Smanik and Schumacher Named Finalists for Truman Scholarships

Juniors will be interviewed by selection committee later this month

WOOSTER, Ohio, Mar. 11 – Junior political science majors Jessica Schumacher and Abbey Smanik have been selected as finalists for Truman Scholarships by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. The national program awards three-year scholarships to outstanding students who plan to pursue graduate or professional degrees leading to careers in public service. Schumacher and Smanik will be interviewed by a regional selection committee in Cincinnati later this month.

Both students worked throughout the fall semester preparing their applications, under the supervision of Thomas Tierney, associate professor of sociology and anthropology, and Angela Bos, assistant professor of political science.

As part of the application process, each was required to develop a detailed policy proposal. Smanik’s involved creation of a civic education program for middle school students, in which recent college graduates would design and implement innovative educational techniques to engage those students in the political process. Schumacher focused on immigration law reform and developing a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are the parents of children born in the United States.

“The Truman Scholarship program is highly competitive,” Tierney said, “and we are fortunate to have two highly qualified candidates this year, who not only have outstanding records of public service, but were also willing to dedicate the significant amount of time and effort required to develop competitive applications. Professor Bos and I are confident that they will do well in the final interview stage of the competition.”

Smanik, a graduate of Westlake High School in Westlake, Ohio, is currently president of the college’s Student Government Association. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in public administration after graduating from Wooster.

Schumacher, a graduate of Tates Creek Senior High School in Lexington, Ky., spent 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.

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.