Dominican Scholars at Oxford

When Jake Quast ’19 and Sophia Stetson ’19 arrived at Dominican, they became teammates and friends on the golf team. Then they became classmates at Oxford University in England.

Jake, who was a Business Finance major and pre-law minor, and Sophia, a Business Marketing major and political science minor, were recipients of the Thomas and Joanne Peterson Endowed Scholarship for Dominican Scholars at Oxford.

Both students were nominated by Dominican faculty to participate in the unique program offered by Dominican and St. Catherine’s College, one of the University of Oxford’s 44 autonomous colleges and permanent private halls.

Jake and Sophia spent the fall term, known as Michaelmas, at St. Catherine's College, where they studied using the tutorial method, a unique and highly personalized style of instruction that is the central feature of an Oxford education.

They also had the opportunity to experience the many college traditions at Oxford, including eating dinners in the Formal Hall where faculty and fellows sit at the High Table.

The program was announced in 2015 by then Dominican President Mary B. Marcy, who earned her doctorate and master’s degrees in political science from Oxford. 

Jake, who is now a Senior Consultant at ESPA USA in Houston, studied business finance and criminal justice at Oxford. Sophia, now an Account Strategist at Google in Chicago, delved into British politics during World War II at Oxford.

Both students were active and engaged members of the Dominican community since their freshman year.  Thanks to faculty encouragement and recommendations, Jake engaged in three internships. Sophia also participated in three internships, including a summer internship in the office of California Congressman Devin Nunez (R-CA 22nd District).

Both Sophia and Jake were drawn to Dominican by its small class sizes, its sense of community, and its reputation. Jake did his research before coming to Dominican.

“When I looked at students’ graduating GPA and read about what they were doing once they graduated, I was impressed.”

Jake continues, “Dominican has blown me away from what I expected a college to be.”

Sophia concurs.

“There are so many people at this school who are so willing to support you and to back you and be in your corner,” Sophia says, “They believe in the students at Dominican. That goes back to the close relationships we have with our professors.”

Learn more about the Barowsky School’s business programs and the Dominican Scholars at Oxford.