Veritas, Vol. 28, No. 05, February 1988

              IBS
¡111
iisy^iifgrgiyaiiwi^fg
Biology graduate named Rhodes Scholar
Ronald c. ritter. a biology major who
graduated from the University last May is one of 32 American students who have been awarded Rhodes Scholarships. He is the first former UM undergraduate to receive this prestigious honor.
A UM graduate student, Edgar C. Gentle III, was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship in 1976. Gentle, who graduated in 1977 with a master’s degree in biology and living resources, is now a partner in the Birmingham, Ala., law firm of Schoel, Ogle, Benton, Gentle, and Centeno.
Said John Fitzgerald, professor of religious studies, director of Programs in Honors and Privileged Studies, and first-time chairman of the UM Rhodes Scholarship Committee this year; “A student winning a Rhodes is the equivalent of a professor winning a Nobel or Guggenheim. More than anything, Ritter’s achievement is a testimony to the kind of students we have been attracting to the University of Miami.”
What makes Ritter’s selection even more admirable is the feet that he applied for the scholarship on his own, with recommendations from faculty members Kathleen Sullivan, coordinator of undergraduate studies in marine science; Theodore Fleming, professor of biology; and Colin Pennycuick, professor of biology’ and Maytag Professor of Ornithology.
Three UM undergraduate students applied for the scholarship under the recommendation of the UM Rhodes Scholarship Committee. They were Denise Altman, a senior majoring in English and Judaic Studies; Michael Rosen, a senior majoring in history; and Jeffrey Hellinger. a junior whose majors are biology and Judaic Studies. Altman and Rosen, along with Ritter, were invited for interviews with Rhodes officials at the state level.
Ritter also interviewed at the district level before gamering the Rhodes.
In Florida. Fitzgerald said, 37 applicants w ere interviewed at the state lev el. “Of that number 13 were selected for interviews, and three of the 13—nearly one-fourth—were from UM. Only one other Florida institution was represented,” he said.
“Simply to apply means that y-ou’re a very good student To be selected for an interview means that you’re outstanding To win the Rhodes, how ev er you must have some distinct quality" that sets y ou apart from your peers. Mr Ritter simply- had that,” Fitzgerald said.
Ritter plans to research the ecology- of East Africa and how- water conservation practices can protect animals that roam the area.
“Since his sophomore year Ron has wanted to do research on large mammals in East Africa,” Sullivan said. Because he was interested in w-orking with Dr Malcolm Coe, an Oxford University- professor who is known for such studies, Ritter applied for the Rhodes, which provides for two y ears of study at Oxford, according to Sullivan.
VFhat does the University 's new Rhodes Scholar have to say- about his alma mater? “For me, the strength of the University is its honors program, attractive scholarships as well as what’s outside the University-—the Everglades, Bahamas. Keys, and the citv of Miami itself.” Ritter said.
Ronald C. Ritter, recipient of the Rhodes Scholarship, plans to research the ecology of East Africa and bou' ivater conservation practices can protect animals that roam the area.
Faculty- who served on the UM Rhodes Scholarship Committee were Benjimin Viebb. associate professor of foreign languages and literatures, and James Nearing associate professor of physics. Dr Henry- Green, director of Judaic Studies, provided the committee with valuable assistance. Fitzgerald said.
The committee helped the undergraduate candidates through the lengthy application process, which requires six copies of a w-ritten application (including a 1,000 w-ord personal statement >. a medical certificate signed by-
a physician, and a birth certificate. Associate Professor Barry- Zwiebelman of the Guidance Center helped bycoaching Rosen and Altman through mock interviews before their visits with state Rhodes officials.
The committee’s work will begin again this spring when it contacts eligible students about the 1988 scholarships. Said Fitzgerald, who will continue to serve as chairman. “>&e intend to be more aggressive in encouraging students to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship”