Just months after earning the prestigious Truman Scholarship, Temple University’s Ray Epstein continues to make her mark at the university. The senior dual major was recently named a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship, becoming the first Temple student to formally interview for the scholarship in several years. 

“Speaking with Ray during this past year, especially when she received the Truman Scholarship back in April, I have been deeply impressed by her keen intellect, energy and devotion to justice,” said Provost Gregory N. Mandel. “To reach the final stages in the Rhodes Scholarship process is a testament to her academic and leadership achievements. She has a very bright future ahead, and I know she is going to make a lasting positive impact on our world.” 

While Epstein ultimately was not selected for the scholarship, being named a finalist is a significant accomplishment. The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and most prestigious international academic award available to Americans. The scholarship covers all expenses for two or three years of study at the University of Oxford in England. 

Nearly 3,000 students applied for the distinction this past year, and Epstein was one of only 238 students to be named a finalist and take part in the interview process. Only 32 young students from the United States were selected as Rhodes scholars. 

“When I found out I was nominated, I was so overwhelmed because it highlighted the importance of sexual violence prevention work. Making it this far was an honor and will absolutely act as fuel for the future,” Epstein said. “While I am disappointed to have not been selected, I am grateful for this opportunity and all the knowledge that I was able to glean from it.”   

The evaluation process for the Rhodes Scholarship is no small task. On Saturday, Epstein took part in a long, arduous interview process. The night prior, she attended a cocktail party, where she was also assessed by judges. To help prepare, Epstein worked with Scholar Development and Fellowships Advising, which coordinated mock interviews leading up to the formal interview. 

A native of the Washington, D.C., area, Epstein being named a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship is just the latest accomplishment in what has been a remarkable four years spent as a student at Temple. Currently the president of Temple Student Government, she attends the public session of Temple’s Board of Trustee meetings. 

However, the cause that is most important to her—and the cause that she will continue to advocate for—is sexual assault education and prevention. She is the founding president of Student Activists Against Sexual Assault (SAASA), an organization dedicated to ending sexual violence on campus and creating a supportive community for all.  

With SAASA, Epstein helped Temple’s Wellness Resource Center receive a $20,000 Pennsylvania Department of Education It’s On Us PA grant, which funds resources to improve sexual assault awareness and prevention. She also helped secure $200,000 and then an additional $150,000 in grants from Uber to ensure that students could get home safely 

“I met Ray over a year ago when she was applying for the Truman Scholarship, and immediately, I could tell she was not even our average Truman candidate,” said Barbara Gorka, director of scholar development and fellowships advising. “I could see how her interview responses became more nuanced and research-driven from when she was a Truman finalist to a Rhodes finalist this year. Ray has continued to grow and is motivated to take on challenges that increase her knowledge, her expertise and her ability to lead. While she was not named a Rhodes scholar, her commitment to improving victim support and Title IX legislation will not waiver.”