Other Awards

Fulbright Scholarships

The Fulbright program annually awards more than 600 scholarships for graduate study in over 100 foreign countries. The amount and nature of the award vary according to the country, university, and field of study, but it is usually sufficient to cover all expenses for the nine-month stay. Three Washington and Lee seniors received Fulbrights for 1995-96. Washington and Lee seniors have received 30 Fulbrights within the last ten years.

A candidate for a Fulbright should have a high scholastic average and at least two years of college work in the language of the country of study. The candidate must submit a detailed statement of purpose for studying abroad, including the reasons for choosing a particular country and course of study.

All applications, including research proposal and recommendations, must be submitted to the liaison offer no later than October 12, so that they may be evaluated by the Committee on Graduate Fellowships before the Fulbright deadline of October 31. Application forms may be obtained the preceding May, and students should consult with the liaison offer well in advance of the fall deadlines.

Liaison Officer: Liaison Officer: Prof. Edwin D. Craun, Payne Hall 32D

Fulbright Web Site

 

Luce Scholarships

The Luce Scholarships were established to provide future American leaders with a deeper, first-hand appreciation of Asian cultures and societies. Every year fifteen American college graduates are chosen to live for ten months in East and Southeast Asia and to work with fellow professionals there. The Luce Scholars program is not for Asian specialists or for those who have already lived for some time in Asia; instead, it offers a cultural and experiential opportunity to those with career interests outside of Asian studies who might onto otherwise live or work in East Asia.

The Luce program operates throughout most of East and Southeast Asia. It is appropriate for a candidate to express a preference for a particular country, but candidates cannot be guaranteed their first choice. The Foundation then seeks out a firm or institution where the scholar can work and provides a significant monthly stipend, cost of living and housing allowances, plus air fare to Asia.

The Luce Foundation judges applicants on the basis of high academic achievement, a clearly defined career interest, leadership potential, and adaptability to other cultures. Luce Scholars must be under 30 years of age by September 1 of the year in which the award is used.

Deadline for Application: November 6. Materials usually arrive in mid-summer. Applications are reviewed first by the Committee on Graduate Fellowships, which selected two nominees and then forwards their materials to the Luce Foundation.

Liaison Officer: Associate Dean Bent

Luce Scholarship Web Site

 

Rhodes Scholarships

The Rhodes Scholarships were created by the will of Cecil J. Rhodes, a British colonial pioneer and statesman. They provide for two years of study at the University of Oxford, with the possibility of renewal for a third year. The Rhodes Trustees pay the Scholar all educational costs, maintenance, and travel expenses.

Cecil Rhodes wished to advance international understanding and peace by bringing together talented young men and women in an environment highly congenial to personal and intellectual development.

Rhodes specified that the persons chosen as Scholars should have demonstrated literary and scholastic attainments; truthfulness, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindness, unselfishness, and fellowship; exhibition of moral force of character and of instincts to lead and to take an interest in one's contemporaries; and physical vigor, as shown by fondness for and success in sports.

Committees of Selection meet in each American state in early December. District Committees meet three days later to decide which of the candidates nominated at the state level will receive scholarships. A candidate must be a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years of age, and no more than 24 years of age. He or she must be a college senior, sure to graduate by October of the year of matriculation at Oxford.

Deadline for Application: October 16 (Forms arrive in late summer. They are lengthy and require five to eight references.)

Applicants must also seek institutional endorsement.

Liaison Officer: Associate Dean Bent

Rhodes Scholarship Web Site

 

Harry S. Truman Fellowships

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, established by Congress in honor of the 33rd president, provides opportunities for outstanding students to prepare for careers in public service. Public service is broadly understood as participation in government and related public service, and potential leadership ability is emphasized.

One scholarship is awarded each year to a resident nominee in each of the 50 states; in addition, 30-40 scholars-at-large may be chosen. Nominees must be full-time students who will be seniors in the forthcoming academic year.

Truman scholars receive up to $3000 for the senior year of college and up to $27,000 for graduate school.

Washington and Lee may nominate three candidates, who have at least a B average and rank in the top third of their class. The specific major of prospective candidates is lessimportant than the desire to enter public service. Science majors interested in public health or the environment, for example, may be competitive candidates, along with those majoring in the humanities or social sciences. The candidates will be chosen on the basis of their academic record and potential for leadership in public service.

Deadline for application: Interested juniors should contact the liaison officer by mid-October. A draft application should be prepared by mid-January, and applications, including all supporting material, must be recieved by The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation by early February.

Liaison Officer: Associate Dean Bent

Truman Fellowship Web Site