2004 Wheaton Scholars
Wheaton produced six national scholars in 2004. Among their diverse academic interests are the historical context of Oriental rug making and the educational opportunities and choices of South Korean women.
The scholars are:
- Adar Cohen, Watson Scholar
- Jared Duval, Udall and Truman Scholar
- Alex Dewar, Udall Scholar
- Anna Kratky, Fulbright Scholar
- Stefanie Olsen, Fulbright Scholar
- Erin Tapley, Fulbright Scholar
Adar Cohen '05
2004 Watson Scholar
Peterborough, New Hampshire
As the recipient of a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, Adar Cohen set his sights on examining expressions of national, ethnic and religious identity within the cultural history of Oriental rug making in Tibet, Turkey and India. ''Oriental rugs communicate aesthetic values, cultural histories and even personal life stories,'' Cohen wrote in his application, ''but do they offer another layer of meaning that may exist between the warp and weft of these functional household items and priceless masterpieces? Do they convey nationalistic aspirations, political dissent or perhaps implicit revolt?'' Cohen, who designed an independent major in conflict resolution—an approach to learning grounded in anthropology, political science, religion and history—was also the recipient of a 2003 Truman Scholarship in public service.
Jared Duval '05
2004 Morris K. Udall Scholar
2004 Harry S. Truman Scholar
Fairlee, Vermont
Jared Duval, recipient of a 2003 Morris K. Udall Scholarship for environmental leadership, won a second Udall award in 2004 as well as the prestigious 2004 Truman Scholarship. The Truman Scholarship supports the senior year at $2,000 and graduate study at $26,000 for future ''agents of change'' in public service. ''I want my graduate studies program to give me the policy and administrative expertise necessary to put my passion for social and environmental change into practice for people in tangible and positive ways,'' wrote Duval in his application. Duval aspires toward a public policy career focusing on renewable energy and other environmental issues. He graduated in 2005 with a double major in Political Science and Economics and is currently serving as the National Director of the Sierra Student Coalition, the student-run arm of the Sierra Club and the largest student-run environmental organization in the country.
Alex Dewar '06
2004 Morris K. Udall Scholar
Portland, Oregon
Alex Dewar, a political science major, won a Udall Scholarship for environmental leadership. Dewar, president of the Student Government Association (SGA) in 2004-2005, aspires to earn a graduate degree in environmental law and eventually run for office in his home state. ''My commitment to the environment stems from my experiences in the natural lands that remain in Oregon,'' he stated in his Udall proposal. ''My experiences have allowed me to see how environmental advocates can approach an issue from many perspectives, as well as holistically.'' A Balfour Scholar and recipient of Wheaton's Presidential Award, Dewar was a standout as a campus leader, participating in such organizations as WCCS radio, College Democrats, Students for Economic Justice, and the debate and sailing teams.
Anna Kratky '04
2004 Fulbright Scholar
St. Louis, Missouri
Anna Kratky, a history major and women's studies minor, received a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English and research Korean women's educational opportunities and academic choices. ''I am thrilled to have the opportunity to teach English to middle school students,'' Kratky said upon winning the award. ''I have been fortunate enough to work at the Robert College English Language Summer Camp in Istanbul, Turkey, with the HERO (Higher Educational Readiness Opportunity) Program in Brockton, Mass., and to volunteer for Orphanage Outreach in the Dominican Republic. I see this Fulbright Scholarship as a continuation of these experiences.'' A scholar-athlete recognized by NEWMAC with its All-Academic Scholar Athlete Award, Kratky shined as a four-year member of the college's volleyball team.
Stefanie Olsen '04
2004 Fulbright Scholar
San Francisco, California
Stefanie Olsen, an English major, studied Icelandic literature at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik as a Fulbright scholar. At Wheaton, Olsen studied and translated Icelandic sagas with English Professor Michael Drout for three semesters. ''Studying at the University of Iceland will bring me into contact with the world's leading saga specialists,'' said Olsen, who served as president of the Wheatones and as editorial assistant for the Tolkien Studies Journal. ''I'm also hoping to get a glimpse of some of the original manuscripts!''
Erin Tapley '04
2004 Fulbright Scholar
Auburn, Maine
Erin Tapley, a double major in German and international relations, was awarded a Fulbright Teaching Award to teach English language and American studies to German high school students. ''Not only will I teach English, but I will also be a representative for American culture,'' Tapley said upon receiving the honor. ''I look forward to using my Fulbright experience as a stepping stone to learning more about German culture with the hopes of applying this experience to graduate study in European Studies.'' A Trustee Scholar and a Charles A. Dana Scholarship recipient, Tapley also won the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany Prize in 2002.