By Selena Stevens

"UK has provided Truman Scholars who are both intellectually gifted and grounded in their dedication to serve the people of Kentucky."

-- Louis H. Blair,
executive secretary,
Truman Scholarship program

July 3, 2001 – (Lexington, Ky.) – The University of Kentucky is one of four 2001 recipients of the Harry S. Truman Foundation Honor Institution Award for exemplary participation in the Harry S. Truman Scholarship program. UK, the University of Southern California, the United States Air Force Academy and Occidental College each were recently honored with the award, putting them in the company of schools such as Brown University, Columbia University, Duke University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, Princeton University, Stanford University, Swarthmore College, the U.S. Military Academy, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Yale University.

“UK has provided Truman Scholars who are both intellectually gifted and grounded in their dedication to serve the people of Kentucky,” said Louis H. Blair, executive secretary of the Truman Scholarship program. “The five UK scholars I have known have been exceptional people. I am fortunate to know them and to help them prepare for careers in which they will make a difference in the lives of others.”

The award is based on an institution's active encouragement of outstanding young people to pursue careers in public service and sustained success in helping its students win Truman Scholarships; a student from that school must have been selected in the year the award is given.

UK has participated in the Truman program for more than 20 years; nine UK students have been selected for the honor — Jay Varellas in 2001, Monica Grant and Anthony Jones in 1999, Melody Flowers in 1998, M. Scott Coovert in 1996, Paul Presler in 1990, Jennifer Howard in 1988, Laura Neack in 1980 and Karen Campbell in 1979.

“The Truman competition is rigorous. A great deal of effort is required not solely by the students but also by their faculty advisers,” Blair said. “The foundation is grateful to professor Penny Miller and Chancellor Elisabeth Zinser for their successful efforts to recruit candidates and support them through the arduous application and interview process."