Art History

Name: Tyler Heffern ’22
Undergrad Degree: BA in Art History and Politics with minors in Classical Studies and International Relations
Hometown: Stratford, CT

What were your reasons for choosing Fairfield University?

I liked that Fairfield was a small college that allowed for students to feel connected and not drowned out by such a large population. The campus is modern, yet historic and not so large that students can't get around quickly. Finally, it was close to home and near New York City so I could travel often (especially to museums!).

How did you choose your major?

I originally set out as a politics major but wanted to take at least one art history course. My first semester, I took an art history survey class and loved it. I wanted to continue taking art history courses and by my sophomore year, I became a double major and helped to write labels for artworks at the Fairfield University Art Museum.

What have been the best aspects of your experience at Fairfield?

I love the community aspect of Fairfield. People are very friendly, and I often see friends around campus or in the dining hall without knowing they'd be there. I also like the small class sizes, and that professors go out of their way to help students.

What would you tell a student who is considering attending Fairfield as an undergraduate?

There are so many opportunities at Fairfield that you can truly pursue what interests you. Whether you like science, acting, or finance, there is a club for you on campus. I would encourage you to join as many organizations as you can, to get to know people and check out their events. You don't have to stay in these groups for long but it's important to branch out and get engaged.

Name: Molly Lamendola ’22
Undergrad Degree: BA in Art History & Visual Culture
Hometown: Albany, NY

What were your reasons for choosing Fairfield University?

The proximity to New York City is a definite draw. With just an hour train ride, you get countless new internships and job opportunities… the world really is your oyster! I am also a big supporter of the well-rounded student who knows more about the world than just their specialized subject area. As a Jesuit University and through the core curriculum, Fairfield really creates an environment for a student to do just that and use the core classes to their advantage so that they stand out in the job market.

How did you choose your major?

My freshman art history professor pitched the idea to me. I was taking his class to fulfill one of my core requirements, and he opened me up to the possibility of majoring in art history. What’s great about the art history major is that it’s really similar to communications or marketing in that it’s a blank slate and you choose what you want to do with it. Fairfield’s Art History Department is a particularly special department, and the small size and true care for student success is what really sold me on the major. I have participated in research projects and taken opportunities that I would not have had in other majors and have developed critical skills. I now know how to research and write papers about diverse topics. I have a deep understanding of world history and how that influenced the art of the region. And I developed many more skills that are going to give me such an edge in my future job search. It's also super fun to show off some of my knowledge on Jeopardy nights or walking around museums with my friends. You'll get some ultimate show-off abilities if you choose to major in art history.

What have been the best aspects of your experience at Fairfield?

If you’re willing to put in the time and effort to really go after opportunities, Fairfield has countless options. We’d joke in my house that I made more of my freshman year than most students make in all four years! I really wanted to get heavily involved and try as many clubs, activities, and internships as I could, and it worked out. I always tell prospective students and incoming freshman to take every opportunity and go to every event that you can because it’ll help you monumentally! Because I did all of this, I had the opportunity to study abroad during my sophomore year as part of the Bellarmine Scholarship program. It was an unbelievable, life-changing experience, and I tell everyone to try it if they can.

What interesting projects, research opportunity, or leadership experience were you involved in at Fairfield?

I a, heavily involved in the Fairfield Mirror, which is Fairfield’s student-run newspaper. I’m currently the editor for the Vine Section, which covers all art and culture related stories. I love going to events at the Quick Center and writing stories to inspire other students. I also do a lot of research and design work for art history professor Dr. Philip Eliasoph. I was tasked with redesigning both of his freshman core classes to appeal to a more tech-savvy audience and help with any other research projects he’s doing at the time. I was also able to start work at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Westport, CT - an opportunity found through my connections at Fairfield and the Art History Department.

What would you tell a student who is considering attending Fairfield as an undergraduate?

Fairfield is the perfect school for students who really like to be involved on. I’m in many clubs and participate in a lot of activities and thus really enjoy my Fairfield experience. But you have to put yourself out there and really state that you want to make the best of these four short years. Try and do it all! If you have that mindset, you’re going to be successful.

Name: Danielle Sondgeroth ’22
Undergrad Degree: BA in Art History and Digital Journalism with a French minor
Hometown: Queens, NY

What were your reasons for choosing Fairfield University?

First, Fairfield's small class sizes are extremely beneficial to learning. There are usually less than 30 students per class, which allows you to get to know you professors one-on-one. There are more opportunities to receive help whenever you need it. Second, the environment at Fairfield is supportive all around. Both faculty and students want to see you succeed. There's never a day when I feel completely alone on campus- there's always someone who is genuinely happy to see me and wants me to do my best.

How did you choose your major?

I've known I wanted to be an art history major since my junior year of high school. I took AP Art History on a whim to get extra credits and ended up enjoying the class so much more than I had initially expected. I came to Fairfield and immediately declared a minor in Art History, not expecting to go much further. However, once I met the faculty and other students in the department, I knew I couldn't just take a few classes and be done. I wanted to continue learning about art and its impact on our mass culture thanks to my professors.

What have been the best aspects of your experience at Fairfield?

Fairfield has given me life-long friends from all different backgrounds and walks of life. It has truly allowed me to find my people and to make friends from every corner of the globe.

What would you tell a student who is considering attending Fairfield as an undergraduate?

Be ready for a curriculum that challenges you. The requirements in the Core may seem daunting but they are in place to help you explore different areas of knowledge that you may not know about. The Core can help you to learn more about yourself and your interests and may introduce you to something you never knew interested you.