Region's three Rhodes Scholarships awarded to Dal students

Region's three Rhodes Scholarships awarded to Dal students

by Charles Crosby and Dawn Morrison

	Matthew Knox

Dalhousie University students have won all three of the Atlantic Region's Rhodes Scholarships for 2005.

In an unprecedented sweep, three Dal students - Matthew Knox, Anna Robinson and Graham Reynolds - have won both Maritime region awards, as well as the Newfoundland award.

"This is a huge accomplishment for these students and a great day for Dalhousie," says President Tom Traves. "As far as we can tell, this is the first time students from one university have won all the Rhodes Scholarships from that region and we're delighted we could be the first. Dalhousie is dedicated to nurturing the skills and talents of the quality students we attract and we couldn't be happier for Matthew, Anna and Graham, who embody that dedication."

	Anna Robinson

Matthew Knox, a kinesiology student, is an avid hockey player, coach, and referee who has worked as a counselor at Camp Goodtime for children with cancer and brain tumours. He is from Halifax, NS and is in the final year of a science degree in kinesiology.

"It is hard to put into words what this accomplishment means to me," says Knox. "It is truly the opportunity of a lifetime. It is very gratifying to have the work that I have done in the community acknowledged in this way. This is a wonderful opportunity to advance my education, which will benefit me throughout my lifetime."

Anna Robinson, a neuroscience student, has many extracurricular interests including the Brazilian Martial Art of Capoeira. She is an active fund raiser for charities and she volunteers with brain-injured patients during their rehabilitation. She hails from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland and is an honours neuroscience student.

"I still can't believe this is happening to me!," says Robinson. "I honestly feel as though my life changed in a day. It will be a while before I stop smiling."

	Graham Reynolds

Graham Reynolds, a law student, is a talented musician and an active volunteer with the Pro Bono Students Association at Dalhousie.

"I feel very honoured to have been named as a Rhodes Scholar," says Reynolds. "I'm very excited to have the opportunity to continue my law studies at Oxford University, a school with such an incredible tradition of academic excellence and international scholarship. My time at Dal has prepared me well for the challenges that lie ahead."

Rhodes Scholarships provide two or three years of study at Oxford. The Rhodes Scholarships, oldest of the international study awards available to Canadian students, were created in 1902 by Cecil Rhodes. Applicants are chosen on the basis of criteria of high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potenital for leadership and physical vigor.

With the three scholarships announced this week, Dalhousie has now produced 85 Rhodes Scholars, more than any other university in the region.