Two Drury University Students Named Truman Scholarship Finalists

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Truman Scholarship and why is it significant for Drury University students? The Truman Scholarship is a prestigious national award established by Congress in 1975 as a living memorial to President Harry S. Truman. It recognizes college juniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to public service, and academic excellence. Being named a finalist is a significant achievement for Drury University students as it signifies national recognition of their dedication to serving others and their potential to become future leaders in public service. The scholarship also provides financial support for graduate studies related to public service.

2. Which Drury University students were named 2025 Truman Scholarship Finalists and what are their primary areas of focus? Drury University juniors Chloe Harnar and Zachary Stockton were named 2025 Truman Scholarship Finalists. Chloe Harnar, a Political Science major with minors in Graphic & Digital Design and Women & Gender Studies, is focused on gender equality and addressing violence against Native American women. Zachary Stockton, an English & Writing major with an Honors & Leadership minor, is dedicated to fostering housing humanity and fighting poverty.

3. What public service experiences and policy proposals distinguished Chloe Harnar as a Truman finalist? Chloe Harnar has a long record of public service with organizations like Head Start and the Lafayette House. Her policy proposal addressed Senator Lisa Murkowski on ending violence against Native American women. She also addressed the Springfield city council on gender equity, leading to the elimination of gendered language in formal meetings and municipal documents. Her passion lies in uplifting disadvantaged communities and advocating for vulnerable populations, particularly focusing on Indigenous rights and gender equality.

4. What public service experiences and policy proposals distinguished Zachary Stockton as a Truman finalist? Zachary Stockton is actively involved in on-campus organizations like SAAB, BUIC, the Mirror, and the English Honorary. Off-campus, he dedicates his time to the Springfield Tenants Union (STUN) as a communications writer and journalist, focusing on housing justice. His policy proposal to Senator Tim Scott addressed the need for federal mandates protecting housing applicants from revealing their HUD subsidies. He also organized a Grocery Brigade to help deliver food to elderly and/or disabled tenants in HUD-subsidized housing.

5. What graduate programs are Chloe Harnar and Zachary Stockton considering, and how do these align with their public service goals? Chloe Harnar proposed attending Arizona State University to pursue a master’s degree in human rights, with the goal of working at Rapha International, an organization focused on combating child sexual exploitation. Zachary Stockton is considering New York University’s M.A. in Public Management and Community Advocacy with a specialization in Inequality Studies, aiming to support working-class families suffering from housing injustice. Both programs directly align with their passions for advocating for marginalized communities and addressing systemic inequalities.

6. According to Drury Professor Shelley Wolbrink, what qualities do Chloe Harnar and Zachary Stockton possess that make them strong candidates for the Truman Scholarship? Professor Wolbrink highlights that the Truman Scholarship rewards leaders who demonstrate dignity in helping marginalized communities and serve as leaders to uplift others. She believes that both Chloe and Zachary are tremendous examples of this philosophy, citing their demonstrated commitment to public service and their efforts to address critical social issues.

7. What does the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation represent, and why was it established in this particular format? The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation is the nation’s official living memorial to President Truman and a presidential monument to public service. Created by Congress in 1975, it reflects President Truman's desire for a "living memorial" that would support Americans answering the call to serve, rather than a traditional physical monument. This aligns with his pragmatic approach and belief in the importance of public service.

8. What is the next step in the Truman Scholarship selection process for Chloe Harnar and Zachary Stockton? As finalists, Chloe Harnar and Zachary Stockton participated in interviews with the Truman Foundation’s Regional Review Panels. These interviews, which took place between March 2nd and April 7th, are a crucial step in determining the recipients of the scholarship. The results of the selection process are expected to be announced in early April.