LOUISVILLE, Ky. — University of Louisville junior Hannah Wilson has earned a Truman Scholarship, a prominent award given to just 54 U.S. college students this year and valued at $30,000. She is Kentucky’s only 2016 Truman Scholar.
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation announced the 2016 winners yesterday. The prize recognizes college juniors with a record of outstanding leadership and community involvement who want to pursue careers in public service. The winners will receive their awards in a May 29 ceremony at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, Independence, Mo.
Wilson intends to use her scholarship to earn graduate degrees at University of California Berkeley School of Law in preparation for a career in civil rights. She said that college’s program will enable her to earn combined law and doctoral degrees in five years.
Wilson, a political science, philosophy and women’s and gender studies major in the College of Arts and Sciences, expects to graduate in May 2017. She is a Bradfordsville, Ky., native and McConnell Scholar.
“Hannah has certainly earned this honor,” said UofL President James Ramsey. “She exemplifies ambition, academic excellence, leadership and a passion for justice and I am certain that she will emerge as a leader of her generation.”
Patricia Condon, who directs UofL’s Office of National and International Scholarship Opportunities, said the highly competitive scholarship is a golden opportunity for public-service minded undergraduates like Wilson.
“During her time at UofL, Hannah has wisely leveraged leadership and community service opportunities—especially through her McConnell Scholarship. The Truman Scholarship is an ideal next step for her,” Condon said.
“I’m honored to be a Truman Scholar and I look forward to seizing the opportunities made available to me by the foundation in pursuit of a lifetime of public service,” said Wilson. “It is especially a privilege to represent the rural, central Kentucky community of which I am a product in my acceptance of this award.”
Wilson is the daughter of Cindy and Todd Wilson of Bradfordsville. She graduated from Marion County High School in 2013 and was the school’s senior class president.
Twelve UofL students have been Truman Scholars since 1977, the year the national program was launched. For more information, contact Condon at 502-852-0024.
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