Junior Emily Thompson Selected as Truman Scholarship Finalist

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MACON – Mercer University junior Emily Thompson was recently selected as a finalist for the prestigious Truman Scholarship, the premier graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the United States. She is only the second finalist in the University's history.

This year, 62 scholarships were awarded among 768 candidates nominated by 315 colleges and universities. Thompson was one of 199 finalists interviewed by the Foundation's regional review panels between March 3 and April 7.

“To be selected as a finalist for the Truman Scholarship is a major recognition. It signifies that Emily is one of the most accomplished students in the country committed to public service. Her work with Bears Speak is impressive, and we expect that she will be a leading advocate for the rights of women,” said Dr. David A. Davis, director of fellowships and scholarships and associate professor of English.

Thompson, from Leesburg, is a double-major in accounting and management with minors in psychology and economics. A Stamps Scholar, Presidential Scholar and Tift Scholar, she plans to pursue graduate study focused on a future career in politics and policy reform.

“Receiving this distinction was such an honor,” said Thompson. “I learned so much about myself throughout the process of applying for this scholarship. I was also able to explore future career paths and consider the impact that I want to make on the world.”

At Mercer, Thompson serves in a number of leadership roles, including president of the College Republicans, director of finance for MU Miracle and Beta Alpha Psi and a member of the Ritual Committee of Delta Sigma Pi.

She is a peer adviser and member of Phi Mu sorority, and has been instrumental in the launch of several new programs on the Macon campus, including student-driven voting initiative Mobilize Mercer and student-led sexual assault awareness campaign Bears Speak, as well as the Greek Wellness Taskforce.

Locally, she has served as an assistant campaign manager for Reichert for Macon-Bibb, Bob Easter for School Board, Unify Roberta-Crawford County, and Friends of Macon-Bibb SPLOST.

The Truman Scholarship seeks to identify future leaders in public service and provides funding for three years of graduate study in a field of the recipients' choosing. In return, Truman Scholars must agree to work in a public service field for three of seven years following completion of their postgraduate degree.

The Truman Foundation was created by Congress in 1975 as the living memorial to President Truman and the Presidential Memorial to Public Service. The Foundation's mission is premised on the belief that a better future relies on attracting to public service the commitment and sound judgment of bright, outstanding Americans. For more information, visit www.truman.gov.