Foreword

Welcome to the fifteenth 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. This year, readers may notice some changes in the digital formatting of Ibid. as we have taken steps to make our journal fully accessible. Ibid. has been awarded a prestigious Gerald Nash Journal Prize for each of the previous eight 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 two “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 Paola Alonso and Stefanie Hustoft. In addition to these award-winning papers, the fifteenth volume also includes special departments focusing on Southern History and In Times of War.

I am proud of the extraordinary commitment of the student and faculty editorial boards to the fifteenth 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 should also like to recognize the efforts of our student editors Cole Bates and Stefanie Hustoft. Their hard work and dedication to this project is much appreciated.

This year, Ibid. is dedicated to our friend and colleague Dr. Lybeth Hodges. Though we will miss her presence on campus, we wish her many blessings as she begins a much-deserved retirement this fall. Dr. Hodges is a master storyteller and has inspired many students during her decades of teaching at Texas Woman’s University. With thankfulness for her friendship, we dedicate this volume to her.

For fifteen 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 fifteenth volume.

Aubri E. Thurmond
Faculty Advisor

Page last updated 8:33 AM, June 10, 2022