Penn State Erie Student Named A Truman Scholar

5-30-96
University Park, Pa. -- For the first time in the history of Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, a student has been named a Truman Scholar. Melissa E. Hayes, a junior political science major from North East, Pa., received the $30,000 award. She was one of nearly 800 students from 391 institutions around the country nominated for a Truman Scholarships this year.

Hayes and about 60 other students who were named winners will be honored for their achievements in ceremonies on Monday, June 2, at the Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Mo.

The scholarship, a living memorial to President Harry S. Truman, funds the senior year and two years of graduate study for each winner. Truman Scholars also benefit from priority admission and supplemental financial aid at premiere graduate institutions and receive opportunities for special leadership training, career and graduate school counseling and employment opportunities with the federal government.

Winners are selected in recognition of their values, ambitions, achievements, contributions and potential. Hayes balances her full-time student status at Penn State-Erie with between 35 and 40 hours a week in an AmeriCorps Program at North East High School.

Hayes participates in the college's University Scholars Program, and has completed substantial research projects on both the history of national service programs, including VISTA and the Peace Corps, and on the effect Gov. Tom Ridge's proposed voucher plan will have on public education. Last summer she served as a legislative assistant to Pennsylvania state Rep. Karl Boyes.

She plans to attain a dual degree in law and public policy.

**AMW**