Two young Coloradans were selected this weekend to be among 32 American students awarded Rhodes Scholarships for study at Oxford University in England.
Elizabeth W. Mayne of Denver, a senior at Stanford University in California, and Jeffrey N. Stout of Fort Collins, a graduate of the University of Denver who already is studying at Oxford, were selected as Rhodes Scholars for 2006.
“I was really surprised and, of course, I was extremely excited,” Mayne said of learning of her selection.
Mayne, 23, a 2001 graduate of Kent Denver School, is studying biological science.
She previously served as co-chair of the Denver Mayor’s Commission on Youth.
“I’m hoping to do a master’s in scientific research in physiology,” she said Sunday night from the Denver home of her parents, Wiley and Medora Mayne. She said she plans to pursue a joint M.D.-Ph.D. in biomedical research and become a doctor.
Mayne returned to Denver for the Rhodes interviews Saturday, and learned of her good fortune about 6:05 p.m. that night.
“I get to stay home and have Thanksgiving with my family,” she said.
Stout was already flying back to Oxford Sunday to resume his studies for a master’s degree in ecclesiastical history, said his proud mother, Edie Stout, from her Fort Collins home. His father is Randy Stout.
Stout, 22, graduated from Poudre High School in 2001 and graduated summa cum laude in physics this year from DU, she said. He will use the scholarship to pursue a master’s of philosophy in the history of science, studying ties between science and religion.
“Oh, he was very, very excited,” his mother said. “It is quite an honor to be a Rhodes Scholar.”
