The Rhodes Scholarship is the world’s pre-eminent postgraduate fellowship, bringing exceptional people of character to study at the University of Oxford. Over 8,000 Rhodes Scholars, from more than 50 countries, have gone on to serve at the forefront of education, business, science, medicine, the arts, politics and beyond.
Since its inception in 2023, the team behind the Oral History project has interviewed more than 150 Scholar Alumni, recording their conversations for posterity. So far, Scholars from Malaysia to Maryland have participated, representing six decades of cohorts. Participants have included those with careers and experiences in the public eye, alongside those who have fought the world’s fight every bit as powerfully, though in perhaps less prominent ways.
The questions posed to Scholars were broadly similar, but the conversations were as diverse as our Scholars, each of whom had a unique story to tell. Reflections were gathered on individuals’ journeys to and through the Rhodes Scholarship, and their experiences during the years since graduation.
Welcoming the publication of the initial collection, Warden of Rhodes House, Sir Rick Trainor said: “This rich archive of stories is a fine illustration of the positive global impact of Rhodes Scholars over many decades. The Rhodes Trust continues to bring together exceptional people from around the world who challenge and support each other in their academic, personal and professional journeys through life.”
The Oral History project is ongoing, and new Scholar profiles will be added in the coming months and years. The collection is available to view online at Oral History | Rhodes Trust.
