McGill reaps two Rhodes
University obtains both Rhodes Scholarships awarded to Quebec students for 2002
McGill has received a double-treat this December -- no fewer than two of its students have been named 2002 Rhodes Scholars. Vancouver native Kimberley Brownlee, who graduated from McGill with a bachelors degree in philosophy last spring, and Montreal native François Tanguay-Renaud, who will receive a degree in common law from McGill this spring, are both off to Oxford University next year.
McGill is especially proud of its Rhodes accomplishments, says Bruce Shore, the Universitys dean of students, because McGillians reaped both Oxford scholarships granted to Quebecers for 2002. "Since our students come from such diverse and remarkable backgrounds," he says, "McGill produces prime candidates that fit the Rhodes Scholar multiple criteria."
Nothing gets in her way
Kimberley Brownlee is currently completing a one-year master of philosophy at Trinity College, in Cambridge, supported by a Commonwealth Scholarship. She isnt the least bit frazzled about studying at Oxford, despite being legally blind, a condition she wont permit to block her path to success.
"My genetic disorder - oculocutaneous albinism - has never hampered my academic pursuits," she says. "I have never held back from trying something new, be it ballet training from the day I turned three or, more recently, attempting cliff-jumping, ball-room dancing, sailing and rappelling. I relish daunting projects that test my capabilities."
A Canadian to watch
As a brown-belt in judo and a swing-dance enthusiast, François Tanguay-Renaud is another physically active student. Academically, hes distinguished himself by receiving two prestigious bursaries for 1998-2001: the National Scholarship and Greville Smith Scholarship. His various work experience has included an internship with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. Its not surprising that Tanguay-Renaud was named "100 Canadians to Watch" by Macleans in 2000.
A McGill tradition continues
The nomination of Brownlee and Tanguay-Renaud as Rhodes Scholars follows a long-standing tradition of McGill students going off to Oxford University. They have become McGills 117th and 118th Rhodes Scholars.
To interviews McGills latest Rhodes Scholars, please contact Sylvain-Jacques Desjardins at 514-398-6752.
