96 Rhodes Scholars have been welcomed to Oxford in recent days – the largest cohort in the Scholarship's history. The new countries which have joined the Rhodes global community are Israel, Malaysia (reinstated), and the SJLP region (Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine). Activities organised for the Rhodes Class of 2017 have included ‘Welcome Day’ events, dinners, Oxford tours and many social activities. All new Scholars are warmly welcomed by our Welcome Team who have made the week such a success. Read the short biographies about the Class of 2017 for more information on this year's Rhodes Scholars.
The Welcome Day activities on Saturday, 30 September, began with Charles Conn, CEO and Warden of Rhodes House welcoming the Class of 2017 in conversation with Nadiya Figueroa, Dean of Scholarships, where they spoke about letting Oxford surprise you, the type of study the University encourages, the sense of belonging to the global Scholar community, the Rhodes focus on leadership and service, and offered some tips for first term. Other activities were the class photo, the annual auction on behalf of the Rhodes Scholars Southern Africa Forum (RSSAF), and a 'Meet and Mingle' party. Our new Rhodes Scholars will enjoy for the first fortnight college and pub tours, a garden party, introductions to the Rhodes groups along with many socials and dinners.
