Robertson Scholars bound for the United States
Three talented young Kiwis have gained scholarships to renowned American universities funded by New York philanthropist Julian Robertson and his wife Josie.
The Robertson Scholars from New Zealand for 2010 are John Scott-Jones from Ohope, who attended St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton and is currently studying at Victoria University of
Wellington, and two Aucklanders, Angela Zhou from Botany Downs and Alex Zhu from Epsom.
All three of this year's recipients say they were blown away upon learning that they had won the prestigious scholarship.
"I didn't really believe it, to be honest," said John, the Head Prefect at St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton in 2009. "I thought it was a bit ridiculous. I dropped out of law the next day, which was a little bit scary seeing as I had no written confirmation, just a phone call."
John plans to take an undergraduate degree at Duke University majoring in English, with a minor in History. He would like to work in a multinational non-government organisation or join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as a diplomat.
The Scholarship recipients will study at either the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, receiving free tuition and board and a living allowance for up to four years.
Three scholarships, each worth $NZ100,000 a year, are offered annually in New Zealand, two in Australia, one in Sweden, and 24 in the United States. Selection is based on academic ability, commitment to community service, courage, collaborative spirit and a strongly ethical outlook.
Julian and Jose Robertson, who spend part of each year in New Zealand, established the Robertson Programme in 2000 with a $US24 million gift. Mr Robertson founded the Tiger Management hedge fund, and their generosity has benefited other causes in this country including the Auckland Art Gallery.
John Scott-Jones was Head of School and Chapel Prefect at St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton, in 2009. Writing is his passion, and he gained NCEA scholarships in English in 2008 and in English, History and Chemistry in 2009.
John represented the School in hockey at Second XI level as well as being involved in rock climbing. A keen debater, John was a member of the school team and was selected for the Waikato Schools’ Debating Team.
In 2008 he spent a month in Nepal, with the aid of the Ward Family Scholarship, working in a school in Kathmandu.
The scholarship
- Founded by billionaire Americans Julian and Josie Robertson in 2000.
- It pays for international students to study at Duke University in Durham or the University of North Carolina.
- The scholarship also covers board and a living allowance.
- The Robertsons spend part of each year in New Zealand and have invested heavily in the country, building a library in Kerikeri and donating $115 million worth of art to the Auckland Art Gallery.
- They have also developed a golfing resort in Northland and the Cape Kidnappers complex in Hawkes Bay.
The Robertson Scholars Programme is administered by the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (NZVCC).
