Bobbie Pennington ’24 Named 2026 Mandela Rhodes Scholar

Macalester College is proud to announce that alumnus Robert “Bobbie” Pennington ’24 has been named a 2026 Mandela Rhodes Scholar.

Pennington is the first Scot to receive the prestigious Mandela Rhodes scholarship, which provides funding for up to two years of postgraduate study at a South African university.

“After two years of successful graduate-level applications where funding was consistently the limiting factor, this felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders,” said Pennington. “That relief quickly turned into gratitude for the mentors, friends, and referees who had invested in me and made the moment possible.”

Pennington, a Davis United World College (UWC) Scholar and award-winning leader from Eswatini, distinguished himself at Macalester by serving as Macalester College Student Government president and a resident assistant, contributing to the college’s strategic planning process, and holding other leadership roles across academic and co-curricular organizations.

“Making positive change as a leader continues to be at the core of who Bobbie is, and my colleagues and I look forward to seeing how he expands his impact as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Kathryn Kay Coquemont.

Pennington graduated magna cum laude in 2024 with majors in economics and international studies and a concentration in international development. He will now pursue a Master of Philosophy in development studies at the University of Cape Town, focusing on development finance, governance, and building state capacity to support African-led economic growth.

“Ultimately, I want to help build systems that lift people out of extreme poverty, long after my individual work is done,” Pennington said. 

Mandela Rhodes Scholars are selected for their outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, entrepreneurial skills, and dedication to reconciliation. Recipients pursue honors or master’s degrees at recognized South African institutions.

“The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship carries real weight: it signals that the Foundation believes I am not only capable, but responsible for translating opportunity into impact,” said Pennington. “Being entrusted with a name that carries such complex historical significance comes with an obligation to lead thoughtfully, ethically, and with purpose.”

Founded in 2003 in partnership with The Rhodes Trust, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation is one of Nelson Mandela’s three official legacy organizations, dedicated to developing exceptional leaders across Africa.