Vanderbilt University honors 2025 Founder’s Medalists History of Art Major Nikki Takahashi Weitzenhoffer
Nikki Takahashi Weitzenhoffer, from Norman, Oklahoma, is this year’s Founder’s Medalist for the College of Arts and Science, majoring in History of Art.
Weitzenhoffer earned highest accolades for her history of art honors thesis. The project focused on Ukiyo-e, which means “pictures of the floating world.” It’s a Japanese art form of the 17th–19th centuries that depicts scenes from everyday life on woodblock prints and paintings. She learned how historical
research can illuminate broader cultural questions, which inspired her to pursue a master’s degree at Vanderbilt in History of Art.
Her leadership roles include co-president of the History of Art Society and co-assistant director of the Research on Conflict and Collective Action Lab. She said the ROCCA Lab strengthened her commitment to use research as a tool for advocacy.
She also was a senior staff editor for Vanderbilt Historical Review, group leader for Volunteers for Health and a Buchanan Library Fellow.
Weitzenhoffer said she is grateful for the transformative guidance of Helmut Smith in history and Susan Dine in history of art and architecture, professors who shaped her academic journey, future aspirations and growth.
After earning her master’s, she plans to go to law school and develop expertise in art and cultural heritage restitution law.