The Roosevelt Institution
Two WU students named 2007 Truman Scholars
http://rooseveltinstitution.org/inthenews/studentlife3Two WU students named 2007 Truman Scholars
by Andrea Winter
4/9/07
Arts & Sciences juniors A.J. Singletary and Paul Moinester were both awarded 2007 Harry S. Truman scholarships on Monday, March 26.
Singletary, a Danforth Scholar, is an earth and planetary sciences major, and he is minoring in both environmental studies and ballet. He is a residential advisor and the undergraduate student representative on the Washington University Board of Trustees.
Moinester is majoring in political science and environmental studies. He is the president of the Student Union and used to be the speaker of the Congress of the South 40.
The scholarship program's purpose is to recognize juniors with exceptional leadership potential who are interested in pursuing careers in public service.
This year there were 65 scholars who were chosen nationally from among 585 candidates nominated by 280 colleges. The University is one of only eight colleges where more than one student won scholarships. The University of Chicago was the only school at which three students won scholarships this year.
Starting in September, applicants first competed with other University students. Roughly a dozen students applied this year, according to Ian MacMullen, assistant dean of Arts & Sciences. The University then nominated the following four students to compete nationally - Moinester, Singletary, Sarah Coppersmith, and David Shepard. All four of the nominees were named finalists.
"It is a considerable achievement to be a finalist. It was very pleasing that all four nominees were selected for an interview," said MacMullen.
Singletary founded the Roosevelt Institution, which is a national public policy think tank. Students involved with the Institution conduct policy research and analysis. From his work with the Institution, Singletary will be publishing a paper on 25 ideas for solving the energy crisis.
Singletary said that he has always been interested in public service. He mentioned that growing up in a blue-collared community made him aware of the existing inequities in our country.
Singletary plans to spend his summer in India teaching a course to local students and performing research on environmental concerns affecting rural Andhra Pradesh. He said, "I am most interested in environmental problems affecting developing worlds."
Down the road, Singletary plans to get a joint master's degree in public policy and environmental science.
Moinester has also worked on environmental issues on campus. He founded the Hybrid Living Sustainability Committee and the Green Council which works to unite environmental organizations on campus.
This summer Moinester will work on grassroots campaigns in Denver to promote environmental awareness. After graduating, he plans to pursue graduate degrees in public administration and agricultural, environmental and nutritional science. He also envisions himself working with the GrassRoots Action Center for the Environment and becoming a political representative for non-profit environmental groups.
"I will pursue a career in an environmental organization. My two big passions are education and sustainability. I am interested in campaigning and doing things to promote awareness and in becoming involved in policy development," he said.
Each scholarship provides a total of $30,000. Scholars receive $3,000 for their senior year and the remaining $27,000 for two or three years of graduate school. Students also receive priority admission to premier graduate institutions as well as leadership training, career and graduate-school counseling, and internship opportunities through the federal government.
Truman Scholars are selected based upon their intellect, leadership abilities, and their commitment to public services. The application process consists of essay questions and extensive interviews.
MacMullen pointed out that the Truman Scholarship application process is extremely demanding. Both Moinester and Singletary said that simply going through the process was beneficial. "Even if I would not have won the scholarship, the process has been extremely helpful. It has been taxing mentally, but I am better off having tried. The process offers applicants experience in creating career paths," said Singletary.
MacMullen said that he was delighted to hear that Moinester and Singletary had received scholarships. "It will really make a difference in their careers. The networking it provides within their cohort and with other cohorts in the past and future is valuable. I am glad to have been involved in helping them to get that connection," he said. "These students are exceptionally gifted, hard-working, and committed to public service issues. It is always a pleasure working with the Truman nominees from the University."
Singletary said that he has already been contacted by members of the Truman Scholar community. He said that he is excited about becoming a part of this network because it will allow him to affect positive social change.
Click here to read the article from Student Life's website.