Back when she was deciding where to attend college, class of 2024 graduate Grace Knutsen knew that she wanted to pursue an academically rigorous education while staying close to her roots. As an Oregonian, Grace chose Oregon State University and the Honors College, finding it an ideal place to explore her diverse academic interests and build meaningful connections. Grace will graduate in June with an H.B.A. in history, French and German, as well as a minor in military history — all accomplished within the supportive and enriching environment of the Honors College.
Grace’s journey to the HC was influenced by a Corvallis High School career fair. It was there that she met Dr. Kevin Ahern, a professor emeritus of biochemistry and biophysics at OSU. “Dr. Ahern spoke highly of the university and particularly the Honors College,” she recalls. “I thought that if this professor was so enthusiastic, surely the rest of the program had much to offer.” This interaction, combined with her desire to pursue undergraduate research, solidified her decision to apply to the Honors College.
Grace’s academic pursuits are diverse, encompassing a wide range of interests. “I’ve been drawn to history since I was young – I love reading historical fiction, but my interest grew beyond fictional telling‘s of historical events as I grew up.” She now values history as a field in which “we can explore cultural identity, examine social change, tell stories and so much more!” Grace adds that her minor in military history offers a unique lens to examine societal shifts, particularly through the context of war. “Conflict often accelerates social change in our society. My military history minor has also allowed me to learn about how war is related to colonialism, gender, race, social status, science and religion.”
Her decision to major in French and German came from her passion for language learning and its relevance to her focus on twentieth-century history. “Understanding these languages allows me to read important primary documents from this time in their native language,” she explains. This multilingual approach has enriched her research and broadened her academic horizons.
One of the highlights of Grace’s time in the Honors College has been the sense of community. “I love that my fellow HC students are enthusiastic in their class discussions, eager to hear about your research and share their own, and participate in group events,” she says. Her role as a student employee for the Honors College further deepened these connections, whether through creating Instagram stories or participating in ambassador activities.
Among the many memorable classes she took, a few stand out. “Visual Rhetoric in Pop Music with Professor Brandy St John was one of my favorites,” Grace recalls. The course involved analyzing visual meaning in popular music and culminated in a creative project to design new album covers. “I was able to channel my favorite musical artists’ styles while also pursuing my own creative vision.” Other notable classes included Historical Fiction and Fictional Histories with Dr. Thomas Bahde, the Holocaust in its History with Dr. Kara Ritzheimer and the Bible as Literature with Dr. Gilad Elbom.
Grace’s thesis, titled “Service and Citizenship: Reflections on Oregon Women’s Service in World War II,” was a significant part of her academic journey. Mentored by Dr. Marisa Chappell, she explored the contributions of Oregon women beyond the home front, utilizing archival materials to understand their wartime service and the challenges they faced. This research culminated in a collaboration with the Corvallis Museum for an exhibit from November 2023 — March 2024.
Grace’s dedication to archival research extended beyond her thesis. In November 2022, she was appointed to an Honors College student internship at the Special Collections and Archives Research Center (SCARC). “I fell in love with this work,” she says, reflecting on her role at SCARC, where she worked across multiple units. This experience solidified her passion for archival work and shaped her future plans.
After graduation, Grace will pursue a Master of Library and Information Science with a concentration in archival studies through an online program at Indiana University Indianapolis. “I will stay in Corvallis to continue my work at SCARC while working as a graduate student,” she shares. Her goal is to become an instructional archivist at an educational institution.
Her advice to current and future honors students is to “try the things you want to try!” Grace’s openness to new experiences led her to change her major, join a sorority, pursue various jobs and internships, and even delve into unexpected classes like Roller Skating and Roller Derby. Reflecting on her diverse pursuits, she shares, “one healed sprained ankle, one career plan and many fun memories later, I can say with confidence that I will never regret trying new things — sometimes with others and sometimes alone — while here in college.” As she prepares for the next phase of her journey, Grace leaves a lasting message of self-assurance: “Have confidence in yourself. You’ll figure life out.”
Written by Kallie Hagel, Communications Coordinator