By Alvin Powell

Special to the Gazette

Jane Tolmie, a doctoral student in Medieval and Renaissance poetry, was named HarvardÕs sixth Rhodes Scholar and its second from Canada this year.

Tolmie, 23, a third-year doctoral student at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, was at her home in Halifax, Canada, when the selection was made last December.

"I was sort of surprised," Tolmie said. "Simultaneously relieved and happy."

The Rhodes scholarship will enable Tolmie to spend the next two years studying at Oxford University in England, compliments of the estate of British philanthropist and colonial leader Cecil Rhodes, which set up the scholarships in 1902. Tolmie said she plans to seek an M.Phil. in English and then return to Harvard to complete her doctoral studies.

The scholarship pays tuition and fees, and provides a stipend of about $10,000 annually. It can be extended to a maximum of three years and is awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and involvement in extracurricular and athletic activities.

"This is one of the most prestigious awards. She's in outstanding company," said Cynthia Verba, director of fellowships at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. "We are very, very proud of her."

In addition to her studies, Tolmie, who is a brown belt in karate, helps run Harvard's Karate Club. She has also been active in women's issues, working as a counselor at an area women's shelter and heading the National Organization for Women chapter at Yale University, where she completed her undergraduate degree and received a master's degree in English.