Auburn University nominated six students for the prestigious Rhodes scholarships.
The Rhodes scholarships are awarded to 32 American students and offer the opportunity for the students to continue their studies at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
The Auburn nominees are Patrick Donnan, senior in physics and music; Hunter Hayes, senior in finance, music and accounting; Spencer Kerns, senior in chemistry and Spanish; Ashton Richardson, graduate in animal sciences; Jennifer Waxman, senior in political science; and Alyssa White, senior in Spanish and anthropology.
"I'm really humbled to represent Auburn University in this capacity," Kerns said.
Leadership qualities, commitment to others and dedication to the common good, as well as academic achievement, are taken into consideration when awarding the scholarships.
The nominees were not only interdisciplinary students, but they were students with variety and success in their non-academic endeavors.
Donnan said the full schedule of a Rhodes scholarship nominee can be taxing on his entire life.
"A lot of times, it comes down to not sleeping as much," Donnan said. "There's a math-music brain connection, but there's no curriculum connection."
Waxman, Hayes and Kerns also excel in athletics, and White is a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo.
Waxman is an All-American for the equestrian team and Kerns qualified for the 2012 Olympic swimming trials.
Hayes, member of Auburn's track and field team, said his divergent pursuit of music, accounting, finance and running may not seem as if they would overlap, but are excellent when combined.
"I've always had this tandem of running and music," Hayes said. "They've always worked synergistically."
Hayes said the persistence and practice required for running also prepare him for performing music.
"The biggest component is mental," Hayes said.
All applicants agreed mental toughness and persistence were needed for the application process, which includes endorsements from faculty, choosing an area of study and interviews.
"They ask tough questions," Hayes said. "It really comes down to who can be the most like themselves."
Kerns said because of the thorough scrutiny each nominee receives, being one of the students nominated to be considered for the scholarship feels like being an ambassador for the University.
The nominees said earning a nomination and having the opportunity to go through the application process was an honor.
"I really don't have any expectations," Waxman said. "Being nominated is an honor."
Kerns said he shared Waxman's sentiments.
"Honestly, at this point, just going through the process is very fulfilling," Kerns said.
Auburn also announced nominees for the Marshall scholarship and Mitchell scholarship.
Donnan and White are the Marshall scholarship nominees.
Lauren Little, graduate student in business, was nominated for the Mitchell Scholarship.
Donnan said he recently found out he was a finalist for the Marshall Scholarship, which allows students to study at any university in the United Kingdom.
Donnan said he's happy to be a nominee.
"It's been an enjoyable process," Donnan said. "Definitely worth it."
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