February 7, 2013
Leading the way: University nominates four students for Truman Scholarships
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
Kansas State University has nominated four students to compete for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship. The nominees are Macy Warburton, Cedar Vale; Kassie Curran, Farlington; Alexander Severance, Lenexa; and Hillary Breene, West Greenwich, R.I.
The Truman Scholarship recognizes college students with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to careers in public service, government or the nonprofit sector. The scholarship provides up to $30,000 in financial support for graduate education. The four nominated Kansas State University students will compete with more than 600 students across the nation for the 60 scholarships awarded. Finalists will be announced Feb. 22, and scholars will be announced April 11.
Warburton, senior in political science, has shown leadership as the new member coordinator and director of membership enrichment for Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She also has been the elections commissioner for the Student Governing Association, the executive research committee liaison for the K-State First Student Advisory Council, class leader for the Introduction to Leadership Concepts class in the School of Leadership Studies and secretary for the College Republicans. Warburton is also involved in Cat Crew, Navigators, University Homecoming Committee and Leadership Studies' Alternative Breaks. Her honors, scholarships and awards include: the National Society of Collegiate Scholars Merit Award, Kansas State University Putnam Scholarship, Political Science Department Award of Excellence, McKelvie Scholarship and Zeta Tau Alpha Achievement Scholarship. If awarded the Truman Scholarship, Warburton would like to study public administration with a focus on nonprofit management. A 2010 graduate of Cedar Vale Memorial High School, she is the daughter of Steven and Angela Warburton, Cedar Vale.
Curran, senior in food science and industry, has served as president and career fair coordinator for the College of Agriculture Ambassadors, vice president of community outreach for Collegiate Farm Bureau, beef promotions director for Collegiate Cattlewomen and state vice president for Kansas FFA Association. In addition, Curran is involved in Agriculture Future of America, Frontier Program, the College of Agriculture scholars program and Gamma Sigma Delta agriculture honorary. Her honors, scholarships and awards include: American Royal Scholar, Institute of Food Technologists Scholarship, National Cattlemen's Foundation Scholarship and Quest freshmen honorary. She is a recipient of a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Career Development Grant, which funds her undergraduate research project. If awarded the Truman Scholarship, Curran would like to pursue a graduate degree in agricultural and resource economics. A 2009 graduate of Girard High School, she is the daughter of Joseph and Kim Curran, Farlington.
Severance, junior in economics, history and political science, is a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He has served as founder and president of the university's Swim Club and a peer adviser for study abroad. He is a member of the university's Honors Council and International Buddies. An Eagle Scout, his other honors, scholarships and awards include: Putnam Scholarship, International Baccalaureate Diploma Scholarship, Philips 66 Business Ethics Competition Winner, Phi Kappa Phi honorary, Quest freshman honorary and Chimes junior honorary. If awarded the Truman Scholarship, Severance would like to pursue a law degree and a graduate degree in economics, focusing on economic development. A 2010 graduate of Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, he is the son of James Severance and Claudia Vines, both of Lenexa.
Breene, junior in agribusiness, is a member of Sigma Alpha professional agriculture sorority. She has served as recording secretary for Block and Bridle and is a member of Alpha Zeta honor society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Agriculture Future of America. Her honors, scholarships and awards include: National FFA American Degree, Transfer Honors Scholarship, Ted Heath Memorial Scholarship, Gladwin A. Read Memorial Scholarship and National Dairy Herd Improvement Agency Scholarship. If awarded the Truman Scholarship, Breene would like to study agricultural policy and economics. A 2010 graduate of Exeter-West Greenwich Senior High School in West Greenwich, R.I., she is the daughter of Kevin Breene and Erin Breene, both of West Greenwich.
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 state-support universities. In 1996, the Truman Foundation named K-State a Truman Scholar Honor Institution, one of 17 inaugural schools to receive the title.