Evelyn Gore

What’s your favorite class? Why?

My favorite class at L&C is definitely the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program taught by Rebecca Lingafelter. It is a prison exchange program that brings college students and incarcerated students into one class. Every Friday, we go to class in a local prison and learn alongside each other. The program itself offers courses in all kinds of subjects, but in this course specifically, we are studying autobiographical performance. Though, it isn’t just about learning about the practice of autobiographical performance, it is also about community. Inside this class, I’ve made special connections with people that I would not have had the opportunity to meet if not for this class. I have felt challenged not only as an actress, but also as a person, in the best ways. This class has and will leave a lasting impact.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I applied to L&C on a whim. I exclusively applied because it was one of the few schools that offered a free application fee. It wasn’t a school that I was seriously considering, but upon my acceptance to the school, I decided to look further into the school, and it became a strong contender. I was really interested in College Outdoors. Growing up, I didn’t have a lot of access to the outdoors for familial and financial reasons, and when I found out that at L&C, I would be able to explore and learn about the outdoors in ways I had never been able to before, Lewis & Clark became my clear number one choice.

What do you like or find most interesting about your major?

Inside the biochemistry and molecular biology (BCMB) major, I love how curiosity is celebrated. As a student who wants to know more and is always asking “why?” This is an important trait of a program. I also appreciate the professorial staff within the program. We have professors who specialize in all sorts of subjects, it is assured that you will be able to find common interest among them. As far as my theatre major goes, my favorite part is how community-based the theatre is. Though often times there is a set director, actor, and tech, at the fir acres theatre, it feels much more cooperative. Something that drew me to the major, was actually the thesis requirement. As a senior theatre major, I will get the opportunity to produce my own show. Whether I am directing or acting, it is a unique chance to create my own art, that I look forward to taking advantage of.

Tell us about your support systems and social outlets on campus: people, activities, clubs, res halls, etc.

My friends are a huge support system for me, friends that I even met in my New Student Trip (NST) freshman year. I’ve got friends from all parts of campus, which is nice. Friends in theatre, friends in my organic chemistry, and friends who are in completely opposite majors to me like sociology and anthropology (SOAN). For me, having the balance of creative arts and STEM, serves to support me, it allows me to rest one part of my brain while I exercise the other. College Outdoors has been a club that has been a great outlet for me. Getting out on a surf trip for the weekend, or a hike on the Columbia River Gorge, heals my soul and recharges my brain.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

I would advise incoming students to take advantage of every opportunity that this school offers. Get outside, enjoy the beautiful campus, get involved in clubs. It can be easy to get in a rut of only doing school work, but it is important to tend to your own garden and do things that you enjoy.

How are you involved in the arts at L&C?

As an actress, I get to create. I get this opportunity through my theatre studies and extracurricular performances. I’ve been involved in the one-act and thesis festival. These are both student-produced productions, so I get to work alongside students, which is a really special thing.

How did your financial aid package influence your decision to attend Lewis & Clark?

The financial aid package that I was granted from L&C was the reason why I was able to come here. If it weren’t for the scholarship money, I wouldn’t have been able to call this campus my home, something I’ve dreamed of for a while.

If you went on a New Student Trip with College Outdoors, how did it shape your experience as an incoming student?

I met some of my closest friends on my NST. Getting to have friendly and familiar faces before classes made me feel a lot less anxious, it made the first day of classes feel a whole lot less scary. My NST inspired me to become a leader so that I could give back to the future incoming students.

How has College Outdoors influenced and improved your college experience?

Getting to be involved with College Outdoors (CO) has made me so abundantly grateful for the opportunities it offers. If I told myself three years ago that I would be leading a surfing trip, I would not believe it. CO has taught me so much about the outdoors, and it has given me an invitation into the outdoorsy community, which can sometimes feel exclusive. I feel eternally grateful to have access to CO, and it has truly made my college experience beyond memorable.

Which residence halls have you lived in? How would you describe the hall’s personality? What is/was the best thing about living on campus?

I lived in Platt my freshman year. It was a quiet hall, full of artists of all kinds. I loved having access to the Platteau. Now I live in Forest and it is super social. I’ve got friends all around. My hall-mates are so friendly and giving, we frequently share food, have jam sessions, and study together.

What’s one of the best spots on campus?

One of my favorite spots on campus is below the reflecting pool. It is the best place to lay out in the sun with friends, and there are tons of little critters to catch and find, like newts, frogs, and snakes!

What’s one of your best Lewis & Clark memories so far?

One of my best memories at L&C was my freshman year when we had a huge, record-breaking snow storm. We had three snow days, and there was a huge snowball fight. No one had proper attire, and it was freezing cold, but that did not stop us. We were out for hours.

Why are you planning to double major? What relationship do you see between your studies?

Whenever I tell people that I am double majoring in theatre and biochemistry, I am often met with a response of shock. People always point out how opposite my studies are, but as I dive deeper into both of my majors, I find that there is so much overlap. In both of my majors I get to find out the answers. In BCMB I am searching for the answers and in theatre I get to ask questions and create an answer. I am grateful that at Lewis & Clark, I am able to explore both of my passions, as contradictory as they may be. 

Biochemistry Theatre