Nancy D.W. Moure’s Endowed Scholarship helps students study American art history
Nancy D. W. Moure’s grandfather immigrated to the United States from Germany. He was a cattle herder, and she might have been destined for a similar life.
“When they came over here, they knew the best they could do for their children was in education,” Moure said.
Moure, who wrote about, cataloged, curated, consulted, and studied art throughout her career, wants to help a San Diego State University Student gain a similar appreciation of art and education through her generous scholarship contribution.
The Nancy D.W. Moure’s Endowed Scholarship will provide support to students in the Art History Program in the School of Art and Design in the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts, who have demonstrated an interest in the history of visual Art of the Americas from any period ancient/prehistoric up to 1960.
Moure was born in Dayton, Ohio before moving to San Diego with her family at a young age. She eventually went on to study at San Diego State College, since renamed San Diego State University.
“My family did not have much money. So, in my case, I was fortunate to live within walking distance of San Diego State College,” Moure said.
Moure started working at the loan office on campus to afford the expenses of college.
“I didn't have time for extracurricular activities,” Moure shared. “I wasn't able to attend any of the football games or any of that.”
She does not regret missing those events, and the education she earned at SDSU set her up for a successful career in the arts.
“I can't function outside of an intellectual milieu,” she said. “I can't. I’m art-oriented. I’m project-oriented. If I hadn't had an education, I would not have had the opportunity to do art, to do projects. I don't know what I would have done. It would have been no life for me.”
Moure’s endowed scholarship allows for an art history student to earn a scholarship while studying, what Moure believes, is an underappreciated period of art.
“When I was growing up, Americans considered Europe as the leader in everything and saw [their own] art historically secondary,” she said. “I believe Americans should be proud of the art history that has transpired in the Americas. Because of so many years of disregard, the subject still offers new, exciting and unexplored themes worthy of elucidation."
Moure recognizes that working through college is tough. Her gift will allow a student an easier path through college, while researching an understudied period of art.
“Through this scholarship I hope to help others who are also seriously striving to attain their goals,” she said. “I feel fortunate, and I want to give back.”
Students interested in applying for this scholarship should do so through the Aztec Scholarship system.
