Wooster Junior Jessica Schumacher Named 2010 Truman Scholar

One of 60 selected for coveted scholarship from national pool of 576 applicants

WOOSTER, Ohio - Jessica Schumacher, a junior political science major at The College of Wooster, has been named a 2010 Truman Scholar by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. She was one of 60 Truman Scholars selected from a pool of 576 applicants. Each scholarship provides up to $30,000 to outstanding students who plan to pursue graduate or professional degrees leading to careers in public service.

Schumacher first heard of her selection from Wooster President Grant Cornwell, who summoned her to his office Wednesday afternoon. “It was the first time I’d met him and to get the news that way was really thrilling,” she said.

As part of the application process, Schumacher, a graduate of Tates Creek Senior High School in Lexington, Ky., wrote about her leadership activities on campus, including serving as a student organizer for the Obama campaign, a role in which she managed 100 volunteers who canvassed neighborhoods, ran a nightly phone bank, and registered almost 700 students to vote. She also developed a detailed policy proposal on immigration law reform and developing a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are the parents of children born in the United States.

Schumacher said she first became interested in immigration issues during a semester at American University in Washington, DC, where she served as a legislative intern for the American Jewish Committee. After graduation, she plans to pursue a law degree, and hopes to work with non-governmental organizations involved with immigration issues.

Schumacher worked throughout the fall semester preparing her Truman application, under the supervision of Thomas Tierney, associate professor of sociology and anthropology, and Angela Bos, assistant professor of political science.

“While all applicants to the Truman Scholarship Program are strong students, what distinguished Jessica's application was a deep commitment to public service that was nurtured at Wooster, and honed during the semester she spent in Washington, D.C.,” Tierney said. “I have no doubt that Jessica will put her undergraduate and legal education to good use improving the lives of those who lack the resources to advocate for themselves, and her career will reflect brilliantly on The College of Wooster and the Truman Scholarship Program.”

The Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as the federal memorial to the thirty-third President of the United States. The activities of the foundation are supported by a special trust fund in the U.S. Treasury. There have been 2,730 Truman Scholars elected since the first awards were made in 1977.

The College of Wooster is an independent liberal arts college, nationally recognized for an innovative curriculum that emphasizes mentored, independent research. Each Wooster senior works one-on-one with a faculty adviser to create an original research project, written work, performance or art exhibit. Founded in 1866, the college enrolls approximately 1,800 students.