The Rhodes Scholarship - Presentation by William Cahill - St Andrew's College

The Rhodes Scholarship – Presentation by William Cahill

St Andrew’s College Cricket – National Achievement
Jul 28, 2016
Public Lecture – Designer in Residence by Richard Perez
Sep 12, 2016

The Rhodes Scholarship – Presentation by William Cahill

William Cahill, the SAC-DSG Rhodes Scholar for 2016, addressed an enthusiastic group of 30 girls and 20 boys on Wednesday evening about the Rhodes Scholarship, and the process of applying for it. He stressed the importance of satisfying the academic and social conscience criteria right from the start of one’s undergraduate degree. It was a wonderful opportunity for the current Matrics to ask questions and increase their awareness of this invaluable gift that College and DSG were bequeathed by Cecil John Rhodes. The importance of using the years of study at Oxford to become part of the worldwide Rhodes community and to “fight the world’s fight” was emphasised.

William completed his degree in Chemical Engineering at UCT last year and will be studying a PPE at Oxford, with a view to using the political and economic dimension of the studies, combined with his scientific knowledge, to promote sustainable and renewable energy resources. William was the Head boy of Western Province Prep, the Boxer Scholar, College Head of School, recipient of the Antony Cark Plate for the most impressive all-rounder every year of his College career. He captained the College and UCT first rowing crew and has South African colours for rowing. He played first XV rugby, was a useful athlete and swimmer, a pianist, lead in one of Hermien Potgieter’s memorable dance productions and an international debater.

William was also in Grahamstown to promote awareness of the scholarship amongst the Rhodes University students. We wish William all the best as he heads off to Oxford in 2 weeks to begin the adventure of a lifetime.