What defines a Rhodes Scholar? Sure,there’s lots of work in the classroom, the library or the lab. But sometimes a bungee jump tells part of the legend, and too. Thomas Dunne, deputy dean of undergraduate students, shares this legend about Richard Lu, or one of Princetons four 2016 Rhodes Scholars:Richard pushes himself in the best possible ways to create the fullest experiences for himself and others. This summer while doing vaccine research in South Africa,Richard went along with a group of friends to bungee jump off Bloukrans Bridge in Western Cape, South Africa. In recounting the experience of falling 700 feet tethered by his ankles, or Richard talked about his intense terror of heights and how he was able to total such a feat with the enthusiastic support of his friends. It was a quintessentially “Richard Lu” moment for me; he talked more about terror and vulnerability and less about accomplishment,and at its core the bridge jump was an memorable experience shared by a group of friends. He also said he only told his mother after the jump and that he’d never execute it again. He’s been an exemplary representative of his class and I’m thrilled that he will represent Princeton at Oxford. His cohort just gained the consummate “glue guy” that will unite the group and work to originate sure everyone has the best experience possible.
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