A University of Queensland graduate, who was inspired to further his interest in economic development after working with a humanitarian group, has been chosen as the 2005 Queensland Rhodes Scholar.
In October 2005 Simon Quinn will head to the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom to take up the scholarship, studying for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Economics.
He will follow in the footsteps of high-profile Rhodes Scholars including former US President Bill Clinton and former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke.
“It is very humbling to be selected among their number, particularly as Rhodes Scholars in so many walks of life have made such a large contribution. I think that in itself is both a great privilege and a great challenge,” he said.
Mr Quinn graduated with a Bachelor of Economics with first class honours in 2003 and received a prestigious University Medal in the same year.
The 23-year-old from the Brisbane suburb of Kelvin Grove is currently studying for a Bachelor of Laws, from which he intends to graduate in 2005.
In early 2004 Mr Quinn worked for the South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre in New Delhi, India, where he conducted legal research on human rights issues.
Mr Quinn said this encouraged him to further his interest in issues of economic development and he said he hoped to eventually work in this area.
“I would like to research development economics, in particular looking at poor countries and problems with poverty and lack of growth,” he said.
“I’m really fascinated to learn more about the relationship between economics and the law – possibly to try and get an understanding of the way legal reforms affect the process of economic development.”
Mr Quinn, who during the course of his UQ studies received several Dean’s Commendations for High Achievement, said the scholarship would be the beginning of many new opportunities.
He said he was looking forward to studying at one of the world’s most prestigious and well-known universities.
“I think the actual standard of the economics course itself will be very high and there are specialities in development economics at Oxford that I am particularly interested in,” he said.
“I’m also really looking forward to the college life and the extra-curricular activities that Oxford has to offer.”
The Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC made the announcement this evening (Friday, November 5) at UQ’s St Lucia campus.
The selection committee interviewed six short-listed candidates before choosing Mr Quinn whose interests include debating and cricket.
The former St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace school student has been involved in debating for a number of years. He was a member of the Australian Schools Debating Team and coached the Queensland Schools Debating Team in 2002. He is also a keen cricketer and played for The University of Queensland.
Mr Quinn will join five 2005 Rhodes Scholars from the other states and five from Australia-at-Large.
This year the selection committee received 17 applications for the scholarship.
The 2004 Queensland Rhodes Scholar was Andrew Stumer who graduated from UQ with a Bachelor of Arts/Laws in May 2002.
Founded in 1902 under the will of the late Cecil John Rhodes, the scholarships are tenable at Oxford University for an initial two years, with the possibility of a third.
Candidates must be aged between 19 and 25 years and citizens of the country from which they are selected. Since the scheme began, approximately 500 Rhodes Scholars have been selected, with women becoming eligible in 1972.
The qualities set out by the late Cecil Rhodes for those seeking Rhodes Scholarships include academic and intellectual excellence, integrity of character, respect for fellow beings and a capacity for leadership.
For photos please, contact Diana Lilley (telephone 07 3365 2753 or email: d.lilley@uq.edu.au).
Media: For further information, contact Douglas Porter, Honorary Secretary of the Queensland Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee (telephone 07 3365 1311) or Chris Saxby at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2479 or email: c.saxby@uq.edu.au).
