Hampton University senior Josh Gopeesingh, a chemical engineering major has been named a finalist for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. He will interview in Barbados on Nov. 23 as the only finalist from an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).
Out of approximately 1,000 applicants who are endorsed by their respective universities, only 200 are named as finalists in hopes of becoming an American Rhodes Scholar. Rhodes Scholars further their studies at Oxford University in England.
Native of Trinidad, Gopeesingh is a student in the Honors College and captain of the HU sailing team. He was awarded the Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholar Award this year as well. Gopeesingh has a 3.76 grade-point average and during the summer months has conducted research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Syracuse University.
The Rhodes Scholarship board also looks for a student who possess potential for leadership, and an unselfish commitment to others and the common good.
“In addition to being a young man of sterling character, great affability, athletic accomplishment, and tremendous academic achievement, Josh is humble,” said Dr. Sabin P. Duncan, Director of Hampton University’s Freddye T. Davy Honors College, “In my opinion, his humility is the bow on the gift of his potential as a Rhodes Scholar.”
Upon graduating, Gopeesingh aims to complete a master’s in engineering, specializing in sustainable development. His ultimate goal is to have an active role in Trinidad’s government under the energy sector and implement better ways of getting utilities, like water and electricity, to the impoverished communities.
Gopeesingh has already taken steps in doing so way before the Rhodes Scholarship was on the horizon. He and his family started a charity organization to help build an orphanage and be a voice in approaching businesses and companies for financial support.
“The Rhodes Scholar community is filled with world leaders who advocate for humanitarian rights and I hope to make an impact of my own on society,” said Gopeesingh.
http://news.hamptonu.edu/release/HU-Senior...
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Thursday, November 14th 2013 at 3:05PM
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