Two University of Melbourne students have been named Schwarzman Scholars in the third cohort of the highly competitive program that offers selected students the opportunity to complete a one-year Masters in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
Bachelor of Arts graduate and Master of Public Policy and Management student Bridget Barker and Bachelor of Commerce student Jake Miller-Randle will join 140 Schwarzman Scholars, selected from more than 4,000 applicants worldwide.
Inspired by the Rhodes Scholarship, the Schwarzman Scholars program was created in 2015 in response to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st Century, and is designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders.
Enrolling in August 2018, the Class of 2019 will live in Beijing for a year of study and cultural immersion, attending lectures, traveling and developing a better understanding of China.
University of Melbourne Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) Simon Evans congratulated students on this outstanding achievement.
“Bridget and Jake have demonstrated incredible leadership and determination, navigating a rigorous application process and demonstrating their academic and intellectual ability, as well as their ability to bridge differences in background, professions, and perspectives,” Professor Evans said.
Bridget Barker, 27, is passionate about diversity and inclusion and working with not-for-profit, government and corporate stakeholders to promote social inclusion, particularly through sports and recreation.
As a coach of young women in sports, and a manager in the sports administration industry, Bridget has designed, led and implemented various gender equality initiatives across Australia to empower women and girls.
At age 18, Jake Miller-Randle became the chief executive officer of a youth-led education not-for-profit in Australia. Now 21, he remains involved as a board member.
A global citizen at heart, Jake has previously worked in the field of Asian microfinance and has undertaken study programs in Shanghai and Amsterdam. He aspires to use this background and the Schwarzman experience to lead in the field of social enterprise.
Bridget and Jake join students from 39 countries and 97 universities, with 41 per cent from the United States, 20 per cent from China and 39 per cent from the rest of the world.
The Schwarzman Scholars program was founded by Stephen A. Schwarzman, who contributed more than $100 million to the program. He is leading a fundraising campaign to raise an additional $500 million to endow the program in perpetuity.
