ISSUED: 4 March 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University political science and economics major Jordan Jalil, of Charles Town, is a 2020 Truman Scholarship finalist. Jalil is one of 190 candidates from 136 colleges and universities selected as finalists.
The scholarship is given by the Truman Foundation, which was created in 1975 soon after President Harry S. Truman died. Instead of a brick and mortar monument on the mall, President Truman wanted to support the next generation of public service leaders. Scholarship finalists were selected based on their records of leadership, public service, and academic achievement.
“Making it to the finalist stage is a great accomplishment for Jordan given the level of competition,” said Dr. Samuel Greene, assistant professor of political science and global studies and Truman faculty representative. “The Truman Scholarship is a leadership scholarship that rewards people who are ‘change agents.’ Jordan’s leadership skills shine through in everything she does, from work with the Stubblefield Institute, where she is the student member of the institute’s board, to her participation in our award-winning debate and forensics team.”
“What I’ve tried to do here is put a big emphasis on getting my generation involved in politics whether that is through the debate team or the Stubblefield Institute,” said Jalil, who is interested in pursuing national security and international law after she graduates.
“Applying for the scholarship has been a good learning opportunity,” she said “I’ve been privileged to go through the grueling application process and learn a little bit more about where I want to go. Regardless if I get it at the end or not, I am happy I was able to do it. It was well worth it and I hope future Shepherd students apply because I think we are underutilizing the opportunities out there.”
Jalil said she is grateful for help from Greene; Dr. Stephanie Slocum-Schaffer, associate professor of political science; Dr. Aart Holtslag, associate professor of political science; and David Welch, director, Stubblefield Institute, for their help with the application process. Jalil will have a final interview for the scholarship on April 6 in Washington, D.C. The 2020 Class of Truman Scholars will be announced on April 15.
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