Media Relations Senior Grant Hollis has the unique opportunity to interview for a Rhodes Scholarship. Hollis is one of only 32 candidates nationwide selected to vie for the scholarships which help pay for graduate school.

Grant Hollis may have all the trimmings to be considered the perfect man. Admirable athleticism? Check. Inspiring intelligence? Check. Burly beard? Definite check. Though one may have an itch to give Hollis some man of the year award, he may just have to settle for a Rhodes Scholarship.

For those unfamiliar with this award, the scholarship’s website describes the Rhodes Scholarships as “the oldest international educational fellowships [that were] initiated after the death of Cecil Rhodes in 1902, and bring[s] outstanding students from many countries around the world to the University of Oxford.”

Each year only 32 students of “extraordinary intellectual distinction” across the country are selected.

“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” Hollis said. “It would really be a great experience to have.”

Hollis was selected from a pool of approximately 1,500 students who applied. Just being considered to fill one of these 32 spots is an honor, one of which Hollis’ water polo teammates believe he is worthy.

“He definitely deserves this,” teammate Matt Kirwan said.

Even his coaches notice his talents, inside and outside of the pool.

“Grant is model student athlete,” coach James Grahm said. “He personifies what that title means. He’s something that every student strives to be.”

It seems as though Hollis’ successful balance of academics and athletics caused him to be a perfect Rhodes Scholarship candidate.

            “The athletics were a big part of getting an interview,” Hollis said. “The scholarships founder had a big appreciation for sports.”

Another factor that played a large role in getting to the interview process was the slew of great letters of recommendation he received from Pacific faculty including the Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science and University President Dr. Pamela Eibeck.

“The flatness of Pacific helped me get the letters,” Hollis said. “There is not a lot of hierarchy to deal with. I can’t imagine being at a UC trying to get a letter from a professor.”

If Hollis receives the scholarship, he will have an opportunity to live abroad in England and experience teaching styles that differ from those in the United States. He will work towards a Master’s degree in engineering science.

Another bonus is the waiving of every graduate school fee possible. According to the Rhodes Scholarships website, “All educational costs, such as matriculation, tuition, laboratory and certain other fees, are paid on the Scholar’s behalf by the Rhodes Trustees.” They even cover vacation costs.

Hollis will, unfortunately, miss his senior game for water polo due to the interview.

“It’s unfortunate. This is the game that decides if we play in the off season,” Hollis said. “It sucks, but it’s the rest of my life. There was really no decision to be made.”

Hopefully, Hollis will earn the recognition he deserves for working hard at both athletics and academics his whole life.

“It may be selfish, but it just sets you,” Hollis said. “It’s such a great honor.”

Published in : News, Volume 101: Issue 14