Contact: Ginny Davis Communications Office, Rhodes College, 2000 North Parkway, Memphis, Tenn. 38112(901) 843-3470[email protected]
May 18, 2001
Rhodes Tapped for Watson Fellowship Program
(Memphis, Tenn.)---Rhodes College has joined a select group of 50 colleges and universities participating in the Thomas J. Watson Foundation Fellowship Program.
The invitation to join the program means that Rhodes will have the opportunity to nominate four seniors graduating in 2002 for consideration for the prestigious fellowships. Watson Fellowships enable new graduates to spend a year abroad in independent travel and study, pursuing projects of their own design. About 60 of the $22,000 fellowships are awarded annually.
"Being chosen to participate in the Watson Fellowship Program is quite an honor for Rhodes and an extraordinary opportunity for our students," said Rhodes President William E. Troutt.
The Watson Fellowship Program provides Fellows a journey of discovery in which they are able to explore thoroughly a particular interest. To apply for the fellowships, students submit proposals detailing projects they would undertake during their year abroad. Those selected for the fellowships have the freedom to plan their entire itinerary for the year.
The Thomas J. Watson Foundation was established in 1961 as a charitable trust by Mrs. Thomas J. Watson Sr. in honor of her late husband, the founder of IBM. The foundation initially used its resources in support of a variety of programs. In 1968, in recognition of Mr. and Mrs. Watson's long-standing interest in education and world affairs, their children decided that the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship Program should constitute the major activity of the foundation. Since that date, the Fellowship Program has granted more than 2,000 Watson Fellowship awards with stipends totaling about $24.5 million. It is based in Providence, R.I.
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