Source: James Hohenbary, 785-532-6904, jimlth@k-state.edu
Hometown connection: Derby, Mulvane, Overland Park, Salina and Wichita
News release prepared by: Stephanie Jacques, 785-532-3453, sjacques@k-state.edu
Monday, Feb. 13, 2012
In the running: Four students nominated for Truman scholarships
MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University has nominated four students -- Courtney Frantz, Derby; Erin White, Overland Park; Lora K. McGraw, Salina; and Rachel Hoppins, Wichita -- for the 2012 Harry S. Truman 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. The four nominated K-State students will compete with more than 600 students across the nation for the 60 scholarships awarded. Finalists will be announced Feb. 24, and scholars will be announced March 30.
Frantz, a junior in family studies and human services with a minor in nonprofit leadership, is a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and the founder of Wildcat Buddies. The service organization partners adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with K-State students to further social interaction and acceptance. She is a volunteer for Special Olympics and a member of the K-State Student Alumni Board. Frantz, a graduate of Derby High School, is the daughter of Karen and Lynn Bainter, Derby, and Lee and Annie Frantz, Mulvane.
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.
McGraw is a senior working on a double major in political science and women's studies, with a minor in Spanish and a pre-law emphasis. She is the student vice president for Phi Kappa Phi honorary and an ambassador for women's studies. McGraw actively participates in Wildcats Against Rape, Study Abroad Mentors and Pre-Law Club. She has been named a Kansas State University Foundation scholar and a Global Initiative scholar, and she is a member of the university honors program. McGraw, a graduate of Salina High School South, is the daughter of Debra and David McGraw, Salina.
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.
Since the Truman Foundation was established in 1977, 33 Kansas State University students have been awarded the Truman Scholarship, ranking K-State first for the number of Truman scholars in the nation among all public universities. In 1996, the Truman Foundation named K-State a Truman Scholar Honor Institution, one of 17 inaugural schools to receive the title.