The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Among the thirty-two men and women representing the United States as Rhodes Scholars, two are members of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Caroline Barlow of the United States Naval Academy and Kathleen Henson of Montana State University were selected to study at the University of Oxford in England. Elliot F. Gerson, American Secretary of the Rhodes Trust, called the Rhodes Scholarships "the oldest and best known award for international study, and arguably the most famous academic award available to American college graduates." They were created in 1902 by the Will of Cecil Rhodes, British philanthropist and African colonial pioneer.

Caroline P. Barlow is a senior at the United States Naval Academy where she majors in oceanography. Currently ranking third in the overall order of merit, she has served as brigade commander, a member of the Navy cross-country team, and on the 2009 national championship triathlon team. Caroline has worked in the Pentagon for the Navy Energy Coordination Office and presented at the Mountain Meteorology Conference in Santiago, Chile. In addition to her research in wind climatology, she has worked at the Naval Research Laboratory to improve the accuracy of tropical cyclone forecasting. Caroline plans to pursue a M.Sc. in environmental change and management at Oxford.

Kathleen C. Hansen graduated summa cum laude from Montana State University in May with a major in industrial and management engineering and a minor in economics. She is now at the Arava Institute at Kibbutz Kefura, Israel, working on joint water conservation projects between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. While at Montana State, where she was student body vice president, she was also president of the Engineers Without Borders chapter and led its projects in Kenya, and interned with the Mali Agribusiness Network. Katy plans to pursue a M.Sc. in water science, policy and management at Oxford.

Rhodes scholars are chosen in a two-stage process. First, candidates must be endorsed by their college or university. Committees of Selection then invite the strongest applicants for an interview. Gerson said the criteria for applicants are "high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership, and physical vigor. These basic characteristics are directed at fulfilling Mr. Rhodes’ hopes that the Rhodes Scholars would make an effective and positive contribution throughout the world."

The thirty-two American Rhodes Scholars will join an international group of Scholars from around the world. Approximately 80 Scholars are selected worldwide each year.

For more information on Rhodes Scholarships, click here.