A distinguished 2025 Rhodes Scholarship has been given to Canadian 21-year-old Noah Rudder, the youngest son of local calypso icon David Rudder. “I’m still trying to process the good news,” he remarked. David proudly shared the news of his son’s accomplishment on Facebook.
According to him, the award is the “oldest and most prestigious graduate fellowship in the world.” It enables global winners to attend Oxford University in England for postgraduate study.
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Its website describes the scholarship as, “a merit-based scholarship, with the purpose of developing public-spirited leaders, and to promote international understanding and peace through an international community of scholars.”
At Victoria College at the University of Toronto, Noah Rudder is presently pursuing a double degree in acting and peace, conflict, and justice. He intends to attend Oxford to get a master’s degree in visual arts and public policy.
“Offers a distinctive approach to learning about public policy, (and) is a transformative opportunity for current and future leaders with a commitment to public service,” according to Oxford University’s one-year master’s degree in public policy.
As for the master’s in fine arts, also a year-long, Oxford says it is “an intensive one-year studio-based program in the practice of contemporary art.”
Noah Rudder recently stated in an interview that he has been going through a “whirlwind of emotions.”
The scholar added to his remark, “ I don’t think I’ve processed it just yet.”
He stated that on November 16, 13 contenders were interviewed, with his interview being the final one at about 8 p.m. Rudder, who is also an actor, stated that he was present for the school’s production of Murder on the Orient Express rehearsals that evening.
He stated, “So I left there, went to the interview, then got back, and I asked my director if I could keep my phone in my pocket,because I may be getting some big news that night.”
He said that between 9 and 10 p.m., he received a call informing him that he had succeeded, and he described that significant yet emotional moment as “pretty crazy.”
Young Rudder noted, “I just went outside and called my family and told them.”
In October 2025, he will start his studies at Oxford after graduating from his present university in June 2025.
He shared, “I’ve been really privileged and lucky to be able to do amazing research with access to resources, and I think being able to go abroad is a big step.”
Young Rudder continued, “I really want to focus on social issues, especially in conflict zones, and get some first-hand experience there. And I hope I get the chance to work with a multilateral organization that grapples with issues like homelessness and anti-black racism.”
He has been in projects at the University of Toronto and the Toronto Film Festival, and he stated that he also aspires to continue performing for the rest of his life.
“I try not to place any expectations on myself that I’m going to be a professional actor, but I love drama, and it is something that’s intrinsic to me.”
For his sketch comedy ensemble, he is now developing a play that will be performed in December. After earning his degree, he wants to serve and travel.
According to his description on the Rhodes Scholarship website, he conducted research on knowledge generation in African countries prior to 2009 at the World Bank’s Office of the Chief Economist.
Additionally, it states that he collaborated with Victoria College’s Office of the President to put the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism into effect, which was signed in February. He also received the Bader Opportunity Award for academic performance and leadership, as well as the Crescam Serviendo Student Leadership Award.
“An actor and writer, Noah has performed in the Toronto Fringe Festival and University of Toronto productions, including the Bob Sketch Comedy Revue.”
His enthusiasm for social transformation is also disclosed in the announcement.
According to David Rudder, his kid has a “natural gift” and works “really hard”.
In his Facebook post, he said when his son was asked about the intersection of the two fields of study he chose, he said, “It is what I know, the family I was born into and the culture I come from.”
