Last year, Student Government Organization President Tom Gray '00 received a Rhodes Scholarship, as well.
Krall, whose parents and grandfather first suggested that he apply for the scholarship, entered the Rhodes competition because "it seemed to be a good experience either way."
Going into the process, Krall had some expectation of where he would stand among competitors. "I was kind of expecting to get an interview," he said. "I wasn't even considering winning."
Having recieved the distinction, Krall still maintains this modest attitude. "I don't know that I feel that anything is different," he said.
Many of Krall's coaches and professors are enthusiastic about his achievement. "He is an extremely thoughtful person-thoughtful in the best sense," said Professor of History Bob Bezucha. Bezucha praised Krall's role as a student-athlete. "Some on the faculty in recent years have torn out their hair and shredded their academic robes lamenting the very presence of competitive intercollegiate athletics on campus. Jordan is an example of how it should be at Amherst."
Krall's baseball coach, Bill Thurston, similarly praised Krall's success and dedication both on and off the field. "He takes the same energy and intellect he takes to the chemistry lab to the playing field," said Thurston. "He doesn't miss any chemistry labs and he doesn't miss any practices."
As for future plans, the Rhodes Scholar who describes himself as "very curious," is going to pursue a completely research-based degree in Organic Chemistry at Oxford.
"I am excited about traveling for sure," said Krall. "I am interested to see how bad the baseball is over there."
Krall applied for the scholarship in California, his state of legal residence. Applicants for the scholarship also have the option of applying in the state where they attend college.
In order to apply, one must have the endorsement of his or her college. In addition to Krall, Amherst nominated four other students to the selection committee. The application process requires recommendations, a personal statement, and interviews. Four nominees were chosen in each district, totaling 95 applicants competing in the final stage.
Cecil Rhodes, a British philanthropist, created the Rhodes Scholarships in 1902 to recognize applicants who fit his stipulated criteria: "high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership and physical vigor." Rhodes wrote that recipients of the award should "esteem the performance of public duties as their highest aim."
The scholarship provides recipients with two or three years of study at Oxford. The Rhodes Trust provides tuition, money to cover expenses while living in England and during vacation and pays for transportation to and from Oxford.
There are about 95 Rhodes scholars chosen each year, 32 from the United States, in addition to students from 18 other regions in the world.