Fox Cities News

Maddy Tevonian, a senior at Lawrence University, is making the most of her academic journey by delving into religious studies and art history. Tevonian, a double major in these fields, is currently working on a capstone project that examines Buddhist art through the lens of religious studies and movement theory, with plans to turn it into an honors thesis.

Tevonian, hailing from Wilmette, Illinois, has harbored a deep fascination with religion since a young age. She expressed, "Everyone has an opinion on religion, whether they believe in one or not; it's so universal.”

Driven by her passion for exploring different cultures, Tevonian made studying abroad a priority during her time at Lawrence. She shared, “I had about 10 different countries I wanted to go visit,” which led her to embark on educational journeys to India and Nepal.

During her time in India, Tevonian participated in a Buddhist Studies program, immersing herself in the study of how art is intertwined with religious practices. This experience motivated her to further her studies in Nepal, focusing on the Tibetan language and conducting research on the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu.

Reflecting on her academic pursuits, Tevonian mentioned the evolution of her capstone project, stating, "The capstone had more of an art history focus. Now I'm focusing in on the religious studies to present before the Honors Committee."

Aside from her academic endeavors, Tevonian actively engages with the Lawrence University community through her involvement in various clubs and organizations, such as the frisbee team, the Recess Club, LU Rock Climbers Club, and the Outdoor Recreation Club.

Looking ahead, Tevonian plans to take a gap year post-graduation to apply to graduate school programs in religious studies. She aims to continue her exploration of Buddhist studies and the manifestation of religion in everyday life. “I love talking to people and experiencing religion in daily life," she affirmed.

In summary, Maddy Tevonian exemplifies a student who is not only dedicated to her academic pursuits but also passionate about immersing herself in diverse cultures and experiences to broaden her understanding of religious studies and art history.