Truman Scholars

A Harry Truman stamp on a typewritten letter.

University of Rochester students selected as Truman Scholars demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic excellence.

The Truman Scholarship is the premier graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the United States. Candidates are nominated by their institution based on their records of leadership, public service, and academic achievement. Selected scholars receive funding for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.

Established by Congress in 1975 as the living memorial to President Harry S. Truman and a national monument to public service, the Truman Scholarship carries the legacy of the 33rd president of the United States by supporting and inspiring the next generation of public service leaders. In 1977, the first award recipients were named, and since then, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation has administered the program, which now has a community of more than 3,500 scholars.

Learn more about other fellowship, scholarship, and award opportunities available to Rochester students.

Recent Truman Scholars

Congratulations to the most recent Truman Scholar from the University of Rochester!

Headshot of Truman Scholar Andres Arocho Gonzalez.

Andrés Arocho González ’24
Area of study: Political science (BS)
2023 Scholar

Andrés Arocho González ’24, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the first University of Rochester student to earn this prestigious honor since Jesse Bailey ’05 in 2004. Arocho is one of 62 students selected by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation out of 705 candidates from 275 colleges and universities. The recipients were nominated by their institution and recommended by 17 independent selection panels based on their academic success, leadership accomplishments, and likelihood of become public service leaders.

Arocho’s public service includes overseeing a global fundraiser to help rebuild homes in Puerto Rico devastated by Hurricane Maria, and volunteering to renovate homes for Afghani refugees. At Rochester, he has edited the newspaper for the Office of Minority Student Affairs, served on the executive board of SALSA (Spanish and Latino Students Organization), and worked as president to double SOCA (Student Organization for Caribbean Awareness) memberships.

Read more about Andrés Arocho González.

Past Truman Scholars and Finalists

2023 Finalist

Laith Awad ’24
Areas of study: Clinical and translational sciences (BS) and health, behavior, and society (BS)

2012 Finalist

Rohini K. Bhatia ’13
Area of study: Epidemiology (BA)

2011 Finalist

Nathan E. Novosel ’12
Area of study: Political science (BA) and economics (BA)

2007 Finalist

Gregory J. Meditz ’08
Area of study: Political science (BA)
Minor: History

2006 Finalists

Dana C. Mueller ’07
Area of study: Biology (BA) and health and society (BA)
Minor: Spanish

Alexander F. Pearlman ’07
Area of study: Political science (BA)

Brian T. Tuohy ’07
Area of study: Religion (BA) and psychology (BA)

2004 Scholar

Jesse M. Bailey ’05
Area of study: Political science (BA), African and African American studies (BA), and history (BA)

2004 Finalist

David M. Iseminger ’05, ’06 (T5)
Area of study: Molecular genetics (BS)
Minor: Political science