Alexis Garcia

This is a photo of me in front of the Prince Albert Memorial while I was studying abroad in London in September 2019.

Degree: MA in Art History

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2023

Prior Degree
BA Art History and Cultural Anthropology, Minors in Korean and Classical Civilizations, University of Oregon, Eugene

2021-2022 Scholarship
Gloria Tovar Lee Scholarship in Art History

I Am Originally From San Antonio, TX

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
I chose the University of Oregon for their anthropology program and then fell in love with the College of Design. The History of Art and Architecture course selection has always been fascinating. I deeply enjoy learning from the faculty and hearing about their specialized and diverse interests.

When I visited the Getty for the first time in January 2018, I was so moved by the museum that I immediately knew I wanted to study art history and work with art.

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
Due to my parent’s service in the military, my childhood was spent constantly moving around the country and living abroad. This experience has made me adaptable and eager to connect with those around me.

MY INFLUENTIAL PROFESSORS
The most influential professor I have had at the UO has Dr. Kristen Seaman, Associate Professor of Art History. Her classes and mentorship have influenced me in my path to take up classical studies.

MY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
During my undergraduate studies, I was involved in the Department of Comparative Literature’s NOMAD mentorship program and the Art History Student Association. Engagement in these student groups has not only pushed me forward academically, but it is very important to me to find those who share common interests and critical minds.

MY GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT UO
The most challenging and rewarding experience at the UO so far has been writing my honors thesis for the art history major. It was over a year of intensive research, writing, and revisions, but it is the culmination of my academic scholarship thus far.

AFTER GRADUATION
After completing my undergraduate studies in spring 2021, I am going straight into the Master’s in Art History program here at UO in fall 2021, and afterward I hope to eventually go on to get a PhD. I hope to one day work in a museum or teach, with my overarching goal being impacting the lives of others through art.

YOUR GIFT
This scholarship is important to me as it demonstrates the faith the department and donors have in my abilities as a minority scholar. I am thrilled to have support as I pursue my MA.

Thank you for supporting scholars in pursuit of higher education in the arts. As a field that often gets overlooked in favor of other non-humanities subjects, it is inspiring to see a dedicated effort to support the arts and understand the importance of art in our lives.