Chris Gilbert, Outstanding Graduate
I encourage future history students to think about how to bring their discussions outside of the classroom. All the knowledge we gain does not mean much if we don’t use it to make change.
At an early age, Chris Gilbert developed a passion for history and teaching. While watching documentaries next to his father, Chris realized that he wanted to share the things that he found interesting with others. He’s carried this spark with him as a History/Social Studies Major, Honors student, and leader/volunteer for WWU’s Chess Team.
Prof. Chard commends Chris' excellence in his courses on “The US & Globalization” and “The US & International Terrorism” and calls his Honors capstone project “superb.” Drawing from his HIST 499 research paper, Chris examined how and why Jerry Falwell, and his rightwing evangelical Moral Majority, buried previous public displays of antisemitism to forge a strategic alliance with Israel’s controversial founding figure and rightwing Zionist Likud leader, Menachem Begin.
Chris believes understanding history is a vital first step in breaking down systems of oppression. However, he acknowledges that knowledge of history needs to be shared in order for change to occur. Chris encourages future history students to consider bringing discussions outside of the classroom by “finding a community that will support you in creating that change.” He recommends seeking and cultivating relationships with other history students, faculty, and staff. “There are so many people who want you to succeed and are doing amazing work all over campus.”
Reflecting on his time at WWU, Chris confirms that he’s enjoyed being a history student. “I feel like the more I learn, the more I have to learn—The more I understand just how hard it is to create amazing works of history, the more I feel in awe of the people who have done so.” He hopes that one day he’ll also produce inspiring works of history. But until then, Chris is content to learn “from these incredible historians” and take his own advice by continuously “trying to make positive changes.”