VIENNA, Va. — Former University of Michigan men’s swimmer David Moore (2011-14) has been selected as one of the 32 students for the American Rhodes Scholar Class of 2015, the Rhodes Trust announced last Saturday (Nov. 22). Moore will complete his applications to begin courses at Oxford University in England next year.
“There’s no way I’d be in this position without Michigan Athletics and all the opportunities and support that they and the swimming and diving team have given me every day these last four years,” Moore said. “I’m so excited to represent the Block M at Oxford next year and show them everything I’ve learned from being a student-athlete at one of the greatest universities in the world. The team talks about changing the world all the time. This opportunity gets me on step closer to being able to do that.”
“David Moore walked in the door knowing that if he was to make it at Michigan, he would need to get better,” added head swimming and diving coach Mike Bottom. “He embraced our team culture determined to move towards excellence in all areas of life. David developed into a leader in and out of the pool. He was elected by our team to captain and lead us out into the community to make a positive difference in the Ann Arbor and Detroit areas. We are so proud of David, as we feel he truly represents the Michigan Athletics community and the swimming and diving program. He embodies what it means to be a Michigan Man.”
During his four-year career, Moore was a part of four Big Ten Championship-winning teams and was a member of the 2013 national championship team. He was also a team captain last season. Academically, Moore was a three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and was the recipient of the Big Ten’s Postgraduate Scholarship. He graduated last spring with a degree in mechanical engineering and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in the same field.
Rhodes Scholars are chosen in a two-step process. First, applicants must be endorsed by their college or university. This year, 877 candidates from across the nation were nominated by their respective colleges and universities, with 207 reaching the final stages. There, the Committees of Selection in each of the 16 U.S. districts then invite the strongest applicants to appear before them for interview. Two winners are chosen from each district. There are 80 Scholars selected worldwide each year.
Applicants are chosen on the basis of the criteria set down in the Will of Cecil Rhodes. Outside of academic excellence, a Rhodes Scholar should also have great personal energy, ambition for impact, and an ability to work with others and to achieve one’s goals. In addition, a Rhodes Scholar should be committed to make a strong difference for good in the world, be concerned for the welfare of others, and be conscious of inequities. And finally, a Rhodes Scholar should show great promise of leadership.
At Oxford, Moore plans on pursuing a master’s in computer science engineering in his first year and an MBA in his second year.
The above is a press release submitted by the University of Michigan athletics staff.
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