Problem solver awarded Rhodes Scholarship

For the third year in a row a Monash graduate has been awarded the prestigious Victorian Rhodes Scholarship with this year’s winner Victor Finkel to journey to Oxford University to complete a Master of Public Policy and work to solve issues such as poverty and stunted economic development.

Mr Finkel, a management consultant, has degrees from Monash University in both Music and Aerospace Engineering majoring in aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics.

Mr Finkel said he was delighted to be a Rhodes Scholar and with his experience in management, engineering and as a jazz musician he looks forward to the deepening of his understanding of how best to have an impact on the world.

"Studying for the new Master of Public Policy at Oxford will help me understand the complex intersections between economics, politics and science that shape our world today," Mr Finkel said. 

“Living up to the aspirations of what it means to be a Rhodes Scholar is a daunting challenge, but one I look forward to!”

As a student, Mr Finkel was a key member of the Monash Association of Debaters, which he believes helped him to clearly analyse issues.  He has used these skills to teach less empowered people to become advocates for their causes and has worked as a volunteer with Bridges Across Borders in Cambodia. 

“I look forward to the opportunity to work with a group of visionary and determined people from across the world. The community of Rhodes scholars and the vibrant intellectual life at Oxford will fuel my aspirations, challenge and stimulate me, and serve as a proving ground for my ideas about how to have an impact in the developing world,” Mr Finkel said.

Monash University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Ed Byrne congratulated Mr Finkel on becoming this year’s Victorian Rhodes Scholar.

“This is a considerable achievement and is a testament to Mr Finkel's ability and dedication,” Professor Byrne said.

“I wish him all the best with his studies at Oxford and beyond. I know his years at Monash will have prepared him well for this challenge.”

Victor Finkel is the son of the Dr Alan Finkel AM, Chancellor of Monash University.

Congratulating Victor on the scholarship, Honorary Secretary of the Victorian Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee Professor James Angus, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, at the University of Melbourne, said all the applicants had a strong commitment to addressing urgent problems facing the world.

“Working on solutions to address equality in global and local development are highly commendable aspirations which all the applicants described as personal motivators,” Professor Angus said.

“Victor has demonstrated a commitment to his wider community and a passion for change.”

Established in the will of Cecil Rhodes in 1902, the Rhodes is the oldest and perhaps the most prestigious international graduate scholarship program in the world. Typical Rhodes Scholars are considered to have outstanding academic achievements, a background in community work, be active participants in sport and display strong leadership skills.

Recent Monash University Rhodes Scholars include Evelyn Chan (2010), Anthea Lindquist (2009), Farnaz Sabet (2005), Lucas Bluff (2004), Geraldine Buckingham (2003) and Nathan Grills (2002).