Truman Scholars receive funding for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government. This year’s recipients will join a community of 3,618 Truman Scholars, who currently serve as public prosecutors and defenders, educators, and leaders of nonprofits.
Messer is currently studying in Yaoundé, Cameroon, with the School for International Training’s Development and Social Change Program. Although the public service sector is ever-changing, he hopes to take advantage of the opportunity to make a positive impact on communities.
“Even as the landscape of public service has drastically shifted, my interest and relentless optimism remain, as its messiness inspires me,” Messer said. “It is an inherently complex process where opposites are essential, dialogue is necessary, and change is inevitable. This complexity is beautiful because when given the space to function, it creates change that ideally improves as many lives as possible, which is profoundly impactful.”
“Even as the landscape of public service has drastically shifted, my interest and relentless optimism remain, as its messiness inspires me.”
Messer plans to couple his experiences witnessing economic development initiatives with his intellectual interest in world politics as he continues his studies in industrial and manufacturing policy through the Truman Scholarship.
“My interest in manufacturing and industrial policy was sparked as my moved among five states and six cities. As a result of my dad’s job as an economic developer, I saw how each locality I lived in had different industries that provided employment and a certain quality of life to residents,” Messer recalled. “In Louisiana, it was oil and gas; in Michigan, it’s the automotive industry. As I grew older, I learned about trade on an international scale and the massive ships, planes, policies, and agreements necessary to facilitate exchange from one country to another. Over time, I was able to weave my passion for public service with the dynamic world of manufacturing and industrial policy.”
The Truman Scholarship is awarded to college students in their junior year who demonstrate strong leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic excellence. This year, the Truman Foundation reviewed 743 nominees from 288 institutions and ultimately selected 54 recipients representing 49 colleges and universities.
The scholarship was established as a “living memorial” for President Harry S. Truman, who believed firmly in the power of education to fight against “ignorance, prejudice, and intolerance.” Since 1975, the Truman Scholarship has maintained this commitment to supporting and encouraging public service leadership.
Fellowship Advising at Hamilton
Students interested in learning about the Goldwater Scholarship should contact Director of Student Fellowships Lisa Grimes.
