2 Minnesota students named Rhodes Scholars

When someone calls another person a 'Rhodes Scholar,' it's often a joke. But for two Minnesota college students, it's now a reality.

Augsburg College senior Brian Krohn learned Saturday that he was receiving the prestigious scholarship. He's Augsburg's first recipient. Krohn initially thought the honor seemed unattainable.

"I actually kind-of kept Rhodes down in my list of applications because I thought it was so prestigious," Krohn says.

The young man already made headlines this year after finding a new way to produce biodiesel. (Click here to see the original story.)

The scholarship to Oxford gives him a chance to expand his studies. He'll pursue a masters in science in environmental change and management.

"I really see my future at the intersection between science and public policy," Krohn says. "It's important for science to get out of the labratory and into the real world."

Krohn won't be the only Minnesota student entering Oxford next fall. Ashley Nord is a Rhodes Scholar, too. "It's something you always hope for, but to actually have it be real is a good feeling," she says.

Nord is a senior at the University of Minnesota. She's majoring in global studies, physics and astrophysics. She's also a pole-vaulter on the school's track and field team. Nord plans to study biophysics at Oxford, focusing on small molecules.

"I'm trying to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals," she says. She also hopes to keep pole-vaulting.

Even though Krohn and Nord both attend Minnesota schools, they did not compete against each other for the scholarships. They were both in different districts based on their hometowns. Krohn is from Cloquet, Minnesota. Nord is from South Dakota.

They are among the 32 American students who were named Rhodes Scholars for 2009.

Last week, Macalester College announced that one of its students, Jamaica native Michael Waul, had been awarded the prestigious scholarship.

By Joe Fryer, KARE 11 News   Read Joe's Blog

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