Veronica Lucian, a 2014 graduate of Saint Margaret Regional School, Woodbury Heights, and a current cadet at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, is among 32 U.S. Rhodes Scholarship awardees.
As part of the highly prestigious and selective scholarship program, Lucian will embark upon her studies at the University of Oxford in the fall. Rhodes Scholars are chosen based upon outstanding scholarly achievements, as well as their character, leadership potential and commitment to others. The Rhodes Trust provides full financial support for scholars to pursue studies at Oxford, in the United Kingdom.
“It’s still very surreal. I am very grateful. So many people helped me throughout this process, and the immense love and support I have felt is incredibly humbling,” says Lucian. “I’m excited to see what God is going to do with this next chapter.”
Lucian was raised in New Jersey and Delaware, and is the oldest of five children. She majored in life science with a minor in nuclear science, and has conducted extensive materials research throughout her undergraduate career.
“West Point is challenging yet rewarding. I have tackled problems I never imagined solving and been pushed outside of just about every one of my comfort zones,” Lucian says. “This taught me early on how to deal with stress, rely on those around me and, most importantly, recognize that perfection is unattainable.”
Outside of the classroom, she is a soloist in the West Point Glee Club, and has had the chance to sing for distinguished guests and officials, including the vice president. She also founded a Women’s Mentorship Group that provides informal opportunities for women to work with senior U.S. Army leaders and to learn about career opportunities.
She earned her Airborne wings in June 2019, and plans to commission into the Army Medical Corps. At Oxford, Lucian will pursue a master of science in materials.
“I plan to conduct research in tissue engineering at Oxford to explore innovations in trauma medicine,” she says. “There are many enrichment opportunities in Oxford that will enable me to grow. One I most look forward to is the Anscombe Bioethics Centre, one of the premier bioethics institutes in the world – and it’s Catholic.”
She adds, “I work in tissue engineering with plans to become a doctor after Oxford, and so this Centre will help me understand the ethical implications of my work and make choices accordingly.”
After concluding her studies at Oxford, Lucian will serve in the Army as a joint researcher and trauma surgeon, “bringing hope and healing to vulnerable populations throughout the world.”
Sister Michele De Gregorio, FMIJ, principal of Saint Margaret Regional School, calls Lucian “a shining example” of a model student.
“She is a well-rounded young lady, excelling both in arts and academics. Veronica has always been a self-driven and incredibly motivated student, exceeding any goal she sets for herself,” Sister De Gregorio says. “We are incredibly proud of Veronica’s achievements and celebrate her as an alumna of Saint Margaret Regional School.”
Reflecting on her time at Saint Margaret, Lucian says the school “fueled my passion for learning.”
“Sister Pepita’s advanced math classes taught me to ask ‘why?’ not just ‘how?’ and think creatively with numbers,” she says. “Mrs. Butterworth’s science classes showed me that science is ‘cool’ and there is still much for us to discover.”
Faith continues to play a significant role in Lucian’s life, and throughout her educational journey.
“My faith is my everything. At the end of the day, my earthly successes will not matter. What counts is if my heart is close to the heart of Jesus, and if I have done my part to ensure I’m bringing along as many people with me to heaven as I possibly can,” she says. “I only pray that God gives me the grace to follow along on whatever spectacular ride He has in store.”
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