Syracuse University senior among 32 American men and women chosen as 2002 Rhodes Scholars

Syracuse University senior among 32 American men and women chosen as 2002 Rhodes ScholarsDecember 10, 2001Cynthia J. Moritzcjmoritz@syr.edu

Grace E. Yu of Montrose, Calif., a senior political science and history major in Syracuse University?s College of Arts and Sciences, has been named a Rhodes Scholar. Yu is the recipient of several University awards, including the highest undergraduate academic honor, Syracuse University Scholar. She will receive her bachelor?s degree this month.

“I?m delighted for Grace and for the faculty who so ably mentored her,” says SU Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw. “We all have reason to be very proud.”

Grace Yu personifies the spirit of embracing the rich opportunities of a liberal education with gusto, energy and commitment, says Cathryn Newton, dean of SU?s College of Arts and Sciences. We are thrilled for her. She will surely inspire other fine students to set their own intellectual sights high.

The Rhodes Scholarship will afford Yu the opportunity to pursue a doctorate in Japanese studies at England?s Oxford University. The scholarship pays for two years of study with the possibility of renewal for a third year.

In 2001, Yu was named a University Scholar, the highest honor given to SU undergraduates. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key. She received the James F. Reynolds Award for political science undergraduate research in 1999 and 2000. She served as a special assistant to the White House for intergovernmental affairs and an IGA representative for China trade and World Trade Organization issues.

During her undergraduate career, Yu has also been a research assistant to Grant Reeher, associate professor of political science in SU?s Maxwell School and College of Arts and Sciences, as well as a member of the University Senate?s Academic Affairs Committee and a member of the Student Government Association.

Since June 2001, Yu has been a research fellow and guest lecturer at the Matsushita Institute of Government and Management in Japan, where she lectures on American politics and does research on the U.S.-Japan-China relationship.

Rhodes Scholars are chosen not just for their academic achievements, but also for such traits as character, leadership potential and physical vigor. The scholarships were established after the death of Cecil Rhodes in 1902. Rhodes hoped the scholars would benefit from education at Oxford, then return to their home countries, enriched by the experience and able to contribute to closer international relations.

The first American scholars were chosen in 1904. Today, scholars are chosen from around the world, with 32 coming from the United States each year. Candidates are chosen by selection committees throughout the country. Students can apply in the state where they live or where they have gone to school for at least two years. Each state nominates applicants to appear before a district committee. Each district committee chooses four applicants. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 24, must be U.S. citizens, and must complete their bachelor?s degrees before going into residence at Oxford.

Elliott Portnoy was SU?s first Rhodes Scholar, in 1986. He received a bachelor?s degree in political science from SU, then studied politics, philosophy and economics at Oxford.

Officially chartered in 1870 as a private, coeducational institution of higher education, Syracuse University is a leading student-centered research university. Syracuse?s 11 schools and colleges share a common mission: to promote learning through teaching, research, scholarship, creative accomplishment and service while embracing the core values of quality, caring, diversity, innovation and service. The 680-acre campus is home to more than 18,000 full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 90 countries.