U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Cadet 1st Class Luke Anderson, a member of the Class of 2024, has been named a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, one of 90 students selected from 8,272 global applicants. Following his commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force on May 30, Anderson’s scholarship allows him to attend Stanford University, Calif., in pursuit of a master’s degree in international policy. Anderson begins Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training following this program.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship is a multidisciplinary, multicultural graduate scholarship program. Named scholars receive up to three years of financial support to pursue graduate studies at Stanford while engaging in experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders who address complex challenges facing the world. Scholars are selected based on demonstrated independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset. Participants are eligible for programs of study in all seven schools at Stanford across all departments.

“We are incredibly proud of Luke’s selection as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, and of the dedicated faculty and staff who made it possible,” said Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre, U.S. Air Force Academy Dean of the Faculty. “The skills and perspectives Luke will gain from this program will supercharge his leadership ability, and I look forward to watching the powerful effect he will have on our nation’s policy.”

Anderson, a Wheatland, Wyoming native, is the 10th U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to receive this honor since the Knight- Hennessy Scholar program began in 2018. He is scheduled to graduate the Academy with a bachelor's degree in business management and a minor in logistics management. While at the Academy, Anderson was selected for a competitive cadet summer research opportunity with a major national defense contractor where his research identified capability gaps, led to recoupment of lost contracts and changes in related corporate training. He has also served as his cadet squadron commander, and as jumpmaster, competitor and basic freefall parachuting instructor on the Academy’s Wings of BlueParachute team. He has trained more than 1,000 cadets in freefall parachuting, completed more than 700 jumps, and medaled four times in national competitions.

"I believe the knowledge I’ll gain through my graduate program, combined with future Air Force experience, will help me better understand the operational environment and make a positive impact on national security policy later in my career,” said Anderson. “I owe a tremendous thanks to my parents, my siblings, and to the many coaches and professors here at the Academy who have supported me throughout this process. I'm especially grateful for the support and mentorship from my academic advisor."