Wheaton named one of four Truman Scholarship Honor Institutions

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation has named Wheaton College one of four Truman Scholarship Honor Institutions for 2005.

The award recognizes the liberal arts college's success in promoting the values of social responsibility and in preparing students to be leaders through public service careers. Other institutions receiving the award this year are the U.S. Naval Academy, Williams College and the University of Tulsa.

Pictured, left to right: Truman Scholars Jennifer Sanders-Kapp '90, Alex Dewar '06 and Joan Moriarty '96; Louis Blair and President Ronald A. Crutcher; Truman Scholars Adar Cohen '04, Fred Marcks '02, Jared Duval '05 and Myles Matteson '06.

The foundation's executive secretary, Louis Blair, presented the college with the award yesterday during Wheaton's annual opening convocation, a traditional ceremony that marks the start of the new academic year. In presenting the award, Blair cited the college's ''stunning record'' in having produced five Truman scholars in the last four years and eight since 1988.

"I think most fundamentally and basically the credit goes to the values of Wheaton that I've heard expressed here today--social responsibility, civic engagement, social justice, and problem solving," Blair said, addressing faculty and students gathered in historic Cole Memorial Chapel. "This ethos, these values that permeate this institution, are the things that result in the wonderful array of scholars who will go forth and change the world."

Blair also praised the work of Associate Dean of Studies Alex Trayford and the faculty, supported by President Crutcher and former President Dale Rogers Marshall, as keys to Wheaton's success.

"The Truman Scholarship Honor Institution award affirms the commitment of our students, alumnae/i, faculty and staff to making the world a better place," said President Ronald A. Crutcher. "Social responsibility has been a hallmark of Wheaton from its earliest days, and it is a value we must cherish."

Seven of the college's eight Truman scholars were on hand for the ceremony, including 1989 Truman Scholar Jennifer Sanders-Kapp, who delivered the ceremony's keynote address.

"My Wheaton experience is always with me, and it's a huge part of who I am today," said Sanders-Kapp, an attorney who earned a law degree from American University College of Law after graduating from Wheaton in 1990. "My interest in and dedication to social issues was unquestionably encouraged and fostered during my years here at Wheaton."

She urged current students to heed that call. "No matter where you are personally, professionally, economically or geographically, we all have the ability and the obligation to give back to our communities."

Other Truman Scholars who attended the event were Alex Dewar '06, Myles Matteson '06, Jared Duval '05, Adar Cohen '04, Fred Marcks '02, Joan Moriarty '96.

The Truman Foundation was established in 1974 by an act of Congress to honor the memory of the country's 33rd president, Harry S. Truman. The foundation finds and recognizes college juniors with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to careers in public service. The foundation provides these scholars with fthe inancial support for graduate study, leadership training, and fellowship with other students who are committed to making a difference through public service.