UNLV English and political science student Emily Powers has been named a 2008 Truman Scholar - one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships programs available in the United States. The announcement was made recently by Madeleine Albright, president of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. The Scholars were elected by 17 independent selection panels on the basis of leadership potential, intellectual ability, and likelihood of 'making a difference.'
Powers was selected from among 595 candidates nominated by 283 colleges and universities. Each selection panel interviewed finalists from a 3 - 4 state region and generally elected one scholar from each state and one at-large scholar from the region. Each panel typically included a university president, a federal judge, a distinguished public servant, and a past Truman Scholarship winner.
Powers is currently pursuing dual degrees in English literature and political science at UNLV. After graduation, she plans to study child welfare law and run for political office. Powers is an activist long devoted to women's and children's issues. In addition to creating an art therapy program for families at a local domestic violence shelter, she has also has worked as a field organizer for the Every Child Matters campaign. She also founded UNLV's first National Organization for Women Chapter and serves on the National Young Feminist Task Force.
"Emily Powers is a young woman with real intellect, personal integrity, authentic concern for others, and a sincere desire to serve our society," said Peter Starkweather, interim dean of UNLV's Honors College. "Her experiences have transcended the academic world and had influence on real people in true crisis, providing her an excellent foundation for a lifetime of service. We couldn't be more proud of her accomplishments."
Each Truman Scholarship provides up to $30,000 for graduate study. Scholars also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some premier graduate institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school counseling, and special internship opportunities within the federal government. Recipients must be US citizens, have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, be in the top quarter of their class, and be committed to careers in government or the not-for-profit sector.
The Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as the federal memorial to our thirty-third President. The Foundation awards scholarships for college students to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or elsewhere in public service. The activities of the Foundation are supported by a special trust fund in the US Treasury. There have been 2,610 Truman Scholars elected since the first awards were made in 1977.
The 2008 Truman Scholars will assemble May 13 for a leadership development program at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, and receive their awards in a special ceremony at the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri, on May 18, 2008.
