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There’s something special about the number three, as Marquis Scholar Julia Kumpan ’07 (Danville, Calif.) will tell you.
A classical civilization major, Kumpan is preparing an honors thesis that explores the significance of the number three in ancient religions leading up to the establishment of Christianity’s Holy Trinity.
“In religions from all over the Roman Empire, the number three played an important role. The number three was considered holy in its unique attribute of unity through plurality. It is the first number with a beginning, middle, and end; thus it is the first complete number,” says Kumpan. “Within this environment, it is of little wonder that the Christians chose a trinity to represent their God.”
Kumpan presented her thesis at the 21st annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research April 12-14 at Dominican University of California in San Rafael. Approximately 2,200 undergraduates from more than 250 colleges and universities attended the conference.
The project has given Kumpan the opportunity to combine her interests in ancient civilizations, religion, and mythology.
“It is exciting to be able to immerse myself in something that I find so fascinating,” she says.
Howard Marblestone, Charles Elliott Professor of Foreign Languages and Literatures, is Kumpan’s thesis adviser.
“The subject of triads is so interesting because it pervades all areas of human thought,” he says. “Julia is not only surveying these in a most interesting way, but also focusing on a comparative analysis of triads in religious thought, with special attention to the Christian Trinity.”
Kumpan is grateful for Marblestone’s knowledge and input as she works on her thesis.
“Professor Marblestone has a passion for the classics and ancient civilizations, which is inspiring,” she says. “My chosen major and research wouldn’t be possible without him. He has helped me follow my own passion, and supported me in my unique course. Although my research is of a very independent nature, he has been a great guide and mentor whenever I have been in need of help.”
After graduation, Kumpan will attend the University of St. Andrews in Scotland to study ancient history.
“I want to focus on ancient Rome at the graduate level, so my research here at Lafayette about religions in the Roman Empire will be excellent preparation for graduate school,” she says.
Marblestone believes Lafayette provides a supportive environment for undergraduate research.
“Undergraduates at Lafayette in the humanities, social sciences, sciences, and engineering have a special, indeed unique, opportunity to strike out on their own, under the supervision of faculty mentors, in significant areas of research. The eagerness of the students to do this and the willingness of faculty to be mentors are remarkable parts of the academic scene at Lafayette,” he says.
Kumpan is a Latin tutor and an aid for Marblestone’s Latin class. Last fall, Kumpan worked with Olga Anna Duhl, associate professor of foreign languages and literatures, to translate a Neo-Latin treatise into French. She is also member of the swim team.
Chosen from among Lafayette’s most promising applicants, Marquis Scholars like Kumpan receive a special academic scholarship and distinctive educational experiences and benefits. This includes a three-week, Lafayette-funded course abroad or in the United States during January’s interim session between semesters or the summer break. Marquis Scholars also participate in mentoring programs with Lafayette faculty and cultural activities in major cities and on campus.
Honors theses are among several major programs that have made Lafayette a national leader in undergraduate research. The College sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year; 21 students were accepted to present their research at this year’s conference.