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Tradition of Academic Excellence, Innovation Continues as York University Salutes its fifth Rhodes Scholar
Studin, a 22-year-old fourth-year economics and finance major, is the fifth Rhodes Scholar for York University, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary March 26, 1999. Studin will start his masters of philosophy degree in economics at Oxford University in Oxford, England next fall. He hopes to have the scholarship extended beyond two years so he can pursue doctoral studies in economics.
After completing his studies, Studin said he hopes to join an international public agency that will address the extremes of globalization and market disciplines to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to benefit from more liberalized economic environments and more democratic political systems.
York University President Dr. Lorna Marsden praised Studin, calling him a "shining example of the high academic calibre and well-rounded capabilities of York University's student body." "On behalf of the entire York University community, I congratulate Irvin on earning this highest of honours. Irvin's Rhodes Scholarship reflects not only his intellectual rigour and dedication, but also the excellence of York's -- and the Schulich School of Business's -- teaching and research," she said.
The son of Jewish-Russian immigrants, Studin was born in Rome, Italy, but came to Ontario as an infant and attended school in North York and Aurora. "My dad broke down and cried with joy and my mother started jumping around in excitement when I got the phone call with the news," said Studin. "They were both really happy. I still can't believe this is all happening. I am very lucky. But everyone can create some of their own luck."
Schulich School of Business economics Professor Fred Lazar praised Studin for his scholarship and his altruism, calling him "by far the best student that I have had the privilege of teaching during my 25 years at the university." "I have given very few A+ grades over this period of time, and his A+ was the most deserved. Indeed, I would rank Irvin among the best students I have ever known, including my undergraduate peers at the University of Toronto and my graduate school peers at Harvard," said Lazar.
"It is extremely refreshing to find a student who is willing to trade off money for important public service. As the current economic and political turmoil demonstrates, there will be an increased need for new international organizations to control the extremes of globalization. Irvin has the potential to become one of the leaders in this area," he said.
Studin is Schulich's top-ranked Bachelor of Business Administration student. When he entered the highly competitive program (2,171 applications were received for 164 first-year places), Studin won the President's Scholarship, one of York's top entrance awards. He has been awarded a BBA Discretionary Scholarship every year since and has won numerous other scholarships within and outside of York; this year, he also won the York University Faculty Association Scholarship for academic excellence.
Studin's academic excellence is matched by his superior athletic prowess. He is the Captain of the York University Men's Varsity Soccer team, for whom he played since 1995. Named an all-star athlete at provincial and national levels for several consecutive years, he also represented Canada on the soccer field at the 1997 World Maccabiah Games for all-star Jewish athletes worldwide, and has played soccer professionally with the Toronto Lynx.
Studin's extra-curricular and volunteer activities at York and in the greater community are no less impressive. A BBA ambassador to high schools, a mentor for incoming BBA students, he also served as Assistant Managing Editor of The Insider, Schulich's student newspaper. Off campus, he lends his coaching expertise to junior soccer players.
Rhodes Scholarships, awarded since 1903, were created in the will of Cecil Rhodes. Rhodes scholars must exhibit proven intellectual and academic attainment of a high standard and show integrity of character, interest in and respect for their fellow beings, the ability to lead, and the energy to use their talents to the fullest. Rhodes Scholars receive the cost of full tuition, paid directly to Oxford University, plus a living allowance of _8,400 per annum to cover board, lodging and other expenses.
Studin, who is bright, articulate, and fluent in English, French and Russian, is available for interviews. He can be reached at (905) 738-5723 or email: yu147229@yorku.ca.
York University, founded in 1959, is Canada's third largest university. It is nationally and internationally respected for its innovative research and award-winning teaching. With its combination of dedicated and talented faculty, opportunities for bright and ambitious students, dynamic curriculum and modern campuses in one of North America's most influential urban centres, York University is setting the modern standard in academic excellence.
For more information, please contact:
Sine MacKinnon
Ken Turriff |
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