Maxwell School News and Commentary

The Truman award has become the premier graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the United States. The scholarship seeks to fund students who possess the leadership skills, intellect and passion that will make them “change agents” for the public good in any field. 

Dina Eldawy, an international relations and citizenship and civic engagement major, and Crystal Letona, a policy studies major, are finalists for the Truman Scholarship, which recognizes students for their community service, academic accomplishment, and commitment to a career of public service. “Dina and Crystal are extraordinary students and activists who are passionate about public service,” says Jolynn Parker, director of  Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising.

A new gift to Maxwell will help underwrite undergraduate research and scholarship, potentially to the tune of $125,000.

Ralph Ketcham taught citizenship at Maxwell longer than most of us have been alive. And, while doing so, he championed an approach to citizenship education that virtually defines the Maxwell School.

“The Otey and Barbara Scruggs scholarship is a fitting tribute to a treasured member of the History Department and his wife,” said Associate Professor and Chair of History Norman Kutcher. “Otey cared deeply about the University generally and the History Department especially. Graduate education grew substantially in strength and numbers under his leadership, so it is fitting that this scholarship will benefit our most deserving graduate students.”

The SoldierStrong scholarship program supports U.S. military veterans wishing to pursue higher education opportunities as civilians upon their return from service abroad. Maxwell graduate students Mitch Forbes and Chris Tonsmeire, both U.S. military veterans, have been named as this year’s SoldierStrong scholars.

The Public Policy and International Affairs Program is a seven week summer fellowship that promotes the inclusion of underrepresented groups in public service and advances their leadership roles throughout civic institutions. “This experience reaffirmed my intention to pursue a graduate degree in public affairs. More importantly, I learned how I could combine my passion for public policy and science in graduate school,” says Chizobam Nwagwu ’18, who recently completed the fellowship.