Throughout the distinguished Marshall Scholarship’s 57-year history, only three past University students have ever seized the prestigious award. University senior Josh Lupton is now number four.
The scholarship allows Lupton, a biology and human physiology double-major, to attend the University of Cambridge for two years starting next fall, where he plans to focus his education on biology and public health. With spring graduation steadily approaching, along with the prospect of living in a foreign county, the new recipient eagerly awaits the struggles and rewards that come with studying at such a prestigious institution.
“I’m excited, but it’s kind of crazy because it is so far away,” Lupton said. “I anticipated that it would be challenging, but that’s part of the excitement.”
A Robert D. Clark Honors College student, Lupton said the University advisers and faculty members who helped him during his studies at the University deserve part of the glory of his nomination. Lupton said he owes a particular debt of gratitude to biology professor Chris Doe, whom Lupton studied under in an Institute of Neuroscience lab, as well the College of Arts and Sciences advisers who prepared him for his Nov. 8 interview in San Francisco.
“It’s so much about the whole U of O, and that’s why, after I found out, I spent much of the day sending e-mails and writing letters to everyone who has helped me,” Lupton said.
Though his travel plans have not yet been determined, the senior’s long-term plans are underway. After completing his degree in England, Lupton counts on returning to the U.S. to earn his medical doctorate and work as a physician.
University President Richard Lariviere sent his congratulations through his assistant David Hubin, who worked with Lupton throughout the entire selection process.
“We are all remarkably happy for Josh,” Hubin said, “and we are pleased with our institution that it could align correctly and let it reflect on him. He is going to do great things.”
Since students applying for the Marshall must be referred by faculty members, Hubin hopes that future prospective University applicants will be routed through the Lariviere’s office and urged to pursue the award.
“We are looking for faculty members and advisers who can point us towards these kinds of students,” Hubin said. “We really want to make sure all students know about it.”
Lupton joins Tamela Maciel (2010), Alletta Brenner (2006) and Mary Dasso (1984) as the only University students in the award’s history to receive its distinction.
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