USD Students Named South Dakota's Only Truman Scholarship Finalists
USD is the only South Dakota institution with Truman Scholarship finalists this year.
The Truman Scholarship, honoring President Harry S. Truman, recognizes exceptional leadership, commitment to public service and academic excellence. This year, 743 applicants from 288 institutions competed, and only 201 students from 137 schools were named finalists. USD’s Ellie Hart and Taylor Van Emmerik are among the finalists, set to interview with the Truman Foundation’s Regional Review Panel later this month.
Ellie Hart
Originally from Mitchell, South Dakota, Hart is a junior majoring in political science with a minor in Spanish. She is in the Honors Program and serves as the newly elected vice president of the Student Government Association, president of the Panhellenic Council and founder of the nonprofit Days for Girls. She is also the co-president of Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honor society. Additionally, Hart has contributed to USD through her roles as a student representative on the ICARE team and as the vice president of parade for Dakota Days.
“I am honored and humbled to be selected as a Truman Scholarship finalist,” Hart said. “The support from USD’s faculty and my peers has been invaluable, and I couldn’t have made it this far without them. This recognition fuels my passion for public service, and I’m excited for the next steps in this journey.”
Hart plans to pursue a joint J.D./MPH and is passionate about using legal advocacy and policy to address systemic issues. She is committed to creating change through public service and continuing her work to advocate for the public good.
“My experiences on campus have given me an opportunity to impact campus life and the students of USD. I have also had the chance to work with incredible faculty to advance initiatives and to advocate on behalf of students,” said Hart. “The practical experience I have gained from leading various organizations will be an asset for my future career.”
Taylor Van Emmerik
From Tea, South Dakota, Van Emmerik double majors in political science and economics. He is committed to public service, serving as the government affairs chair for the Student Government Association. Van Emmerik also contributes to Lambda Chi Alpha and the Luther Center and has volunteered with the South Dakota Arthritis Foundation to push for health care reform.
“I have always admired past Truman Scholars and the legacy of service they have built. When it came time for me to apply, I wasn’t sure I had a real chance,” said Van Emmerik. “However, with the encouragement of alumni, friends and faculty, I decided to go for it.”
Van Emmerik is focused on pursuing a career in health care policy and advocacy. His long-term goal is to work with special interest groups to advocate for better health care access and policies that benefit underrepresented communities.
“These opportunities have allowed me to thoughtfully examine my past experiences and the motivations that have guided my journey,” said Van Emmerik. “The Truman application process, in particular, challenged me to reflect on my leadership, service and policy interests, helping me identify what makes me unique and how I can apply that in the future.”
With support from the Farber Fund and the Department of Political Science, Hart and Van Emmerik developed the skills and connections that led to this prestigious recognition.
"Ellie and Taylor are ideal finalists for our country's most prestigious public service fellowship," said Eric M. Jepsen, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Political Science. "They have each played key leadership roles and have significant impacts on their communities and organizations."
For more information about the Truman Scholarship and this year’s finalists, visit the Truman Foundation’s website.
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