Thirty-two American students were selected this week as Rhodes Scholars, receiving what is widely considered the most elite award and scholarship for international study.
Four of those recipients are current or former NCAA student-athletes, each of whom will receive a fully funded opportunity to study at the University of Oxford in England for at least two years. Each scholarship is valued at $50,000 per year.
The student-athletes receiving the award are:
- Jennifer C. Hebert, of Pittsburgh, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, where she is majoring in the biological basis of behavior. She is a member of the Penn rowing team and represents the United States as a member of the U.S. National Rowing Team. Hebert plans to pursue a master’s degree in psychiatry at Oxford.
- Sarah B. Kovan, of Okemas, Michigan, is a senior majoring in comparative cultures at Michigan State University. While providing health-related service at home and abroad, Kovan has been the starting midfielder for Michigan State's women's soccer team. She will pursue a master’s of philosophy degree in development studies.
- Machmud A. Makhmudov, of Lilburn, Georgia, will graduate from Oberlin College with a degree in politics and minors in environmental studies and international studies. Makhmudov, a pitcher for the Oberlin baseball team, will pursue a master’s degree in public policy at Oxford.
- Megan G. Musilli, from El Dorado Hills, California, attends the U.S. Naval Academy, where she will graduate with a degree in mathematics before pursuing a career as a physician in the U.S. Navy. A former varsity rower for Navy, Musilli was a member of the team that won the Patriot League championship and has competed in the NCAA rowing championships. She plans to pursue a master’s in medical anthropology at Oxford.
Rhodes Scholars are chosen not only for their outstanding scholarly achievements, but also for their character, commitment to others and to the common good, and for their leadership potential in whatever domains their careers may lead.
Each year, a total of 80 Rhodes Scholars receive the award, including 32 from the U.S. These 32 students will commence their studies at Oxford in October 2016. They were selected Saturday from a pool of 869 candidates who had been nominated by their colleges and universities, based on criteria established by the will of Cecil Rhodes.
For more information about the 2016 Rhodes Scholars, click here.