Support us as we educate students in art and art history!
The Art and Art History department is experiencing remarkable growth! We recently launched two new minors: Animation and Illustration, which combines art and technology for careers in gaming, film, and XR content; and Arts Management, which integrates art history with professional writing and business courses. These join our Graphic Design minor, established in 2022, which teaches visual communication, typography, and digital media skills. Meanwhile, our traditional Studio Art and Art History programs continue to thrive. We now boast 80 majors and 158 minors across our programs, attracting students from Arts and Sciences, Business, and Engineering.
Beyond numbers, student engagement drives our vibrancy. Studio Art students have mounted ten exhibitions in the Dowd Building's student gallery. Our Senior Capstone classes are now divided between traditional and digital media tracks. Traditional arts seniors are preparing for the Class of 2025 Senior Show opening May 16, while design students will present portfolios to industry professionals. The creative energy of our students resonates throughout Dowd.
Art History students participate in the annual Bay Area Art History Symposium, which SCU will host in 2026! Many gain valuable experience through museum internships. Last year, Caroline Wing won SCU's Hoefer Prize for Excellence in Undergraduate Writing for her Capstone research. This year's seniors worked with Professor de Maria to curate "The Tax Collectors: 500 Years and Counting" at our de Saisset Museum, conducting original research on a 16th century Flemish painting.
Our faculty continues to grow and excel. In 2023, we welcomed Dr. Ciara Ennis, the new de Saisset Museum director, as Professor of Practice. She teaches courses on the contemporary art world and exhibition theory while fostering collaborations between the museum and department. In 2024, we added Professor Maggie Wander, whose expertise in Oceanic contemporary art has expanded our course offerings.
Faculty achievements abound. Teaching Professor Ryan Carrington received the Dr. David E. Logothetti Teaching Award for excellence in sculpture instruction. Professor Andrea Pappas's book on women's embroidery in colonial America won two prestigious awards. Assistant Dean Kathy Aoki secured a 2025 Creative Capital Grant supporting a five-year project development. These recognitions highlight our faculty's commitment to SCU's teaching-scholar model.
We hope you'll help sustain our momentum with your generous support this Day of Giving.
| Rank | State | Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CA | 5 |
| 2 | WI | 1 |
| 2 | AZ | 1 |
