Allen Richey, a political science junior and Student Government executive assistant, recently was named a finalist for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship. As a finalist, Richey could be among the possible 75 to 80 recipients to receive the award in 2003. A panel will interview Richey on Monday to decide which finalists will go on to become Truman Scholars.
What is the Harry Truman Scholarship?
A grant for Public Policy Graduate School that can be used to promote careers and service.
How much is the award?
$30,000.
How often are Truman Scholarships given away?
They are given away every year.
What criteria must nominees meet to be considered for the award?
Service, leadership and academics.
How many scholarships are usually given away each year?
They usually give away one per state or region. It is up to the committee to decide how many they will give away.
Will there be an award ceremony after winners are announced?
There usually is a weeklong ceremony that consists of a group of seminars winners participate in.
Has anyone at LSU ever won the Truman Scholarship?
No one has ever won it, but the last time LSU had a finalist was in the ’80s.
When did you find out you were a finalist?
Early last week.
What did you do when you found out you were a finalist?
First, I called my mom, family and friends. Then I started jumping up and down, only to realize I was out of shape because I was out of breath.
What do you plan to do if you win the scholarship?
I am interested in attending the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard for a master’s in public policy.
Who nominated you for the scholarship?
[Professor] Perry Prestholdt is the faculty representative for LSU, and he nominated me and four other students. I was the only finalist at LSU, but there were 14 students in the region who got interviews.
Are you planning to run for president or some national office one day?
No, I am not really sure what I am going to do in the future.
What does an executive assistant do?
I advise policy roles and help out around the office. I also coordinated the “Celebrate Louisiana” week.
What other leadership positions have you held at LSU?
I was on the [Student Government] executive staff last year, and I was the director of legislative affairs. I also was involved with LSU Ambassadors.
Where are you originally from?
Baton Rouge.
What is your favorite thing about LSU?
The people.