Source: James Hohenbary, 785-532-6904, jimlth@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Stephanie Jacques, 785-532-3453, sjacques@k-state.edu
Tuesday Feb. 28, 2012
Students from Overland Park, Wichita advance to Truman Scholarship finals
MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University students Erin White, Overland Park, and Rachel Hoppins, Wichita, have been named finalists for the 2012 Harry S. Truman Scholarship.
Out of 587 students that applied for the scholarship, Hoppins and White are among 191 candidates from 124 colleges and universities who have advanced to the final round. As finalists, they will participate in scholarship interviews March 5 in Kansas City, Mo. Scholarship winners will be announced March 30.
First in the nation among all public universities in Truman Scholarship recipients, Kansas State University has had 33 students awarded the scholarship. The Truman Scholarship recognizes college students with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to careers in public service, government or the nonprofit sector. If awarded, it provides up to $30,000 in financial support for graduate education.
White, a senior in political science with a minor in nonprofit leadership, is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and the campus campaign coordinator for Teach America. She is also the president of The Coalition, a student organization dedicated to raising awareness of international injustice issues. She has been named a Community Cultural Harmony Week scholar, as well as a recipient of a NextGen Nonprofit Leader Award and the Marjorie and Richard Morse Community Development and Public Policy Scholarship. White, a graduate of Shawnee Mission South High School, is the daughter of Michelle and Brian White, Overland Park.
Hoppins is a junior in biology with a secondary major in natural resources and environmental science and a minor in leadership studies. She is the secretary for the K-State Tennis Club and the community liaison for the university's LGBT and Allies student group. She is also the chair of the 2012 Little Apple Pride Parade. In 2011, Hoppins was awarded the Morris K. Udall national undergraduate scholarship. She also has received the university's Putnam and Sherrid scholarships. For the past 10 years she has volunteered for the Sedgwick County Zoo and has led a summer education program for high school students. Hoppins, a graduate of Wichita Northwest High School, is the daughter of Barbara and Jim Hoppins, Wichita.
