Foreword

Welcome to the seventeenth volume of Ibid: A Student History Journal, published by the Eta Nu Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society at Texas Woman’s University. As always, Ibid. remains committed to building student confidence through conversational mentorship that experientially grows knowledge.

As the faculty advisor, I am honored to be a part of this nationally recognized, award-winning student journal.  Ibid. has been awarded a prestigious Gerald Nash Journal Prize for nine previous volumes.  Additionally, the Eta Nu Chapter has been recognized as a “Best Chapter in the Nation” every year from 2013 - 2019 for its efforts to serve and engage the community, and to encourage student scholarship.  It is a joy to work alongside such dedicated and talented students.  

As in past years, a generous private endowment allows us to award “Best Paper” prizes. Named for TWU Professor Emeritus Valentine J. Belfiglio, the Belfiglio Prize recognizes the very best in student research and writing.  The winners this year are Damon Parker and Meghan Pearce. In addition to these award-winning papers, readers may notice that a number of papers examine marginalized communities.  The seventeenth volume also includes special forum departments focusing on Efforts in Social Justice and Western History.  

I am proud of the extraordinary commitment of the student and faculty editorial boards to the seventeenth volume.  I would like to thank the members of the editorial boards, who continued to strive for excellence in the publication of our journal. I would also like to recognize the efforts of our student editors, Lauren Davis and Melissa Walters. Their hard work and dedication to this project is much appreciated.

This year, Ibid. is dedicated to our friend and colleague Dr. Cecily Zander in recognition of her tremendous support for student scholarship. Her direction and encouragement have impacted nearly every contributor to this volume and it is with thankfulness for her scholarly example and unwavering dedication to students, that we dedicate this volume to her.

For seventeen years, Ibid. has shaped the development of historical scholars through collaborative relationships between students and faculty.  The outstanding essays that follow demonstrate the strength of that tradition.  It is with pleasure that I invite you to enjoy our seventeenth volume.

Aubri E. Thurmond
Faculty Advisor