Brian C. Babcock (Maryland) is one of three, Year 2001 Truman Scholars from West Point. He is shown above with his parents, Jim and Neva Babcock (WPPC-MDDCVA members) at the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri. There were a total of four Scholars from the military academies (the fourth from Air Force) among the 80 junior students.

Last semester, Brian Babcock participated in the exchange program to the US Air Force Academy, where he learned about life in another branch of the military. After this time "behind enemy lines," he is back at West Point, where he will finish his dual undergraduate degree in International & Strategic History and International Relations as a member of the USMA Bicentennial Class of 2002. As a part of his studies, he is traveling with the History Department to walk the World War II battlefields of France this spring, as well as represent his school at the World Model United Nations Conference in Istanbul. He is currently working with his school's Scout Master Council as the deputy director of public relations to plan for its annual camporee in May.

Brian Babcock (right) show with the other 2 West Point Truman Scholars, Erica J. Watson (Illinois) and Zachariah R. Miller (Pennsylvania).

PRESS RELEASE ABOUT THE TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIPS

Louis H. Blair, Executive Secretary of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, announced that 80 students from 56 US colleges and universities have been selected as 2001 Truman Scholars. They were elected by nineteen independent selection panels on the basis of leadership potential, intellectual ability, and likelihood of "making a difference.

"The 80 Scholars were selected from among 592 candidates nominated by 303 colleges and universities. Each selection panel interviewed Finalists from a 3 - 4 state region and generally elected one Scholar from each state and one or two at-large Scholars from the region. Each panel typically included a university president, a federal judge, a distinguished public servant, and a past Truman Scholarship winner.

Each Scholarship provides $30,000 - $3,000 for the senior year and $27,000 for two or three years of graduate study. Scholars also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some premier graduate institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school counseling, and special internship opportunities within the federal government. Recipients must be US citizens, have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, be in the top quarter of their class, and be committed to careers in government or the not-for-profit sector.

The Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as the federal memorial to our thirty-third President. The Foundation awards scholarships for college students to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or elsewhere in public service. The activities of the Foundation are supported by a special trust fund in the US Treasury. There have been 2,099 Truman Scholars elected since the first awards were made in 1977.

The 2001 Truman Scholars assembled May 20 for a week-long leadership development program at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, and receive their awards in a special ceremony at the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri, on May 27, 2001.