Graduate College partners with Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation to bring scholars to ASU

The ASU Graduate College is partnering with the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation to bring more Truman Scholars to Arizona State University to complete their graduate or professional degrees. 

To do this, the Graduate College has committed to providing a full-tuition award for up to two years to Truman scholarship recipients enrolled in on-campus graduate programs. This award will be provided in addition to the award Truman Scholars receive from the foundation.

What is the Truman Scholarship?

The Truman Scholarship awards merit-based scholarships to undergraduate students who plan to attend graduate school and pursue careers in public service.

Truman Scholars receive a $30,000 award for graduate or professional school, participate in leadership development activities, and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government.

“ASU is deeply committed to promoting public service and is proud to provide additional financial support for Truman Scholars, who are answering the call to public service leadership at a time when public leadership is more valuable than ever," said Mark Searle, ASU executive vice president and university provost.

Well-known Truman Scholars from Arizona

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation has awarded 21 Truman scholarships to ASU Sun Devils since the program began in 1977. In addition, prominent Arizonan Truman Scholars include former Gov. Janet Napolitano, Congressman Greg Stanton, former Ambassador Michelle Gavin and ASU professors Kristin Mayes and David Gartner.

“Now is the time to invest in the next generation of leaders,” said Terry Babcock-Lumish, executive secretary of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. “Arizona State University's generous commitment to add additional financial support for Truman Scholars demonstrates a shared commitment to creating opportunities for innovative problem-solvers tackling society's greatest challenges.”

A living memorial

The scholarship, a living memorial to the 33rd president, is intended for “future change agents” — students who demonstrate the passion, intellect and leadership potential to serve the public interest. Truman Scholars can be found in the White House, Congress and on the Supreme Court. They are ambassadors, journalists, educators, philanthropic leaders and more. 

“For more than 40 years, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation has served as a beacon for public service, inspiring Americans from diverse backgrounds and from across the country,” Babcock-Lumish said. “Thank you to President Crow, Dean Wentz and the ASU community for championing public service.”

The Graduate College oversees the university’s commitment to Truman Scholars who bring their award to ASU for their graduate studies. Scholars should contact gcfellowships@asu.edu after receiving the Truman Scholarship and being admitted to their graduate program to coordinate funding. Review the Graduate College Truman Scholarship webpage for more information.

Undergraduate students interested in applying for the Truman Scholarship should visit the Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarship Advisement Truman Scholarship webpage for more information.

Article by Emily Carman and Tracy Viselli