Colin Koproske
Honored with one of the highest awards that a graduating American undergraduate can receive, Colin Koproske, a senior majoring in political science and music, has been named a 2007 Marshall Scholar.
As a recipient of the highly competitive scholarship, Colin will attend Oxford University in the fall where he will work toward his master’s of philosophy in political theory.
“This is so life-changing for me,” says Colin, who is looking forward to studying at “one of the best universities in the world.”
Established in 1953 by the British government, the Marshall scholarships provide two fully funded years of study (with a possible year extension) at any university in the United Kingdom. Colin is one of 40 scholars to be selected for 2007. Four other USC students have won the honor in recent years: Jacob Chacko (2000), Paul Miller (2002), David Chacko (2004) and Nilay Vora (2004).
“I think the program will help me progress and expand my world view,” he says. “To study at Oxford will be a great experience.”
Colin, whose research interests include secularism and the relationship among religion, science and political thought, plans to pursue a Ph.D. after the Oxford program.
Michael L. Jackson, vice president for Student Affairs, said in his endorsement letter that Colin is one of the very best students he has come across in his 30 years working in higher education: “I find that Colin’s ability to balance scholarship with leadership and extracurricular commitments make him an ideal candidate for the Marshall Scholarship.”
While at USC, one of Colin’s passions has been the BrainTrust Project, a not-for profit, non-partisan organization he founded with a classmate. The organization, which operates at BrainTrustProject.org, supports and publishes academic works in areas of public policy. Its goal is to provide a better connection between academic experts, policymakers and the public.
In addition, Colin is an accomplished musician who currently holds the prestigious drumset chair in the USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra. He is also a classically trained pianist.
Colin will graduate summa cum laude from USC in the spring.