Howard University Student Named Truman Scholar

Washington, DC, April 12, 2017 (Newswire.com) - Former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright, president of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, today announced that a student from Howard University, Dontae Bell, has been named a 2017 Truman Scholar. The Truman Scholarship is the premier graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the United States. Bell is Howard University's 10th Truman Scholar since 1989.

Bell went through a rigorous, multistage selection process and is one of only 62 students from 54 U.S. colleges and universities selected for this honor. More than 768 candidates were nominated for the award by 315 colleges and universities. The prestigious Truman Scholarship provides up to $30,000 for graduate study. It is awarded annually to students who have excelled academically and are committed to careers in public service.

The Truman Scholarship is a unique opportunity - it offers not only financial support but also a community that mentors scholars throughout their professional development. I'm so excited to meet the other scholars and see how we can learn from each other as well as our respective fields, in order to better address societal challenges."

Dontae Bell , Truman Scholar

“This important honor is a great testament to Dontae’s character and his abilities,” said Howard University President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick. “He represents the virtues we want to see in all Howard University students and will be a great addition to the Truman Scholars hall of honors.”

Bell is an economics and military science major and a pilot candidate in the Air Force ROTC. In addition to fulfilling his military obligations, he has actively engaged his local and collegiate community as a student leader, political activist, and congressional staffer.

“Being named a Truman Scholar is an enormous honor, and I’m so proud to be able to represent Howard University,” Bell said. “The Truman Scholarship is a unique opportunity – it offers not only financial support but also a community that mentors scholars throughout their professional development. I’m so excited to meet the other scholars and see how we can learn from each other as well as our respective fields, in order to better address societal challenges.”

After graduation, Bell will commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force and hopes to attend graduate school before pursuing a lifelong career in public service.

“Throughout the entire process, Dontae really showed a true commitment to public service and serving the United States,” said Kari Miller, director of the Howard University Office of Honors and Scholar Development. “He is eager to serve in a national capacity, and we are all really proud that he will be representing Howard University as the leader and optimist he is.”

Bell will receive his award during a special ceremony at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri, on May 28, 2017.

ABOUT HOWARD

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Since 1998, the University has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 10 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, over 60 Fulbright recipients, 22 Pickering Fellows and one Schwarzman Scholar. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, call 202-238-2330, or visit the University’s website at www.howard.edu.

Anthony D. Owens
Assistant Director, Media Relations
Howard University
anthony.owens@howard.edu
202-870-9208

Source: Howard University