BCom graduate James Maccarrone has been awarded the 2018 Victorian Rhodes Scholarship for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.
BCom graduate James Maccarrone has been awarded the 2018 Victorian Rhodes Scholarship for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.
His selection was announced today by Selection Committee member and next year’s Deputy Chair of the Victorian Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee, Dr Evelyn Chan, on behalf of the Governor of Victoria, The Honourable Linda Dessau AC.
Mr Maccarrone completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) majoring in Economics with First Class Honours.
Melbourne-born Mr Maccarrone is the recipient of several university scholarships, academic awards and other prizes and exhibitions. He is also an accomplished violinist, university debater and community volunteer who teaches migrant and refugee children.
Mr Maccarrone said he was thrilled to receive the prestigious scholarship and plans to undertake a BA in Jurisprudence with Senior Status at Oxford.
“From a young age, the value and power of quality education has been central to my worldview,” he said.
“It is my ultimate aim to dedicate myself to the advancement of public policy in Australia and internationally. The Rhodes Scholarship provides an incredible opportunity to realise this vision through being immersed in Oxford’s academically-rich environment and learning from others about their leadership experiences.”
Congratulating Mr Maccarrone, Professor Carolyn Evans, Honorary Secretary of the Victorian Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee, said:
“James impressed the panel with his exceptional academic results and his capacity to combine excellence in his course with leadership and community engagement.
“He was an articulate and thoughtful candidate with a strong set of insights into current affairs and a deep commitment to public service in the interests of the wider community. We are delighted to welcome James into the Rhodes community.”
James is one of a handful of BCom graduates to receive the prestigious scholarship. Andrew Wheeler who completed his BCom in 2012, was awarded the Rhodes Scholarship in 2015 and says it was a transformative experience.
"I found a second home in Oxford, thanks to the inspiring, welcoming communities that I became a part of. The people I met opened my eyes to new passions, challenged my preconceptions to their core, and shaped how I lead and treat others. And most importantly of all, they became some of my closest friends," Mr Wheeler said.
"My time at Oxford was an enlightening learning experience in more than just one sense of the word. The brilliant academics, inspiring talks and stimulating conversations have taught me more about myself, my academic disciplines and my future direction in life than I could have imagined or hoped for.
"James has a wonderful opportunity at his feet, and I wish him all the best as he sets out to take full advantage of it."
Photo: 2018 Victorian Rhodes Scholarship winner, James Maccarrone, pictured with his family after the award ceremony