Western Heritage

Student Voices

Matthew Gehrz, '12

Hometown: Racine, Wis.
Majors: Graphic Design/Technical Theatre
Minor:Spanish (tenetively)

Like all freshmen at Carthage, Matthew Gehrz was required to take Western Heritage. He believes that it was one of the more rewarding classes he has taken in his short time here.

"If I am certain of one thing, it is that the Western Heritage program is a program that helps to set the bar for a college work ethic," Matthew said. "The materials are challenging. The discussions are deep. The work from one class session to the next keeps you on your toes. In everything, however, this program is filled with opportunities to grow in knowledge and in humanity.

"The professors, the texts, the discussions ... all are there to propel students to a place where they can draw their own conclusions about themselves and the world. This program has much to offer anyone who is willing to listen and to learn."

Now a sophomore, Matthew is involved with the Heritage Fellows program. Heritage fellows are selected by their professors to act as tutors for other students. Because Western Heritage seminars are taught by faculty across Carthage, every seminar is a little different.

"One professor might have their class focus heavily on Plato's works," Matthew explains. "Another might take extra time in covering the books of the Bible. All we can do as Fellows is take each situation case by case. Students need help creating good study habits. They need help understanding what Homer meant in Chapter 'N' of the Odyssey."

Favorite Heritage text: "Hands down, The Odyssey. I have always been fascinated by ancient Greece and Greek mythology."

Favorite class: Hertitage 104: Asian Studies. "In that class, we discussed the culture clash between American and Asian cultures. Because of an honors contract that I underwent, I ended up having to do two major presentations to the class pertaining to Asian and American cultures. Through the two projects, my research, and the texts for the class, I found myself excited for the class each day and was saddened when it ended far too soon for my liking. ... In the end, I had made so many personal discoveries in that class that my head was spinning. I guess that I just really connected with the lessons that were taught."

Toughest Class: "Toughest class? It would have to be Spanish 202. Learning a foreign language is not easy. My hat's off to those who are majoring in a foreign language. I truly admire their ambition."

Favorite moments at Carthage: "Fall on the Carthage campus is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. If you go to any event on campus, you'll see how supportive we are of each other. We are a close-knit community. It's an encouraging thing to see. Christmas Fest really is everything that people say it is, and so much more."

Favorite spot on campus: "While anyone who knows me will tell you that I pretty much live in the library and the theater, I would say that my favorite spot on campus is the grassy hillside that leads down to the lake between Johnson Hall and South Hall. Sunrises from there in the winter are truly magical."

Career goals: Matthew has many things he wants to do after he graduates: Start a graphic design business, obtain a master's degree, become a teacher or professor. "There are many things I want to do once out of Carthage," he said. His goals include starting his own graphic design business, getting his master's degree, and becoming a teacher or professor someday. "The sky's the limit," he said.

— Elizabeth Reinhardt

Academic Resources

Prospective Students

Hannibal Lectures

Popular lecture series draws professors and students deeper into Western Heritage texts. Read more.

Western Heritage

Freshman seminar series develops key reading, writing, cultural literacy and oral communication skills. Read more ...