Pair of KU students named finalists for Rhodes scholarships

LAWRENCE — A May 2013 graduate from Lansing and a senior from Baxter Springs at the University of Kansas have been selected as finalists for prestigious Rhodes scholarships. They will join fellow finalists in the St. Louis region for interviews with a selection committee Friday, Nov. 22, and Saturday, Nov. 23.

Thirty-two of the prestigious scholarships are awarded annually. Jenny Lynn Curatola of Lansing and Nicholas Anthony Kellum of Baxter Springs were selected by a committee coordinated by the KU Honors Program to compete for a Rhodes scholarship, which provides full tuition and fees for two years of graduate study at Oxford University, as well as a living allowance.

Jenny Lynn Curatola earned her bachelor’s degree in theatre in May 2013 and is currently pursuing two additional degrees in English and global and international studies with a minor in Italian. She is a 2009 graduate of Lansing High school. Her parents are John and Debra Curatola. She would pursue modern Middle East studies with a Rhodes scholarship.

Nicholas Anthony Kellum is a senior who also is majoring in global and international studies. He is a 2010 graduate of Baxter Springs High School. His parents are Bert and Lori Kellum. He would pursue international relations with a Rhodes scholarship.

“Jenny and Nick have both been very active in the Honors Program and across KU,” said Kathleen McCluskey-Fawcett, director of the KU Honors Program. “We're pleased that these two outstanding Honors students have advanced in this competition. It is a tremendous testament to the educational opportunities at KU and the quality of our students.”

Two winners are announced from each of 16 districts after the Nov. 22 interviews by Rhodes Foundation representatives. KU students compete with finalists from colleges and universities in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi and South Carolina.

KU has produced 26 Rhodes scholars, more than all other colleges in Kansas combined. U.S. students between ages 18 and 24 who have demonstrated high academic achievement and leadership are eligible to apply for a university nomination.

Complete biographical information about Curatola and Kellum, including academic achievements and leadership on and off campus, is listed below.

Jenny Lynn Curatola, Lansing, Lansing High School, daughter of John and Debra Curatola. Curatola completed a bachelor of arts in theatre in May 2013 and is continuing her studies at KU this year to complete two additional bachelor’s degrees in English and global and international studies, and a minor in Italian. Curatola is a member of the University Honors Program, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, a Hall Center Scholar and a winner of the Jack and Lavon Brosseau Creativity Award. She held a 2013 Coro Kansas City Internship in Public Affairs. She is featured on the 2013 KU Women of Distinction Calendar and is a member of the Undergraduate Advisory Board for the Arab Uprisings Lecture Series.

Nicholas Anthony Kellum, Baxter Springs, Baxter Springs High School, son of Bert and Lori Kellum. Kellum is a senior majoring in global and international studies. He is a 2013 recipient of a Critical Languages Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State, which supported his study of Arabic in Oman this summer. He is a current recipient of a Foreign Languages Area Studies Scholarship through the Center for Global and International Studies, and is a member of the Undergraduate Advisory Board for the Arab Uprisings Lecture Series.