Drew University has its first Rhodes Scholar. Dena Pedynowski, a senior Biology major in the College, made Drew history in December when the Rhodes Scholarship Trust named her one of thirty-two American men and woman chosen to study at the University of Oxford in England.

Since 1903, 2,854 Americans have won Rhodes Scholarships. In those 95 years, the scholars have come from only 293 colleges and universities. To put this in perspective, the nation now boasts 4,009 colleges and universities, of which 2,267 are four-year institutions (a Rhodes Scholar is required to have received at least two years of college training and a Bachelor's degree). So, after nearly a century, only 13 percent of the nation's colleges and universities are represented on this selective list. The 1999 Rhodes Scholarship class, for example, has three students from Harvard, three students from the University of Chicago, and two students from Yale. Last year, four scholars from Harvard were elected. One fourth of this year's scholars came from only three universities.

The Rhodes Scholarship has been available to women since 1976. In those 32 years, 276 women have received this prestigious scholarship.

To be added to this list, especially in the Northeast where the competition is perhaps most competitive, is indeed a great honor. Drew competes with students who are either residents of or attend universities in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Rhode Island - states that are the homes to many of our nation's top universities.

Nevertheless, I am not surprised to see Dena Pedynowski and Drew University on the list. I'm only surprised that a Drew scholar was not recognized sooner.

Prospective Rhodes Scholar candidates are judged on literary and scholastic attainments; fondness for and success in sports; truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship; and moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one's fellow beings. As a student at Princeton University and throughout my professional life, I have come to know many Rhodes Scholars. Without exception, I have been impressed with their intellect, compassion, and character.

The Rhodes Scholarship Trust says, "Selection committees are charged to seek excellence in qualities of mind and in qualities of person which, in combination, offer the promise of effective service to the world in the decades ahead."

Since I have been President, I have had the privilege of recommending a number of applicants who meet that definition for the Rhodes Scholarship. Each year I believed would be the year that Drew would break through the Rhodes ceiling.

Even as I endorsed these candidates for consideration by the District Selection Committee, I know that there were many other potential candidates on campus - students who could compete with students from any university in the country. I am proud of our students. They come to Drew from some of the best high schools in the country, and our faculty and staff do a first-rate job in bringing out their potential.

Drew's trustees, faculty, staff and administration, parents, and alumni are proud of each student that receives a Drew degree. The highest level of education for thirteen percent of our county's citizens is a bachelor's degree. A small percentage of this receives a degree from Drew, making Drew alumni a very special group.

Now we have our first Rhodes Scholar. Congratulations, Dena. Your achievement gives deserved recognition to the many Drew University scholars who have proceeded you. I hope many others follow.

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