May 13, 1997
UW undergraduate wins national scholarship for public service
A University of Washington undergraduate has been selected to receive a prestigious national scholarship for students preparing for careers in public service. R. Paul Stimers, a junior majoring in political science, has been selected to receive a scholarship awarded by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation.
As a Truman Scholar, Stimers will receive a $30,000 scholarship–$3,000 for the senior year and $27,000 for two or three years of 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.
Stimers is a member of the university honors program and maintains a 3.95 grade-point average. He has been involved with Boy Scouts, Order of the Arrow, Boys State and Boys Nation. On campus, he participates in the President’s Student Forum and the Honors Council. He also is a member of the freshman honor society, Phi Eta Sigma, and does service projects through this student organization. Following graduation, Stimers plans to attend law school in preparation for a career in national government.
“Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society committed to high scholarship and service, and I am consistently impressed by the caliber of students who become involved in and stay committed to this organization at such a young age at the University of Washington,” said Meg Estep, assistant director of new student programs and adviser to Phi Eta Sigma. “Paul Stimers is one such committed member.”
Stimers is one of 77 Truman Scholars selected among 717 candidates nominated by 369 colleges and universities. Scholars were elected by 20 independent selection panels on the basis of leadership potential, intellectual ability, and likelihood of “making a difference.”
Three University of Washington students were nominated to participate in the national competition, two of whom were named Truman Finalists and received interviews: Stimers and John Linder, president of the Associated Students of the University of Washington.
“I’m thrilled for both John and Paul. Each has benefited from a rigorous application and interview process,” said Lori Colliander, coordinator of UW’s undergraduate scholarship program. “This is the first year our office has coordinated the UW’s Truman participation; to have two nominees selected for interview is really great news. Many people contributed to this year’s effort and I am certainly pleased with the outcome.”
The 1997 Truman Scholarship recipients will assemble May 25 for a week-long leadership development program at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., and receive their awards in a special ceremony at the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, Mo. on June 1.
The Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as the official federal memorial to honor our 33rd 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 U.S. Treasury. There have been 1,787 Truman Scholars elected since the first awards were made in 1977.
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