Tuckwell alumnus wins Rhodes Scholarship

Marcus Dahl (2014 Tuckwell Scholar) has won a prestigious 2020 Australia-at-Large Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University.

Marcus graduated from ANU with a Bachelor of Laws with Honours and a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Psychology, and became the first law student to graduate with the University Medal, Blackburn Medal for Research in Law and the Tillyard Prize in 2018.

Head of Scholars House Associate Professor Ryan Goss, a Rhodes Scholar himself, said, “The Tuckwell community is extremely proud of Marcus. The Rhodes Scholarship is a tremendous opportunity that will both challenge and inspire him.”

Significant amongst Marcus’ contributions to the ANU are his contributions to Ursula Hall where he served as the First-Year Representative, Vice President, President and Senior Resident. Beyond his contributions to residential life, Marcus volunteered for many other good causes, including the Indigenous Summer School Program and Australian Scouts. His outstanding contributions as a Scout Leader were recognised with the Baden Powell Scout Award, the peak youth award available to Australian Scouts, from the Governor-General.

Marcus honed his legal skillset and attained valuable experience by volunteering with the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) NSW/ACT, Kimberley Community Legal Services and the Australian Law Reform Commission. In 2019, Marcus undertook a six-month placement as a foreign law clerk at the Constitutional Court of South Africa.

When asked about where he sees himself in the future, Marcus says, “I want to play a positive part in making our world better through commitment to others and perseverance towards just causes. Perhaps, if I work hard enough, I can help others achieve a happier, more contented life.”

The oldest and one of the most prestigious international graduate scholarship programs, the Rhodes Scholarships were established in 1903. Applicants are expected to demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, character, leadership and commitment to service. The primary goal of the program is to develop the leaders of tomorrow.

Each year, nine Rhodes Scholarships are available for outstanding Australians to study at the University of Oxford. One scholarship is offered in each of the states (NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania), and three for Australia at large.