NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – Maria Buscemi, a 2024 graduate of the University of Oklahoma, has become the first Oklahoman to receive the Barry Scholarship from the Canterbury Institute. The scholarship will support her advanced studies at the University of Oxford, where she will focus on constitutional theory and political action.
Buscemi, an OU Honors College graduate, completed a Bachelor of Arts in letters with a focus on constitutional studies. The Barry Scholarship covers tuition, living expenses and annual research and travel allowances during her studies at Oxford.
“The University of Oklahoma’s tradition of excellence is perfectly exemplified with Maria’s prestigious award, and we are beyond proud that she is Oklahoma’s first Barry Scholarship recipient,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “A scholar of this magnitude must be dedicated and hold a passion for lifelong learning that most of us can only aspire to reach. We are excited to follow Maria’s journey to see where her extraordinary potential continues to carry her.”
Buscemi, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, says it was an honor to be nominated. “When I opened the award letter in December, I was overwhelmed with surprise, excitement and gratitude,” she said.
Administered by the Canterbury Institute, the Barry Scholarship is recognized for its rigorous selection process. Candidates must be nominated by a professor or academic director who acknowledges their scholarly potential.
Kyle Harper, Ph.D., a professor in the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences Department of Classics and Letters at OU, nominated Buscemi. “Maria’s exceptional intellectual capabilities are complemented by her remarkable motivation, character and curiosity. Her academic resume is impressive, but her involvement in various organizations and service roles further demonstrates her indefatigable spirit,” he said.
During her time at OU, Buscemi held several leadership roles, including vice chair of adjudications for the University’s Integrity Council and president of the Oklahoma Undergraduate Mock Trial Team. She was also a member of the Institute for American Constitutional Heritage’s Society of Fellows.
“I am deeply grateful to the John and Daria Barry Foundation and the Canterbury Institute for this extraordinary opportunity to further my academic journey. My experience at OU has been invaluable. I owe much of my success to the faculty and mentors in the Department of Classics and Letters, who have inspired, challenged, and supported me throughout my studies,” Buscemi said.
Learn more about the Honors College at OU.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. OU was named the state’s highest-ranking university in U.S. News & World Report’s most recent Best Colleges list. For more information about the university, visit ou.edu.
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