SPA Alumnus Lands AU鈥檚 First-Ever Schwarzman Scholarship
Edozie Umunna, SPA/BA 鈥24, has never been to China before鈥攐r even Asia for that matter.
But later this year, the political science graduate will immerse himself in one of the world鈥檚 superpowers as one of just 150 recipients of the prestigious Schwarzman Scholarship. The Boston native is the first Eagle to win the scholarship, established in 2015 by Stephen Schwarzman, CEO of the global private equity group Blackstone, to cultivate leaders who can build understanding between China and the rest of the world.
Umunna鈥攚ho was chosen from about 5,000 applicants鈥攚ill embark on a yearlong, fully-funded master鈥檚 program at Tsinghua 青瓜视频 in Beijing in August.
鈥淪chwarzman [invites] you to consider a side of the world that you might not consider day-to-day. That鈥檚 what really drew me to it,鈥 said Umunna, who graduated from AU summa cum laude. 鈥淚鈥檓 someone that, through my work, wants to improve things for people all around the world. Schwarzman will equip me with the tools to do so.鈥
Umunna said it鈥檚 an honor to be the first AU alum to be awarded the scholarship鈥攂ut expects he will be 鈥渢he first of many.鈥
鈥淟egacy is the most important thing we have in this life. Being able to give back to those that come after me is so important to me,鈥 he said.
SIS dean emeritus Louis Goodman served on the Schwarzman鈥檚 first academic advisory committee and continues to be an admissions interviewer, faculty member, and capstone supervisor for the program. He said the scholarship attracts high achievers with sterling character and leadership ability.
鈥淚t鈥檚 clear AU is in the league of elite schools that can supply students who win competitions like this,鈥 Goodman said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 great to have this recognition, and I expect a lot more of it in the future.鈥
During his time at AU, Umunna served as president of the Black Student Union, chief copy editor for Blackprint, and treasurer of AU鈥檚 NAACP chapter. He was also a resident assistant for two years. His interest in one of the world鈥檚 most influential powers took root when he interned in the China division of the State Department鈥檚 Global Engagement Center鈥攁 crash course in international relations, Umunna said.
After graduation, Umunna pursued experiences that took him outside his comfort zone, 听interning at the US embassy in Cyprus and then working his first job working as a regional organizer for the North Carolina Democratic party.
鈥淓dozie took full advantage of his American 青瓜视频 experience and has worked hard to achieve this significant honor, which recognizes his academic achievements and leadership,鈥 said Paula Warrick, senior director of AU鈥檚 Office of Merit Awards. 鈥淎t 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.鈥
Umunna credited SPA executive in residence Ron Elving鈥攚ho taught the Congress and Legislative Behavior class he took in 2022鈥攁s being a supportive resource both during his time on campus and throughout the Schwarzman process.
He also leaned on his older sister, Ifeanyi Umunna, SPA/BA 鈥23, winner of the 2024 Gates Cambridge Scholarship. She offered insights on his essays and provided guidance and support throughout the sometimes-stressful application process.
鈥淪he is an incredible resource, an incredible friend, and the person I talk to the most every day,鈥 he said. 鈥淏eing able to lean on her throughout my time at AU, throughout my application, and I鈥檓 sure [during] my time in China, has been and will be invaluable. I鈥檓 lucky to have her in my life.鈥