By Zhao Li
One student will jet around the world once again — this time, on a prestigious scholarship.
UI senior Jeffrey Ding will pursue a master’s degree in international relations at the University of Oxford through the Rhodes Scholarship, one of the most distinguished scholarships in the world, awarded to selected foreign students for them to study at Oxford.
“Cecil Rhodes established this scholarship for those having ‘moral force of character and instincts to lead,” Ambassador Ronald McMullen, a visiting associate professor at the University of Iowa, wrote in an email. “That’s Jeffery Ding.”
Ding, an Iowa City native, was selected as one of 32 American winners of the 2016 Rhodes Scholarships out of 869 applicants. He will receive $50,000 annually for two years.
Ding, who was the UI Student Government vice president last school year, has had previous international experience; he is currently studying abroad at Peking University in China. He said he really enjoys his time in Beijing.
Ding said he chose to study at Oxford because believes the UK gives him chance to learn from some of the brightest minds and with future world leaders.
“The Rhodes Scholarship invests in people who hopefully can take advantage of the opportunity to study at Oxford and provide exponential returns by doing good, building relationships, productively shaping the world,” he said.
Being a triple major in economics, political science, and Chinese, with a certificate in international business, Ding said it’s hard to balance his academic and social life.
“When hanging out with friends in the U.S., we often play pickup basketball or go to campus events,” Ding said. “Here in China, my favorite thing to do with friends is go sing at KTV.”
The UI has produced 19 Rhodes scholars since 1905. The last time a UI student received the distinction was in 2011.
Kelly Thornburg, Honors’ director of scholar development, said she had worked together with Ding for two and a half years, and agreed Ding definitely earned the award.
“The Rhodes is a process that requires so much work for so many people that I don’t generally suggest students who are not competitive apply,” Thornburg said. “I think it’s a great fit for Jeffrey, however, because he does have a vision for what he wants to do in the world of how he wants to contribute.”
Liam Hancock, one of Ding’s best friends, said Ding is someone who truly affects people around him.
“He inspires us all,” Hancock said. “He’s a genius, but being around him doesn’t make me feel stupid. He’s the most morally upstanding person I know, but when I talk with him I never feel guilty or judged for my mistakes.”
Ding said his student-government service has had the most effect in college for him.
“I learned what it means to represent a group of students with different backgrounds, how to lead initiatives and ensure they become institutionalized,” he said. “I got the chance to learn how to serve other from some of the kindest and smartest people I have met.”
