A University of Queensland arts/law student has been chosen as the 2003 Queensland Rhodes Scholar.
Kateena O’Gorman will graduate from the University at the end of this year and will head to Oxford University in the United Kingdom to take up the scholarship in September next year.
The 22-year-old plans to complete a Doctor of Philosophy examining domestic legal systems and human rights abuse, in particular common law development to make corporations liable for offences such as intimidation of union workers and enforced working conditions.
Ms O’Gorman has an outstanding academic record, having received several Dean’s Commendations for High Achievement. Her more recent awards include the 2001 Mallesons Stephen Jaques Bursary, the 2001 Allens Arthur Robinson Law Prize for Overall Excellence and the 2001 Maria De Donatis Memorial Prize in Corporate Law.
Her scholarship win out of a field of six candidates was announced tonight (Tuesday, October 15) at UQ’s St Lucia campus by the Governor of Queensland, His Excellency Major General Peter Arnison, AC CVO.
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.
Media: For further information, contact Douglas Porter, Honorary Secretary of the Queensland Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee (telephone 07 3365 1311) or Joanne van Zeeland at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2619 or email: communications@uq.edu.au).
