Iskander awarded Rhodes scholarship

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by Elizabeth Egle

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As a Rhodes Scholar, Iskander will receive a two-year scholarship to Oxford University, where she plans to get a masters degree in philosophy, politics and economy, otherwise known as Oxford's PPE program.

Iskander will graduate from Rice this May with a bachelor's degree in sociology, and she will begin her Oxford studies in October.

The Rhodes Scholarship was founded and named after the 18th century British philanthropist Cecil Rhodes; his definition of a true scholar was one who could balance high academic achievement, integrity, leadership and athletic prowess.

The road to the scholarship consists of several rounds and begins with an application within a state. In the first round, Iskander sent in a written application with eight letters of recommendation to the Texas Rhodes Committee.

President Malcolm Gillis wrote one of those letters.

"It was one of the strongest recommendations I have been privileged to write," Gillis said.

Mark Scheid, assistant dean of student affairs for academic and career advising, also wrote a recommendation for Iskander.

"Maryana is someone special," he said.

"She's so comfortable with who she is, whether or not she's a scholarship winner, that her genuine-ness comes across clearly even in interviews that cause the best applicants in America to freeze up."

Iskander was one of 14 students chosen to interview at the state level, and on Dec. 4, she was one of three Texan students chosen to advance to the final level.

Sixteen students competed at the regional level, and after an interview in Salt Lake City on Dec. 7, the four Rhodes scholars of that region were announced.

Iskander said she was "stunned" when she heard the news, and the reality of her achievement "hit much later."

"I didn't just do this by myself, but it was a combination of the efforts of my parents and teachers," she said.

Iskander also won the $30,000 Truman Scholarship last February, which Scheid said is "probably the second most prestigious scholarship next to the Rhodes." She plans to use this scholarship to attend law school once she has completed her studies at Oxford.

Vice President for Student Affairs Zenaido Camacho said, "We will be hearing about Maryana's accomplishments for years to come, and receiving the Rhodes is one of many honors."

This item appeared in the News section of the January 17, 1997 issue.

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