32 American students named to study at Oxford as Rhodes Scholars

WASHINGTON - Two University of Georgia students were among the 32 men and women from across the United States who have been selected as Rhodes Scholars for 2008, the scholarship trust announced today.

The students are Deep J. Shah of Duluth and Katherine H.A. Vyborny of Washington.

The scholars were selected from 764 applicants endorsed by 294 colleges and universities. The scholarships, the oldest of the international study awards available to American students, provide two or three years of study. The students will enter Oxford University in England next October.

Rhodes Scholarships were created in 1902 by the will of British philanthropist Cecil Rhodes. Winners are selected on the basis of high academic achievement, personal integrity, leadership potential and physical vigor, among other attributes.

The American students will join an international group of scholars selected from 13 other jurisdictions around the world. Approximately 85 scholars are selected each year.

The value of the Rhodes Scholarship varies depending on the field of study. The total value averages about $45,000 per year.

With the elections announced today, 3,142 Americans have won Rhodes Scholarships, representing 307 colleges and universities.