May 13, 2005

Mandela scholars coming to Amherst, unlike Mandela

News outlets today are buzzing with reports of Nelson Mandela’s “early Commencement” honorary degree from the College, awarded yesterday in New York City. Mandela became the first person to receive an honorary degree from Amherst anywhere but Amherst, but some 550 students, faculty and staff were bussed down from the Valley to be among the audience in St. Bartholomew Church in Manhattan.

Mandela “challenged selective colleges in the United States to open their doors to more students of modest means,” according to the Boston Globe report.

College officials announced yesterday that the school next year will be the first in the United States to receive Nelson Mandela scholars, which are selected by the former South African president’s foundation. The students, who will receive full scholarships, will be from either South Africa or Mozambique. Mandela’s wife, Graca Machel, is originally from Mozambique.

See also the College release; for photos, check the site of Sam Masinter ‘04.

Parker Morse '96 | May 13, 2005 11:54 AM | Campus