This is a portrait of Serene Singh, the first female Rhodes Scholar from CU Boulder and the first one in nearly 25 years to be awarded from the campus. Singh, who grew up in a Sikh family in Colorado Springs, is an avid bhangra dancer and leader of the Colorado Bhangra Team, a competitive Punjabi dance squad. She's dressed in an outfit she made herself and represents the energy she brings to all of her endeavors. Photo by Glenn Asakawa.
From the Judges
The judges appreciated the originality of the location, noting that portraits of Rhodes Scholars typically show the student in a lab or library. The photographer took what could have been a two-dimensional photo and added something special by allowing the subject, an avid bhangra dancer, to showcase her outgoing and effervescent nature in an outfit she made herself. It was a nice touch to include the “CU” on the dress. We also like this photo for the sheer spirit and sincere joy on the subject’s face. If she brings this level of energy to all of her endeavors, it’s no wonder she is CU Boulder’s first female Rhodes Scholar.
