Georgetown graduate Anthony House (CAS ‘02) is one of 32 students in the United States selected to receive the Rhodes scholarship for 2003. House is the first Georgetown student since 1997 to be awarded the distinguished scholarship to Oxford University in England.
Georgetown has produced eighteen Rhodes scholars since 1984, with notable alumni recipients including former President Bill Clinton (SFS ‘68) and University Vice President for Communications Daniel Porterfield (CAS ‘83).
This year, House was selected from among 981 applicants from around the nation, representing 341 different colleges and universities. Georgetown alumnus Tawan Davis (CAS ‘01) and Lindsay Oishi (CAS ‘03) were also selected as finalists in their districts.
House, who is from Spokane, Washington, graduated magna cum laude after only three years this past May as a history major. He was the recipient of the Morris Historical Medal-the highest award in history for a Georgetown graduating senior-as well as the Foley Medal, an award for his commitment to community service.
“A scholar, a leader and a humanitarian, Anthony exemplifies the distinction of Georgetown University’s mission of dedication to community service,” University President John J. DeGioia said. “He has chosen to use his academic excellence to benefit others and his community, and the knowledge he will receive at Oxford will only enhance that generous desire. I congratulate him on this honor and applaud his commitment to serve others.”
The Rhodes scholarship was created in 1902 by British philanthropist and colonial pioneer Cecil Rhodes. According to the Rhodes Scholarship Trust, the scholars are selected based on “high academic achievement, integrity of character, respect for others, potential for leadership, and physical vigor.” In his will, Rhodes wrote that the scholars should “esteem the performance of public duties as their highest aim.”
At Oxford, House plans to pursue an M.Phil in economics and social history, focusing on the development of slums in London in the late 16th Century. Eventually, House aims to earn a Ph.D in urban planning.
During his last year at the University, House was highly involved in the campaign for a resource center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender students on campus. Although House and the campaign organizers were unsuccessful in convincing administrators of the need for a resource center, they were able to negotiate the creation of a high-level administrative position to specifically address LGBT issues.
“The most important thing that came out of our campaign was that it was the first time something like this had taken place at a Catholic university, and it opened the door for LGBT students at other Jesuit and Catholic universities,” House said. “It showed universities that this is an issue that cannot be ignored.”
House’s friends and peers also acknowledge his value to the campus community. “Anthony’s knowledge of Catholic social teachings made him an invaluable resource to our campaign,” said fellow campaign organizer and former Voice staff member Danielle DeCerbo (CAS ‘03). “Anthony was able to be a leader in our campaign while simultaneously excelling in his academic life.”
Since graduating, House has returned to the West Coast and is serving as a volunteer in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, a volunteer service program pioneered by Jesuits in Alaska during the 1950s. Volunteers for the program are placed in social service positions and live in the communities in which they serve. Since August, House has been working in a medical clinic for the homeless in Portland, Ore where he helps individuals find housing and employment.
House said his work at the Old Town Clinic-which will continue until August-has been exhausting but rewarding. “It’s challenging at times, but it’s very fulfilling to feel like I’m making a difference in the lives of individual people,” he said. “At the same time, however, no matter how many individual people I help, the next morning there will still be a line of people who still need help.”
House will leave for England in late September to enroll in the fall term at Oxford University.
