01/15/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/15/2025 10:11
American University graduate Edozie Umunna (SPA/BA'24) will travel to China in August 2025 to pursue a one-year, fully-funded master's degree in global affairs at the Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, as a Schwarzman Scholar. Umunna will be one of 150 young leaders from 38 countries and 105 universities who have won the prestigious award this year. The 10th cohort of Schwarzman Scholars was selected from a pool of 5,000 candidates worldwide. He is the first American University graduate to receive the Schwarzman Scholarship.
"The Schwarzman Scholarship is a prestigious award that recognizes and cultivates the talents of future global leaders," said Paula Warrick, senior director, AU's Office of Merit Awards, Career Center. "Recipients are chosen for their academic aptitude, leadership potential, character, and cross-cultural competency. Edozie's selection underscores the recognition that he embodies these traits and took full advantage of his American University experience. At AU, we are proud to offer unique academic and experiential learning opportunities that prepare our students to address complex global issues in their future careers."
Umunna, a first-generation American from Boston, Mass., graduated summa cum laude from AU in 2024 with a degree in political science and communications studies. He was elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa, served as president of the Black Student Union, and has held internships with the Democratic National Committee, the Department of State in Nicosia, Cyprus, and the China Division of the Global Engagement Center. He also interned with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and the Messina Group. Umunna is a recipient of a Harvard University Future Leaders in Law Fellowship and most recently served as a regional organizer with Kamala Harris' presidential campaign.
"I am blessed to have been selected for this distinguished honor! I am grateful to my family, professors, and mentors who motivated and inspired me to pursue my dreams," said Umunna. "My selection for the Schwarzman Scholarship marks the next step in my goal to level the playing field for those without a voice in global politics."
At Tsinghua University in Beijing, Umunna and his fellow Schwarzman Scholars will engage in a graduate curriculum focused on leadership, global affairs, and China's political and economic future. The students are taught by leading faculty from Tsinghua as well as from many globally recognized international universities, and attend lectures delivered by global thought leaders. Scholars gain unique exposure to China and gain understanding of its changing role in today's world through mentoring, internships, and experiential learning. The program offers a unique combination of coursework, cultural immersion, and personal and professional development.