Morning Glory Ritchie

This is a photo that my mother took of me in front of a Van Gogh painting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Degree: BA Art History, BA Art, Clark Honor’s College, Minors in Classical Civilization and Italian

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2022

2021-2022 Scholarship
Joe and Alona Fischer Scholarship

I Am Originally From Eugene, OR

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
I applied to several different schools but University of Oregon, only a few miles away from my home, was the best fit. Before making my decision, I saw that there was an incredible faculty to learn from in the Department of History of Art and Architecture, and at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art right on campus.

I decided to major in Art History when I was in high school, and after I took a trip to Nepal and had a life changing discussion with a local Nepalese street artist in Kathmandu who sold me their watercolor sketches. However, I think I was born to study Art History. Since I was a child I was disconnected due to my expressive communication disorder. Looking at art from a global approach helps me to connect with the world around me and other cultures.

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
I do practice studio painting and speak Italian which I believe will bring a lot to my studies hopefully when I go to graduate school.

MY INFLUENTIAL PROFESSORS
First term at the University of Oregon, I was so nervous and scared, I almost wanted to drop out my first week because I felt out of place. However, Once I sat through the first lecture in the History of World Architecture with Prof. Hutterer, everything felt okay. Her lectures throughout every class I’ve taken with her influence me to continue because I want to be an art history professor someday.

MY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
I currently work as a Research Assistant for Dr. Carol Stabile at the Clark Honors College, I also intern at the Springfield History Museum, and I am the Undergraduate Co-Chair for the Art History Student Association. These activities mean a lot to me as I have learned so much about collections at the Museum, have gained so much research knowledge at my research position, and love getting others involved in Art History at the Art History Student Association.

MY GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT UO
I learned in one of my Italian courses that things often don’t come so easily. Do not play it safe, go for your challenging goals, and go to office hours. The challenge is worth it.

AFTER GRADUATION
After graduation, I hope to pursue a graduate degree in Art History, and eventually become an Art History Professor.

YOUR GIFT
Financial help when it comes to academics is always a breath of fresh air. I feel highly encouraged, like there are others wanting to help me achieve my dreams.

Thank you. Thank you so much. Supporting public universities has the power to transform lives, and I will be forever grateful.