Luther College student named 2027 Rhodes Scholarship finalist

Luther College student Rejoice Mzumara has been selected as a finalist for the 2027 Rhodes Scholarship, one of the world’s most prestigious postgraduate scholarships. Mzumara is a senior double majoring in economics and data science.

Rejoice Mzumara, a senior double majoring in economics and data science, was one of seven finalists for the Rhodes Southern Africa award.

Originally from Malawi, Mzumara was one of seven finalists for the Rhodes Southern Africa award, which is open to applicants from Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Eswatini.

“This experience reaffirmed one of my guiding philosophies: always be willing to try new things,” she said. “Although I was not selected as the scholarship recipient, becoming a finalist was an extraordinary achievement, and I am incredibly proud of it. I will forever be a Rhodes finalist, and I will carry that experience with me as I pursue the next chapter of my journey.”

Mzumara graduated from the United World College Mahindra, an international boarding school in Pune, India, before coming to Decorah to pursue her bachelor’s degree. At Luther, Mzumara has served as the international student representative on Student Senate and been part of the International Student Association and Allies (ISAA) executive team. She has participated in many student organizations including Alpha Lambda Delta, Model United Nations, the Black Student Union, Up to Us and Beta Theta Omega.

She is a race and ethnicity diversity representative with the Campus Life Board, a campuswide committee composed of students, faculty and staff working in conjunction with Student Life staff to ensure an effective implementation of college policies and procedures that impact campus life for students.

Mzumara is a co-founder of AfroNorse, a student organization focused on bringing joy, creativity and inclusion of African music and dance culture to Luther College.

“My experience as an international student at Luther College has been the catalyst for much of my involvement on campus,” Mzumara said. “I had conversations with friends about being the change you want to see and building communities where people feel that they belong. That sense of purpose has shaped almost everything I do at Luther. I have enjoyed creating opportunities to celebrate cultures and bring people together.”

In addition to volunteering with many student organizations, Mzumara also worked a variety of jobs on campus.

“From working as an assistant in Financial Services and a peer tutor in the Center for Academic Enrichment to serving as a resident assistant in Farwell and working on the grill as a student manager at Oneota, I have learned from different corners of the Luther community. My work with Dining Services’ marketing team has also given me an opportunity to connect with students in fun new ways,” she said.

Mzumara is grateful to her professors in the Economics, Accounting and Management Department for their mentorship, recognition and encouragement.

“Their continued love and encouragement mean so much to me,” she said.

Associate Professor of Management Alexandra White called Mzumara a “great ambassador for Luther.”

“Rejoice is an absolute joy to work with,” White said. “We admire her work ethic, intellectual curiosity and drive to make a difference, and are very proud of her accomplishment in being selected as a finalist for this prestigious program ”

After graduating from Luther in May 2027, Mzumara intends to pursue postgraduate studies and work in international development, with a particular focus on Sub-Saharan Africa.

“I want to contribute to building a more resilient Africa, one driven by innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and opportunities for its people to thrive,” Mzumara said.

Established in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship is among the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship awards. The scholarship supports exceptional students from around the world in pursuing postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Over 100 Rhodes Scholarships are awarded each year globally. Rhodes Scholars are chosen not only for their outstanding scholarly achievements, but for their character, commitment to others and to the common good, and for their potential for leadership.