Going for a Rhodes: new office prepares students

By Adam Bronstein

This year, a record number of fourth-year University students received nominations by the University's College of Arts & Sciences for the prestigious Marshall and Rhodes Scholarships. The increase has primarily been due to the creation of the College Fellowships Office, which is part of Arts & Sciences. It was created not only to accommodate the larger number of applicants for the various awards, but also to assist students who wish to apply in the future.

Supported by President John T. Casteen III and Arts & Sciences Dean Melvyn P. Leffler, the office opened its doors this semester and is located in Garrett Hall.

"It was the proper time for the University to make a financial and structural commitment to go towards a College Fellowships Office," said assistant dean Lynn Davis, who oversees the office along with William Wilson, also an assistant dean.

Wilson, who was the fellowship adviser before the office was created, previously had to handle all applications by students. "It was kind of make-shift before . ... we had something very old-fashioned," he admits.

With the larger number of applicants this year, he was particularly pleased when the proposal was finalized. "Now, we fit right in with the goals for academic advising for the College."

The new office provides a more consolidated outlet for students looking for scholarship opportunities. A resource library provides information on all of the fellowships available to students. There are also computers that can be used for Web-based searches. "It is helpful to have all this information in one place," said Davis.

Staff members also counsel students by reading their personal statements, cultivating their interviewing skills and providing workshops. The office "has been very supportive," said fourth-year Arts & Sciences student Steven Shepard, a nominee for both the Marshall and Rhodes scholarships.

Assistant Director Nicole Hurd says that they are especially interested in advising students as early as their first and second years, and even have information on scholarships available to them. "We want students to develop a coherent academic plan," she explained.

Some of the awards have specific criteria: the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, for example, offers up to $7,000 for second- or third-year students who intend to pursue careers in the natural sciences or mathematics. Other awards are given on a more general basis. The Beinecke Memorial Scholarship identifies college juniors of exceptional ability and carries them through their senior year and two years of graduate study at a university or a professional school of their choice.

By having such a wide range of awards and qualifications, the office is able to appeal to many students. "In this way," Wilson believes, "we can show all students what a good curriculum would look like to the finest scholarship programs."

Wilson strongly encourages students to apply for these opportunities, despite their highly competitive nature. "Whether students win or lose, it is about putting themselves together . ... they have to come to terms with their past and future."

Shepard agrees with Wilson. "You've put down in 1,000 words the most important things about you and what you want to become. Afterwards, you know who you are. I feel good to have done it."

For now, Shepard must wait until early December before he and the College's 11 other Marshall nominees and seven other Rhodes nominees know whether they will be selected for the prominent opportunity to study in the United Kindom. In the meantime, the new College Fellowships Office will continue working with other outstanding University students.

Nicole Hurd, assistant director
Office hours: M-F, 1-5 p.m.
B-13 Garrett Hall
924-3672
clas-fellowships@virginia.edu http://www.virginia.edu/artsandsciences/clas/support/fellow.htm