Bloomington Student One of Six from Illinois Wesleyan to Study at Oxford

June 19, 2003

Luke Durbin of Bloomington is one of six students from Illinois Wesleyan University who will study at Oxford University in the United Kingdom this coming school year.

Durbin, a junior biology major, will focus on environmental studies at Pembroke College, one of 39 colleges at Oxford. He will be a visiting student, which means that he has been admitted to the university and will become a member of that community during the school year beginning in October.

Oxford is one the oldest English-speaking universities in the world. Its prestigious reputation coincides with its rich history and tradition, which has been built up for over eight centuries. Over 16,500 students attend Oxford, one-fourth of whom are from overseas.

Illinois Wesleyan has 71 students traveling abroad during the fall semester to countries around the world including Kenya, Australia and Switzerland.

“It’s something to be very proud of,” said Petra Visscher, director of study abroad and international student advising at IWU. “It reflects the caliber of students we have at Illinois Wesleyan.”

Durbin, a graduate of University High School in Normal, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Durbin.