Union College juniors Kaitlin A. Canty and Stephen D. Po-Chedley are finalists for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, which honors students who embody the leadership traits of the 33rd president.
Canty and Po-Chedley are competing with 199 other students from 130 colleges from the United States and its terroritories. A panel made up of leaders from the government, non-profit and other public service fields will interview the finalists and up to 75 winners will be announced March 27. An awards ceremony is scheduled for May 20 in Liberty, Mo.
Canty, who is from Cheshire, Conn., is active in community service and organizations that support women's issues.
“Injustices are a pervasive feature of our society,” Canty explained. “The Truman Scholarship will help me pursue my desire to work in the public service area addressing women's rights and concerns and assist with funding my pursuits of a law degree.”
Canty is a leader of the campus group “Safe Space,” a support group for survivors of rape and sexual assault. She is also a member campus committees on Sexual Assault and Harassment and Bias Crimes. Canty coordinated a student pledge drive for Planned Parenthood and helped bring to campus, “The Vagina Monologues,” which she produced. She is pursuing a double major in political science and women's and gender studies.
Po-Chedley, who is from Buffalo, has focused on campus environmental issues, including running URecycle, the student recycling program. He also worked with student David Shulman and campus groups to create an environmental awareness campaign, “Do it in the Dark,” that challenges students to reduce electricity, water and natural consumption while decreasing trash flow.
He was a key participant in the College's recently-announced Strategic Plan and worked with Campus Action to bring many progressive and environmental speakers to campus. In 2006, he won the Udall Scholarship, worth $5,000, for his environmental leadership.
The Truman Scholarship Foundation has been awarding scholarships since 1978. The Foundation provides financial support for graduate study, leadership training and fellowship opportunities.
For more information, visit http://www.truman.gov.