Five U.S. Military Academy Students Named 2026 American Rhodes Scholars

According to the Associated Press, the selected students are Alice L. Hall of Philadelphia, a varsity basketball player at MIT who also serves as student body president. Hall, who has collaborated with a women's collective in Ghana on sustainability tools, plans to study engineering. Sydney E. Barta of Arlington, Virginia, a Paralympian and member of the track team at Stanford University, who studies bioengineering and sings in the Stanford a cappella group Counterpoint. Barta plans to study musculoskeletal sciences. Anirvin Puttur of Gilbert, Arizona, a senior at the U.S. Air Force Academy who serves as an instructor pilot and flight commander, will also attend the University of Oxford. The other U.S. military academy students selected are from the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. The Rhodes scholarship program, established in 1902 by the will of Cecil Rhodes, provides full scholarships to outstanding students from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. The program aims to promote international understanding and foster leadership among its scholars. The selected students will pursue their studies at the University of Oxford, where they will be part of a global community of scholars. In a statement, the Rhodes Trust said, "We are delighted to welcome the 2026 class of American Rhodes scholars to the University of Oxford. These exceptional individuals have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world." The selected students will join a community of over 7,000 Rhodes scholars from around the world, who have gone on to become leaders in various fields, including politics, business, and academia. The Rhodes scholarship program is considered one of the most prestigious academic awards in the world, and the selection process is highly competitive. The University of Oxford has a long history of hosting Rhodes scholars, and the program has played a significant role in shaping the university's academic and research landscape. The university's commitment to fostering global understanding and leadership is reflected in its strong partnerships with institutions around the world. The selected students will begin their studies at the University of Oxford in the fall of 2026, where they will have access to world-class faculty, research opportunities, and a global network of scholars. The Rhodes scholarship program provides a unique opportunity for students to develop their skills, knowledge, and leadership potential, and to make a positive impact in the world.