EAST LANSING, Mich. - What does it take to be nominated for a scholarship at Oxford or Cambridge? How hard does one have to work to be eligible for a Marshall, Mitchell or Churchill Scholarship?

Six highly accomplished seniors at Michigan State University, all of whom have been recently nominated by MSU faculty for a Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell and/or Churchill Scholarship, know the answers to these questions.

"Being nominated by the MSU faculty for one of these distinguished scholarships is a distinct honor in at least two ways; it recognizes tremendous accomplishments on the part of all of these students and it is a reward for the great effort these students expended in completing the application process," said Ron Fisher, director of MSU's Honors College. "We wish them all the best in the continuing competition."

The MSU nominees are:

Rhodes Scholarship Nominees

• Leah Nilsson, packaging major from Williamston, Honors College member, captain of track and cross country teams, chair of Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
• Carrie Preston, English major from Williamston, Honors College member, professorial assistant, editor of Red Cedar Review, choreographer and dance instructor. Also nominated for a Marshall Scholarship.
• Adam Wright, political theory major in James Madison College from Grand Ledge, Honors College member, Truman Scholar, co-director of the Community Service Network (student service organization), analyst at a Lansing political advocacy firm. Also nominated for a Marshall Scholarship.

The Rhodes Scholarships, the oldest of the international fellowships, bring outstanding students from many countries around the world to Oxford University. American Rhodes Scholars are selected by their excellence in "qualities of mind and in qualities of person which,

in combination, offer the promise of effective service to the world in the decades ahead." Thirty- two American scholars are selected each year.

Rhodes Scholars are appointed for two years of study at Oxford University, with the possibility of renewal for a third year. The result of this year's Rhodes competition will be announced on Dec. 4, 1999.

Marshall Scholarship Nominees

• Sarah McKune, international relations major in James Madison College from Sylvan Lake, Honors College member, National Merit Scholar, intern at the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong, National Security Education Program Scholarship.
• Carrie Preston, English major from Williamston, Honors College member, professorial assistant, editor of Red Cedar Review, choreographer and dance instructor. Also nominated for a Rhodes Scholarship.
• Adam Wright, political theory major in James Madison College from Grand Ledge, Honors College member, Truman Scholar, co-director of the Community Service Network (student service organization), analyst at a Lansing political advocacy firm. Also nominated for a Rhodes Scholarship.

The Marshall scholarships provide an opportunity for American students who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential, to continue their studies for two to three years at a British university. Long regarded as one of the highest undergraduate accolades, the Marshall Scholarships cover the scholar's tuition costs, books, travel and living expenses while in the UK. Approximately 40 Marshall Scholarships will be awarded on Dec. 6, 1999.

Mitchell Scholarship Nominee

• Bridget Green, physiology major in Lyman Briggs School from Troy, Honors College member, MSU Medical Scholar, resident assistant in Case Hall, athletic trainer for MSU teams.

A prestigious scholarship named in honor of George J. Mitchell's contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, the Mitchell Scholarships enable American university students to pursue one-year of post-graduate study at institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The scholarship is intended to interest and involve the next generation of America's leaders in the U.S.-Ireland relationship. Approximately five scholarships will be awarded, with the recipients announced Nov. 20, 1999.

Churchill Scholarship Nominee

• Jason Fuller, chemical engineering major from Caro, Honors College member, MSU research assistant, intern and programmer at 3M Corp.

The Churchill Scholarship Program enables American students of exceptional ability to do graduate work in engineering, mathematics and/or physical and natural sciences at Churchill College, Cambridge University. At least 10 Churchill Scholarships, tenable for one year, are offered annually. The recipients will be announced on April 15, 2000.