Baylor Junior Named 2004 Truman Scholar

For the third year in a row, a Baylor University student has been selected for the prestigious Truman Scholarship. Kristin Kan, a junior from Arlington, Texas, is one of 77 students representing 68 colleges and universities selected on the basis of leadership potential, intellectual ability, and likelihood of making a difference. Kan is the seventh Baylor student to be awarded a Truman scholarship since the program began in 1977. Most recently, John Hill, also from Arlington, was selected a Truman Scholar in 2003, while Skye Perryman of Waco was chosen in 2002.
"We are delighted that a Baylor student has, for the third consecutive year, been selected for a prestigious Truman Scholarship," said Baylor President Robert B. Sloan Jr. "Kristen Kan continues the great tradition Baylor has enjoyed over the last two decades for producing Truman Scholars. It is a great honor for Kristen and a great honor for Baylor University."
Each Truman Scholarship provides $26,000 for graduate study. Scholars also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at premier graduate institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school counseling and special internship opportunities within the federal government. Recipients must be U.S. 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.
Kan, a University Scholar, plans to attend medical school and also pursue a graduate degree in public health. She eventually would like to work as a public health physician and administrator.
"I was overwhelmed, in fact absolutely floored, when I found out that I was a recipient of the award," Kan said. "A life in public service will allow me to unite my heart, hand and mind on changing the world. A career in public health, specifically, will enable me to expand what I like to study - medicine and the sciences - and impact the community in a positive way."
Kan has undertaken various leadership roles in her years at Baylor. She was a co-founder of the One Book, One Waco reading program and currently is executive vice president of the 2012 Student Development Council, in which she helped organize a community involvement summit that will help students apply their academic study in more practical ways to better the community.
The Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as the federal memorial to the nation's 33rd 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 U.S. Treasury.
The 2004 Truman Scholars will assemble May 16 for a week-long leadership development program at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., and receive their awards in a special ceremony at the Truman Library in Independence, Mo., on May 23.
For more information, visit the Truman Foundation web site at www.truman.gov.