Russell (above) and (left to right) Gibbs, Todgham, and Horn.

Four graduating seniors have been named next year's Harvard- Cambridge scholars, giving them a "year of grace" at Cambridge University to follow their scholarly interests wherever they lead.

"We want them to use this year to really expand their horizons, unfettered by a degree program," said Robert Shapiro, a member of the scholarship selection committee and a past Harvard-Cambridge scholar himself. "Many of us find it changes our lives because you don't often get a year of grace to pursue whatever you like."

The scholarship recipients, selected from a pool of 118 applicants, are Stephanie Gibbs, who will be the Lionel de Jersey Harvard Scholar at Emmanuel College; Sarah Russell, who will be the Lt. Charles Henry Fiske III Scholar at Trinity College; Dara Horn, who will be the John Eliot Scholar at Jesus College; and Paul Todgham, who will be the Harvard-American Friends of Cambridge University Scholar at Pembroke College.

The Lionel de Jersey scholarship and the Lt. Charles Henry Fiske III scholarship were established after World War I in memory of two Harvard students who died in the war. The John Eliot Scholarship and the American Friends of Cambridge University Scholarship were established in the 1990s.

Stephanie Gibbs

Stephanie Gibbs, a literature concentrator from Cabot House, plans to pursue an M.Phil. in medieval literature during her year at Emmanuel College.

Gibbs, who is studying medieval French literature at Harvard, is looking forward to studying medieval English literature at Cambridge. She said Cambridge has extensive libraries and scholarly resources that allow one to study the subject in depth.

"It's a little hard to believe," Gibbs said about her selection. "I am very excited and very appreciative."

Gibbs, of Columbus, Ohio, said she's considering a career in academia, but is hoping the year in England will help her decide on her future path.

At Harvard, Gibbs helped coordinate the volunteer learning organization Cabot H.A.N.D. and took on various roles as an actor, singer, and costume assistant for student theatrical groups.

Dara Horn

Dara Horn is looking forward to getting more flexibility during her year at Jesus College. Horn, a literature concentrator from Eliot House, is considering pursuing an M.Phil. in oriental studies. She is also hoping to spend more time on her own writing.

Horn, of Short Hills, N.J., has worked as a reporter for Time Magazine, and as a reporter-researcher for The New Republic. Horn has written For the Harvard Crimson since 1996 and served as the paper's associate editorial chair in 1998.

After Cambridge, Horn said she will either pursue a Ph.D. in literature or a career as a magazine writer.

"I know I want to become a writer, and this is a relaxed year where you have a chance to focus on enjoying what interests you," Horn said.

Sarah Russell

Sarah Russell, an Afro-American studies concentrator from Leverett House, plans to pursue African studies while at Trinity College. Russell, of St. Paul, Minn., said she is interested in public health and is considering entering medical school.

Russell would like to use her understanding of America's urban and Afro-American communities to become a better physician.

"It's not just where they live, it's what life is like on the job, how easy is it to make ends meet, these are all things that help physicians understand their patients," Russell said.

Russell, captain of the 1998-99 varsity women's basketball team, said she was drawn to Afro-American studies for its interdisciplinary approach and because she felt that American history couldn't be understood without knowing African-American history.

Paul Todgham

For Paul Todgham, an applied mathematics concentrator from Cabot House, the Harvard-American Friends of Cambridge University Scholarship will let him continue to pursue his interest in economics at Pembroke College.

Todgham, of Toronto, Ontario, said he hopes to become involved in the community around Cambridge University and to indulge his passions for travel and the outdoors during the semester breaks.

"The greatest part of the Harvard experience has been the people, and I hope to extend that experience in Cambridge," Todgham said.

Todgham said he hopes the year will help him decide on a career path. He is considering entering the business world or seeking a Ph.D. in economics in hopes of becoming a university professor.