As a math major who studies history, Somphone Sonenarong ’11 exemplifies the liberal arts. The Bristol, Conn., resident and Hyde Leadership School graduate has found the St. Lawrence faculty ready, willing and able to accommodate his diverse interests. 

He explains, “Last summer I had a St. Lawrence fellowship to work with Prof. Donna Alvah of the history department in researching America’s involvement in the Lao Civil War (1953-1975). I enjoyed sharing my thoughts and analysis of the war and more importantly, I had a great time discovering my family’s history and retelling that story to her,” says Somphone, who is of Lao descent. “At SLU, the student/faculty collaboration is mutually supportive. Faculty members are willing to assist students in achieving their academic potential. Prof. Alvah encouraged me to do research in Lao history.

“Besides pursuing my academic interests at SLU, I interact with professors outside of the classroom by having lunch, coffee, and even hamburgers with them,” he continues. “Faculty members are very concerned about the students and try to help them as much as possible.”

Somphone says his research has become the basis for future studies. This fall, he is expanding upon it while studying on St. Lawrence’s new program at Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand. “This is my first time in Thailand and neighboring Lao,” he explains. “I am meeting family members and gathering more primary accounts of the effects of the American war by conducting interviews with Lao and Thai people. I’m proud to have been a Sullivan Fellow.”

When he’s on campus, Somphone is active with Habitat for Humanity, the Association for Campus Entertainment, and the Rounders Club, which devotes itself to table games.