Names of 32 students were announced Saturday for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship by Elliot F. Gerson, American Secretary of the Rhodes Trust. The scholarship, run by the Oxford University, England, commences October 2013. The distinguished students have been picked up from across the nation representing various sections.
Rhodes Scholarship will fund all the expenses for the two or three years of study at the University of Oxford for the selected students. And the trust may continue to sponsor their education for four years, in some cases.
"The oldest and best known award for international study, and arguably the most famous academic award available to American college graduates," said Gerson referring to the Rhodes Scholarships, in an official press release.
Rhodes Scholars are chosen in a two-stage process. First and foremost, candidates must be recommended by their college or university. This year, approximately 1700 students sought their institution's endorsement, 838 were endorsed by 302 different colleges and universities, said the release.
The selection committees in each of the 16 U.S. districts will summon the strongest applicants for a personal interview.
The desirable candidates are picked up based on certain established parameters by the trustees. The students are judged on various criteria, from their educational achievement to their attitude.
"Applicants are chosen on the basis of the criteria set down in the Will of Cecil Rhodes. These criteria are high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership and physical vigor. These basic characteristics are directed at fulfilling Mr. Rhodes's hopes that the Rhodes Scholars would make an effective and positive contribution throughout the world. In Rhodes' words, his Scholars should 'esteem the performance of public duties as their highest aim," Gerson explained.
Applicants in the U.S. may apply either through the state where they are legally resident or where they have attended college for at least two years.
The district committees make a final selection of two Rhodes Scholars from the candidates of the state or states within the district. Two-hundred twelve applicants from 88 different colleges and universities reached the final stage of the competition, including 12 that had never before had a student win a Rhodes Scholarship.
The thirty-two Rhodes Scholars chosen from the U.S will join an international group of Scholars chosen from fourteen other jurisdictions around the world. In addition to the 32 Americans, scholars are also selected from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, the nations of the Commonwealth Caribbean, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan, Southern Africa (South Africa, plus Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Swaziland), Zambia and Zimbabwe.
