BU grad named Rhodes Scholar

For the second consecutive year a Boston University student has been named as one of 32 American Rhodes Scholars.

College of Arts and Sciences 2004 graduate Anastasia Piliavsky was selected Sunday out of 904 applicants for the 2005 award, which provides her a two-year scholarship at Oxford University.

Piliavsky said though she is still in shock, she is very optimistic about the way the scholarship will change her life.

"I don't feel any different," she said. "I still feel like Anastasia, but it will be good."

Piliavsky said she will study visual anthropology at Oxford next fall, unlike CAS 2003 graduate Richard Malins - a 2004 Rhodes Scholar who is studying chemistry and psychology.

Piliavsky said she was more excited to study the visual side of anthropology over the more writing-based concentrations.

"I felt that, for one, academic writing for academics is a little bare-bone, and there is a need for film as a compelling medium as far as broadening the need for learning," Piliavsky said. "I'm into things visual as way to incorporate my love of images."

According to the Rhodes Scholar website, the scholarship, which was founded in Cecil Rhode's will in 1902, includes all tuition and living costs.

The website states Rhodes Scholars must exemplify "high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership and physical vigor."

Assistant Provost Suzanne Kennedy, BU's Rhodes Scholarship representative, said applying for the scholarship is a "multi-part process."

"First, I talk to interested students over the year prior to their senior year, and the summer before," Kennedy said. "But some students, like Anastasia, choose to apply as a graduate of Boston University."

Kennedy said students who apply for the scholarship in September must go through a university, state and district selection process.

"It is quite an honor for anybody to be nominated, because not everyone who applies makes it all the way," she said. "Every applicant is very unique, incredibly accomplished and capable."

BU spokesman Colin Riley said Piliavsky's scholarship reflects well on the university.

"[The scholarship is an] academic honor, the highest," he said. "We are all very proud of it and will make sure that people are aware.

"It is a very strong endorsement of the academic programs at Boston University."

Kennedy said the scholarship is a great honor for both Piliavsky and BU,

"This award is a tribute to [Piliavsky]," Kennedy said. "It is also a tribute to the Boston University students who are growing in quality, and to the faculty who get students excited about learning, which only carries them further.

"It is a cooperative effort whenever any of our students are recognized like this."

CAS Dean Jeffrey Henderson said Rhodes Scholars generally have bright futures ahead of them.

"Most Rhodes Scholars have gone on to distinguished careers," Henderson said.

Piliavsky said she hopes the scholarship will help launch a career in film and teaching at an elementary and a higher education level.

"[I would] like to propel education with film and teaching at the university level ... [and] at the primary education level to bring cultural awareness," she said.

Piliavsky said her friends and family are also very pleased with her accomplishment.

"My grandmother cried when she heard the news, while the men in my family said things like, 'well we always knew she was smart,'" she said.