THE ROBERT T JONES MEMORIAL TRUST
2016/2017
Notes to Referees
Jones Memorial Scholarships to Emory
Bobby Jones was the outstanding golfer of his generation - perhaps of all time whose many other qualities were honoured in St Andrews when he became a
Freeman of the Burgh in 1958. After his death, friends and admirers on both sides
of the Atlantic established a Scholarship programme “to perpetuate his memory in
the hearts and minds of young people by creating a permanent memorial to his sense
of values and character”. The Scholarships are funded by three Trusts, in Atlanta,
New York and St Andrews. They enable four St Andrews students to study at
Emory University in Atlanta each year whilst four Emory students come to
St Andrews.
Candidates must be matriculated, full-time students in the University of St Andrews,
normally aged between 17 and 23, and of British nationality. The Trust deed
specifies that they are to be selected with regard to character, academic record and
proposed course of studies.
During the selection process, the applicants are assessed using the following criteria:
 Academic record
 Verbal and written skills
 Record of leadership in the life of the St. Andrews community and/or broader
community
 Ability to be an able ambassador for the Robert T Jones Trust and the
University of St. Andrews
 Interpersonal and presentational skills
 Course of study and scholarly interests that can be pursued at Emory
A good academic record is essential because the Scholars will be representing
St Andrews at another University. Other qualities are also sought, however.
2
Bobby Jones was an all-rounder and the selectors will be keen to know how else the
candidates have spent their time at University. Golfing ability is not a necessary
criterion though an active interest in the game is a consideration, for instance
because the Scholars have the privilege of attending the Masters Tournament. On
such occasions - and the Emory Trustees have been very hospitable to their guests the Scholars have an ambassadorial role, for which reasonable experience of public
speaking is also advantageous. The Trust Deed does explicitly state that the awards
have the aim of "encouraging qualities of leadership in young men and young
women".
Students can apply in their final year as an undergraduate. Fully funded students will
attend Emory after graduating from St Andrews.
General
1. These notes have been abstracted from a rather fuller set prepared for
candidates (available on online at
http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/robert-jones-scholarship-programme/).
2. When you have completed the reference, please email it to the address
provided. It is up to the candidate to ensure that their reference is completed
online by the closing date for applications, Friday 27 November 2015, and
that each referee is given adequate notice.
4. The Trustees are extremely grateful to academic staff for the trouble they take
when preparing their references and for submitting them on time.
Competition for this award is always fierce and the references play a key part
in the selection process.
Niall Scott
September 2015