Contact: Ron Fisher, Honors College, (517) 355-2326; or Kristin Anderson, University Relations, (517) 353-8819, ander284@msu.edu
10/24/2003
EAST LANSING, Mich. � Andrew Goetz of Fort Wayne, Ind., a senior at Michigan State University, is no stranger to studying abroad � he�s studied in London and Edinburgh - and is again hoping to continue his pursuit of knowledge in the United Kingdom.
Goetz is one of five MSU students to be nominated by the faculty for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship and the opportunity to study at OxfordUniversity.
�The scholarship program offers significant flexibility and would allow me to specialize further in politics and continue my studies in economics,� Goetz said. �Oxford University is an opportunity to develop intellectually through political discourse with some of the brightest students in the world. It really is an honor to be nominated by the university, and, of course, my parents are very proud, too.�
Goetz, son of Michael and Arlene Goetz, is a 2000 graduate of Carroll High School. He is pursuing a degree in political science from the College of Social Science and a chemistry degree from the College of Natural Science. He is a member of the MSUHonorsCollege. Goetz was one of MSU�s finalists for the Truman Scholarship in 2003.
If selected for the Rhodes Scholarship he would pursue a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy, politics and economics, and specialize in the branches of politics and economics, building on the coursework he has taken at MSU.
�I�ve received an unbelievable education at MSU, and have been challenged and taught how to think critically and analyze issues from every angle,� he said. �My most valuable lessons have always come from one-on-one challenges, each requiring me to stand determinedly and face them. Oxford�s learning environment will take these experience one step further, providing a highly scrutinizing environment with individualized tutoring and instruction that would encourage me to reach my highest potential.�
Goetz�s activities at MSU include serving as president of the MSU College Democrats and vice president of the College Democrats of Michigan. He served as an intern for Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard, and for State Rep. Virg Bernero in Lansing.He was a research assistant in MSU�s chemistry department, and at Therma TruDoor Systems.
His awards and honors include Phi Beta Kappa. He has received the American Chemical Society Award for the Highest Performing Chemistry Student on three occasions, is a MSU Distinguished Freshman Scholar, and the recipient of the MSU Cole International Study Award, the Herbert T. Graham Chemistry Scholarship and the Raytheon Company Scholarship.
�Being nominated by the MSU faculty for the Rhodes Scholarship is a distinct honor in at least two ways: it recognizes students for their tremendous accomplishments and their academic abilities, and also is a reward for the effort the student expends in completing the application process,� said Ron Fisher, director of the MSU Honors College. �We wish Andrew all the best as he continues in the scholarship process.�
The Rhodes Scholarships, the oldest of the international awards, bring outstanding students from many countries around the world to study at Oxford University. They are appointed for two years of study at Oxford, with the possibility of renewal for a third year. Thirty-two scholars are selected each year. Results of this year�s competition will be announced on Nov. 22.
For more information on the Rhodes Scholarships, visit the Web at www.rhodesscholar.org