When going to a regular day of class, most Saint Louis University students can expect to turn in assignments, answer questions or participate in discussion. SLU junior Deanna Durrett was expecting the usual when going to her state and local government class last Thursday, but she was in for a big surprise.

During the class, Provost Joe Weixlmann and professor Duane Smith, Ph.D., brought Durrett flowers, balloons and good news–she had been awarded the prestigious Truman Scholarship.

“This was a complete shock to me,” Durrett said. The merit-based grant provides Durrett with $30,000 to continue with graduate or professional studies, in preparation for a career in public service.

Durrett has always been interested in public policy and is majoring in political science. After learning about the scholarship her freshman year, she knew it would be a good fit for her future goals.

“Faculty from across the University helped Deanna prepare for the Truman Scholarship competition, and I’m pleased that, as the SLU representative for the Truman Scholarship Foundation, I could play a role,” Smith said. “Her hard work and commitment to public service over a number of years laid the foundation for her success.”

Applying for the scholarship required a significant time and personal commitment. Part of the application process required Durrett to choose a public policy issue she wanted to tackle and propose a solution to the problem. As a native of Kentucky, she chose to focus on ways to reduce the high smoking rate in that state.

The Truman Scholarship Foundation narrowed the competition to approximately 300 students from across the country and chose Durrett as one of four applicants to interview from Kentucky.

“It was a grueling interview process,” Durrett said. “I knew it was going to be intense.”

Durrett is the first SLU student to win this national award in more than a decade.

“I want to thank Dr. Smith,” Durrett said. “So many faculty members and staff helped me with practice interviews and other preparation. I could not have done it without their help and guidance.”

According to their Web site (www.truman.gov), the Truman Scholarship Foundation recognizes college juniors with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to careers in public service and to provide them with financial support for graduate study and other training.

“The scholarship provides Deanna with significant recognition and substantial reward for her past achievements and future potential,” Smith said. “I learned a great deal from working with her, and I have no doubt that we will hear more about her contributions in the future.”