Once again this year the newest class of Rhodes Scholars gathered in Washington, D.C. for the annual Bon Voyage Weekend hosted by AARS.  Between September 22 and 26, members of the Class of 2007 participated in activities ranging from breakfast with Rhodes members of Congress, to a Washington Nationals baseball game, to informal gatherings.  The Bon Voyage Weekend offered the opportunity for the new class to get to know one another before they reach Oxford and are spread across colleges and departments, and to connect with scholars of years past.  This year’s BVW was marked by two milestones.  The Class of 2007 was able to participate in the centenary celebration of Dr. Alain L. Locke, the first black American Rhodes Scholar.  They were also able to spend a morning with the Class of ’57 as they celebrate their 50^th class reunion.

All members of the Class of 2007 class were present during BVW, and in keeping with a long-standing tradition, were joined by international Rhodes Scholars from Bermuda, Barbados, and Jamaica.

The Bon Voyage Weekend is made possible though the generosity of AARS members and volunteers. 

Program Highlights:

Welcoming meeting with George Keys, Stew Early and other AARS Board members.

Dinner at Lissa Muscatine's home Saturday night is the first time many of the 2007 Scholars meet each other and the AARS leadership. Here, Lissa is talking with Casey Cep, Nate Herring, Joshua Billings and Christian Sahner. 

Ginger Turner, Parvinder Thiara, Nadiya Figueroa (Barbados), Casey Cep. Below: lounging at Lissa's.

Local Rhodes Scholar women have for several years hosted a breakfast for the women of each Rhodes class, offering an opportunity to discuss women’s issues at Oxford.

Recent Rhodes Scholar returnees from Oxford as well as some in residence will join the Class of 2007 to offer some practical, candid advice about the transition to Oxford.

The Rhodes Class of 1957 is having their 50^th reunion coinciding with BVW 2007, offering an opportunity to share their experience of Oxford across half a century.

The Class of 2007 will attend a ballgame at RFK Stadium as the Washington Nationals take on the Philadelphia Phillies.  It is the last regular season baseball game ever in RFK Stadium. 

This year the AARS is honoring Dr. Alain L. Locke (Pennsylvania & Hertford 1907), the first black American Rhodes Scholar, on the centenary of his election by co-hosting a Monday morning symposium at Howard University.

Several U.S. and international Rhodes Scholars at The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund will share their perspectives on the world’s development challenges.

Traditionally, the British Embassy has joined AARS in greeting the departing Rhodes Scholars and this year, Alan Charlton, the Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, will host the Class of 2007 at his home.

Senator Richard Lugar (Indiana & Pembroke 1954) and former Senator Paul Sarbanes (Maryland & Balliol 1954) will host a breakfast at the U.S. Capitol – a tradition they have continued ever since the BVW located itself in Washington, D.C. Representative Tom Allen (Maine and Wadham 1967) and Representative Jim Cooper (Tennessee and Oriel 1975) will also join in welcoming the Class of 2007.

For several years, Justice David Souter (New Hampshire & Magdalen 1961) has shared his perspective on the role of the Supreme Court in a frank conversation, moderated by A.E. Dick Howard (Virginia & Christ Church 1958).

A Departure Luncheon will be held at the Cosmos Club on Wednesday, prior to the scholars’ flight to England.  General Wesley K. Clark, U.S. Army (Retired) (Arkansas & Magdalen 1966) will be the keynote speaker.

Local area Rhodes Scholars also will host the Class of 2007 at their homes and in restaurants throughout the week.

See additional pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/searly01/2007BVWPictures  and at http://picasaweb.google.com/searly01/More2007BVWPictures