and the James Ivory Essay Award, are made possible by the generous support of famed director James Ivory through the Merchant Ivory Foundation.
James Ivory’s connection with the University of Oregon began when he left Klamath Falls to study at the UO’s School of Architecture and Allied Arts. His ambition was to become a movie set designer, but after earning his degree in 1951, he went on to achieve international success as one of the most influential and respected film directors of his generation. In addition, Ivory has been honored with several prestigious university awards: the Pioneer Award (1993), the School of Architecture and Allied Arts Ellis F. Lawrence Medal (1999), and the Distinguished Alumni Award (2010).
Ivory’s generous support of the Cinema Studies Program has funded five scholarships in the past three years. Cinema Studies congratulates each of the past recipients: Samuel Gehrke (2012); Zach Goldstein (2012); Trace Cabot (2013); Meghan Hodge (2013); and Zachary Twardowski (2014).
Trace Cabot
2013 SCMS Scholarship Recipient