Munk School student Noah Rudder awarded Rhodes Scholarship
For Noah Rudder, a fourth-year student in the Peace, Conflict, and Justice (PCJ) Program at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, the news of his Rhodes Scholarship came during a rehearsal for his starring role as detective Hercule Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express at Hart House Theatre.
The Rhodes Scholarship, the world’s oldest graduate fellowship, allows recipients to pursue fully funded graduate studies at the University of Oxford. It is awarded to individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to addressing global challenges.
“I want to extend my heartiest congratulations to Noah Rudder on becoming a Rhodes Scholar. Noah, you were a valued member of our community at the Munk School and we are so proud of what you have accomplished before you begin your advanced studies at Oxford. Do stay in touch and, please come back and visit often,” Janice Stein, Founding Director, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.
Through the PCJ Program, he has explored the meanings and causes of peace, conflict, and justice, alongside a major in Drama at the Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies. The PCJ Program equips students with a holistic understanding of three central pillars: the causes and meanings of peace, conflict, and justice; the lived experiences of conflict and struggles for justice; and approaches to resolving conflict to achieve peace and equity.
“From the very onset of my PCJ career, I was given the chance to lead,” Rudder says. “Getting to co-direct the annual student conference was a brilliant opportunity that fostered my passion for socially minded scholarship. PCJ offered me the chance to grapple with complex issues such as internet connectivity, foreign interference, and education policy in the Global South. Becoming a Rhodes Scholar would not have been possible without these stimulating experiences, and the constant encouragement of my peers and faculty within PCJ.”
His commitment to these themes extended beyond the classroom. Rudder served as co-president of the Peace, Conflict, and Justice Society, where he introduced initiatives to support students, such as regular meetings for first-year PCJ students and alumni networking events. He also contributed as a member of the Munk School’s Anti-Black Racism Task Force, which seeks to advance Black inclusion in higher education.
Noah was also involved in a research project for the Chief Economist’s Office at the World Bank, which he worked on as part of the PCJ Experiential Learning course. This project, supervised by Professor Moussa Blimpo, allowed him to apply his academic knowledge to real-world policy challenges, further showcasing his commitment to impactful research.
“Noah’s academic trajectory is unique and inspiring,” says Director of the PCJ program and Assistant Professor Rie Kijima of the Munk School. “He has paired his study of Peace, Conflict, and Justice with Drama, creating an academic path that bridges global justice and the arts. In my course on Global Policy and Education, his group delivered an excellent analysis of a school stipend program for girls in Bangladesh, reflecting his deep interest in issues of equity and inclusion in social policy.
“Noah is also a captivating storyteller,” Kijima adds. “He has the ability to create impactful narratives that challenge us to think deeply about social justice and economic inequality.”
Rudder’s experience in the PCJ Program has been foundational to his academic and personal growth. The program’s interdisciplinary nature allowed him to approach global justice through both an analytical and creative lens.
As Rudder prepares to join the Rhodes Scholar community at Oxford, he remains deeply committed to addressing global challenges while continuing to use storytelling as a powerful tool for advocacy. His journey demonstrates the impact of combining interdisciplinary education with leadership and passion.
