St. John’s University Celebrates Historic Achievement as Graduate Lands Second Rhodes Scholarship in School’s History

(KNSI) — A St. John’s University graduate has been named a Rhodes Scholar for the second time in the school’s history.

Jervon Sands ’23 graduated summa cum laude with a degree in applied physics. He will now study for the Master of Sciences (MSc) in Environmental Change and Management and MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment at the University of Oxford, in the United Kingdom, beginning in October 2024.

A native of Nassau in the Bahamas, Sands was selected to represent the Commonwealth Caribbean in a presentation at the State House in Barbados by President Sandra Mason. This is the first time in more than 50 years that a school graduate has been chosen for the honor.

“This is an unimaginable, exciting opportunity and I am very grateful,” Sands said at the presentation. “I am very excited about the work I will be doing and am looking forward to working in the region when I return from my studies.”

After his studies, Sands plans to return to The Bahamas to work within the government and other institutions to help promote education on climate concerns.

The overall global success rate for applicants is 0.7%, making it one of the most competitive scholarships in the world.

The only previous Johnnie to become a Rhodes Scholar was Steven Michaud ’67, who earned the honor in 1969. Although women were not eligible to be Rhodes Scholars until 1977, the College of Saint Benedict also has had two – Rachel Mullin ’14 earned the distinction in 2016, and Laura McGrane ’91 became a Rhodes Scholar in 1992.

There are a total of 101 awards each year to students from countries around the world.

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