Deffenbaugh '02 is named Sachs scholar

Natalie Deffenbaugh '02 was named this year's recipient of the Daniel Sachs Class of 1960 Memorial Scholarship earlier this week.

"I was ecstatic, practically speechless," Deffenbaugh said of her immediate reaction to winning the award.

The Sachs scholarship provides a senior interested in public service the opportunity to study, work or travel abroad after graduation. The award will pay for Deffenbaugh's tuition and living expenses for two years at Worcester College at Oxford University.

A physics major, Deffenbaugh also has strong aspirations to pursue international and public policy, focusing on mechanisms of peace keeping and diplomacy. She said Oxford will be a good place to become more involved in the field.

There, she will study politics and economics.

After her two years at Oxford, Deffenbaugh said she is unsure what path her career plans will take. She is weighing several possible pursuits, including a government position.

"I would be happier working for a non-profit organization," she added.

David Loevner '76, chairman of the committee of advisers and former recipient of the Sachs scholarship, noted that this year's applicant pool was very strong.

Initially, 25 applications were received, and 11 applicants were selected for interviews.

The committee seeks seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence in their courses and taken advantage of what the University has to offer.

"Applicants must convince the committee why it should regard [their proposal] as a wonderful opportunity to invest in their future," he said.

Despite the strength of the applicant pool, Loevner quickly pointed to Deffenbaugh's academic record and extracurricular activities as a varsity athlete and accomplished musician.

'Easy choice'

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"It was an easy choice," he said.

Assistant Dean of the College Marcia Cantarella echoed these sentiments.

"I think the committee was able to see that even though she had chosen a science major . . . what really draws her is her commitment to public service, particularly in international affairs," he said. "She really is an amazing young woman."

The Sachs scholarship was established in memory of Daniel Sachs '60, who attended Worcester College as a Rhodes scholar.

Deffenbaugh hails from Columbia, Md., and is working toward a certificate in medieval studies.

She has been active on campus, serving as a peer tutor in math and physics, singing with the chapel choir and earning All-Ivy League honors in 1999 and 2000 for varsity track and cross country running.