UQ graduate wins 2004 Rhodes Scholarship

A University of Queensland graduate has been chosen as the 2004 Queensland Rhodes Scholar.

Andrew Stumer graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Arts/Law in May 2002. He will head to the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom to take up the scholarship.

The 24-year-old, who has a passion for ancient history, said he was delighted to have been chosen to receive the scholarship.

“I’m hoping to study for a research degree at Oxford with a focus on international law,” he said.

Mr Stumer, a University Medal winner in Law, has an outstanding academic record that includes several Dean’s Commendations for High Achievement. In 1998 he was awarded the Katherine McGregor Prize for Introductory Latin or Greek.

He is an active supporter of the Red Cross and is a volunteer organiser in the Burleigh Holiday Program.

The Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC made the announcement this evening (Tuesday, October 28) at UQ’s St Lucia campus.

The selection committee interviewed six short-listed candidates before choosing Mr Stumer who will join five winners from the other states and three from Australia-at-Large. This year the selection committee received 26 applications for the scholarship.

The 2003 Queensland Rhodes Scholar was Kateena O’Gorman who graduated from UQ with a Bachelor of Laws with first class honours in May 2003.

A total of nine Rhodes Scholarships are awarded nationally each year – one for each state and three for Australia-at-large.

Founded in 1902 under the will of the late Cecil John Rhodes, the scholarships are tenable at Oxford University for an initial two years, with the possibility of a third.

Candidates must be aged between 19 and 25 years and citizens of the country from which they are selected. Since the scheme began, approximately 500 Rhodes Scholars have been selected, with women becoming eligible in 1972.

The qualities set out by the late Cecil Rhodes for those seeking Rhodes Scholarships include academic and intellectual excellence, integrity of character, respect for fellow beings and a capacity for leadership. Sporting prowess is an advantage, but not a necessity.
For photos please, contact Diana Lilley (telephone 07 3365 2753 or email: d.lilley@uq.edu.au).

Media: For further information, contact Andrew Stumer (telephone 0407 346 826 or email: andrew.stumer@aar.com.au) or Douglas Porter, Honorary Secretary of the Queensland Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee (telephone 07 3365 1311) or Chris Saxby at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2479 or email: c.saxby@uq.edu.au).