Edozie Umunna, SPA/BA ’24, has never been to China before—or even Asia for that matter.

But later this year, the political science graduate will immerse himself in one of the world’s superpowers as one of just 150 recipients of the prestigious Schwarzman Scholarship. The Boston native is the first Eagle to win the scholarship, established in 2015 by Stephen Schwarzman, CEO of the global private equity group Blackstone, to cultivate leaders who can build understanding between China and the rest of the world.

Umunna—who was chosen from about 5,000 applicants—will embark on a yearlong, fully-funded master’s program at Tsinghua University in Beijing in August.

“Schwarzman [invites] you to consider a side of the world that you might not consider day-to-day. That’s what really drew me to it,” said Umunna, who graduated from AU summa cum laude. “I’m someone that, through my work, wants to improve things for people all around the world. Schwarzman will equip me with the tools to do so.”

Umunna said it’s an honor to be the first AU alum to be awarded the scholarship—but expects he will be “the first of many.”

“Legacy is the most important thing we have in this life. Being able to give back to those that come after me is so important to me,” he said.

SIS dean emeritus Louis Goodman served on the Schwarzman’s first academic advisory committee and continues to be an admissions interviewer, faculty member, and capstone supervisor for the program. He said the scholarship attracts high achievers with sterling character and leadership ability.

“It’s clear AU is in the league of elite schools that can supply students who win competitions like this,” Goodman said. “It’s great to have this recognition, and I expect a lot more of it in the future.”

During his time at AU, Umunna served as president of the Black Student Union, chief copy editor for Blackprint, and treasurer of AU’s NAACP chapter. He was also a resident assistant for two years. His interest in one of the world’s most influential powers took root when he interned in the China division of the State Department’s Global Engagement Center—a crash course in international relations, Umunna said.

After graduation, Umunna pursued experiences that took him outside his comfort zone,  interning at the US embassy in Cyprus and then working his first job working as a regional organizer for the North Carolina Democratic party.

“Edozie took full advantage of his American University experience and has worked hard to achieve this significant honor, which recognizes his academic achievements and leadership,” said Paula Warrick, senior director of AU’s Office of Merit Awards. “At AU, we are proud to offer unique academic and experiential learning opportunities that prepare our students to address complex global issues in their future careers.”

Umunna credited SPA executive in residence Ron Elving—who taught the Congress and Legislative Behavior class he took in 2022—as being a supportive resource both during his time on campus and throughout the Schwarzman process.

He also leaned on his older sister, Ifeanyi Umunna, SPA/BA ’23, winner of the 2024 Gates Cambridge Scholarship. She offered insights on his essays and provided guidance and support throughout the sometimes-stressful application process.

“She is an incredible resource, an incredible friend, and the person I talk to the most every day,” he said. “Being able to lean on her throughout my time at AU, throughout my application, and I’m sure [during] my time in China, has been and will be invaluable. I’m lucky to have her in my life.”