Previously awarded a Watson Fellowship, Altschuler spent time in Chile and South Africa pursuing a self-designed project in which he interviewed landless and homeless people about the recent transitions to democracy in their countries. "I had powerful and rewarding experiences working with groups committed to addressing the extremely difficult living conditions in their communities," he said.
Altschuler has also worked with the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board in New York City, where he helps develop housing cooperatives for low-income families. "My work focuses on 15 buildings in the South Bronx and Harlem which we are trying to convert to resident-owned and managed cooperatives," he said. Altschuler plans to pursue similar goals in his work at Oxford, and hopes to "contribute meaningfully to development rooted in the experiences, voices and the visions of marginalized communities around the world."
Applying for the Rhodes Scholarship was a rigorous process. Altschuler first sent in an application, including a personal statement, transcripts and eight letters of recommendation to Amherst's Fellowship Committee. On the strength of his application, the committee decided to nominate him for the New York district, one of 16 U.S. districts. After he was named a district finalist, he was brought in for a reception and interview. Altschuler described how learning that he was the district winner was almost a surreal experience. "It was a bit intense," he said. "Of course, I was thrilled and a bit perplexed when the committee secretary announced my name. At that point it sunk in that I was really going to Oxford next year."
Altschuler claimed that Amherst contributed a great deal to his success, both during and after his four years as a student. He majored in black studies, Spanish and political science and played varsity golf, tennis and soccer. "Amherst enabled me to conceive of and construct the type of academic experience that I wanted," Altschuler said. "I greatly valued this opportunity for independent thinking and work." He worked closely with the College after graduating, collaborating with the Office of Fellowships when applying for the Watson Fellowship and the Rhodes Scholarship. "I am truly indebted to Denise Gagnon in the fellowships office for supporting me at every stage of both the Watson and Rhodes application processes," said Altschuler.
Faculty who worked with Altschuler were impressed with his character, intelligence and convictions. Professor of Spanish Ilan Stavans recalled that Altschuler possessed a very deep social consciousness. "At Amherst he learned to ask tough questions and not be satisfied with easy answers," he said. "While here he recognized that we need decisive, uncompromising leaders. As a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, he'll be closer to becoming one."
Assistant Professor of Black Studies and American Studies Jeffrey Ferguson, who wrote one of Altschuler's recommendation letters, said Daniel was "a dream of a student." In addition to being impressed with Altschuler's academic abilities, Ferguson was struck by Altschuler's character. "As a person Daniel was, and still is, a man of conviction and compassion, which enhanced his obvious academic talents," he said. "His gentle and genial exterior hid only slightly from view a solid steel core of genuine character."
Fellowships Coordinator Denise Gagnon, who became very well acquainted with Altschuler as he applied for the Watson Fellowship and the Rhodes Scholarship, feels that he will use the opportunities provided by the scholarship to help others. "Daniel would like to further his studies in order to increase his global understanding of the many social issues that face the landless and homeless," she said. "A Rhodes Scholarship will take him to places where he can learn more in order to help more people."
President Anthony Marx, who shares Altschuler's interests in Chile and South Africa, was excited about the honor bestowed upon his former student. Marx recalled that in his time here, Altschuler was an active and engaged member of the Amherst community. He was one of two students who first began to raise issues of investor responsibility at Amherst, efforts that have impacted the Darfur divestment effort that has continued this year. "Daniel has left his mark at Amherst clearly with his friends and faculty," said Marx. "We are proud to see Daniel's efforts and his abilities recognized in this way."
The Rhodes Scholarship, established in 1902 after British philanthropist Cecil Rhodes who left money in his will for its creation, offers 90 students the opportunity to study for two years at Oxford, with the possibility of a third year. Altschuler is the sixth Amherst student in the past 25 years to receive a Rhodes Scholarship. The most recent Amherst recipients were Jordan Krall '01, named a Rhodes Scholar in 2001 and Vaughn Gray '00 in 2000.