Aaron Kurman '05 Wins George J. Mitchell Scholarship
Will pursue master's degree at University of Ulster in Northern Ireland

January 17, 2006 | Aaron Miles Kurman '05, the former University of Virginia Club of Washington Jefferson Scholar, is among the 12 national recipients of the 2006-2007 George J. Mitchell Scholarship.

Since graduation, Kurman, a Rockville, Maryland native, has worked for Search for Common Ground, an international conflict-resolution organization, in Washington, D.C. and is currently a ski instructor in Wyoming.

Kurman will pursue a master’s degree in peace and conflict studies at the University of Ulster, in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. While at the University, he majored in political and social thought and economics, with a minor in religious studies.

Kurman said his program is one of the hubs of conflict studies and will provide him with a wealth of research opportunities.

“Aaron Kurman was one of the best students ever,” said Peter W. Ochs, Edgar Bronfman Professor of Modern Judaic Studies in the department of religious studies, who worked closely with Kurman. “He combined politics, history and religious studies, all focused on issues of peace and diplomacy in the Middle East.”

Ochs praised Kurman for his diligent work, exhaustive research and the passion he brought to his pursuits, as well as his humility. Kurman combined his studies with practical applications, Ochs said, citing his leadership of the Children of Abraham Club, which brings together Muslim, Jewish and Christian students. After graduation, Kurman received the first-ever Children of Abraham Award for the graduating student who contributed the most to peace among the Abrahamic peoples.

Working after graduation has helped Kurman put his continued education in perspective. “Last year I was still thinking about what to write my thesis on,” said Kurman. “Working as a ski instructor has given me time to reflect on what I want.”

Kurman wants a career in mediation and conflict resolution. He may pursue a law degree or a doctorate after finishing his degree in Ireland. He also has been accepted at Cambridge University for post-graduate work.

Kurman remains friends with Jefferson Scholar alumnus David Timothy Buckley '04, who won a Mitchell in 2004 and has completed his work towards an M.A. in comparative ethnic conflict at Queen's University Belfast.

Launched in 1998, the Mitchell Scholarship recognizes outstanding young Americans who exhibit the highest standards of academic excellence, leadership and community service. The scholarship, administered by the U.S.-Ireland Alliance, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., is named in honor of the pivotal role George J. Mitchell, the former U.S. Senator from Maine, played in the Northern Ireland peace process. The Mitchell Scholarship program links future American leaders to Ireland.

There were 236 applicants from 171 American colleges and universities for this year’s 12 awards.


From U.Va. News Services, with additional reporting by JSF staff