Congratulations to Penn Nursing's 2010 Harry Truman Scholar

It is with great excitement that I wish to announce that Nursing/Wharton junior Gerardo “G.J.” Melendez-Torres has been selected as a 2010 Harry S. Truman Scholar, one of the most prestigious national fellowship awards available to undergraduates.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, the federal memorial to the former president, awards merit-based $30,000 scholarships to college students who plan to pursue careers in government or in public service, and who wish to attend graduate or professional school to help prepare for their careers. Truman Scholars participate in leadership development programs and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. “The Truman” is extremely competitive and one of the most esteemed national scholarships for undergraduates.

The selection process is lengthy and rigorous. Penn’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships selects four official university candidates based on academics, public service, and leadership. Each year the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation reviews over 600 official applications, and this figure does not include the students who compete for one of each university’s four nominations. The candidates are narrowed to a group that undergoes a rigorous interview process, then the Foundation selects the recipients. This year there are 60 Truman Scholars.

The Truman scholarship will fund G.J.’s graduate education, which he currently plans to spend pursuing an MSN in Psychiatric Nursing (NP) and Gerontology (NP). G.J.’s current long term plans include a PhD in health services research, with his ultimate goal to work in research, policy and practice in the field of geriatric mental health, particularly with disadvantaged populations. “Ideally, I will work in a clinician educator position at a major research university, or I will conduct policy evaluation research at a major NGO like the Commonwealth Fund or Kaiser Family Foundation while maintaining a clinical practice--perhaps in a PACE or a Federally Qualified Health Center.”

G.J. cites two members of our faculty as particularly helpful – “Julie Sochalski, for teaching me how to ask a research question, and for showing me what policy is, why making policy is a good thing, and why nurses making policy is an even better thing. Second, Sarah Kagan, for showing me that geriatrics and gerontology are pretty awesome, and that asking really hard questions of yourself and others can be frustrating, but entirely worthwhile.”

Many of you are likely familiar with G.J. through his leadership roles in the Undergraduate Assembly, SNAP, the United Minority Council, Penn’s Interfaith Coalition PRISM, or perhaps even lived in the dorm where he is a resident advisor. He served as the Chair of the National Student Nurses' Association Nominating and Elections Committee, and is currently leading the process of organizing student input into the undergraduate curriculum revision process. Listing all of his academic and extra-curricular activities would be exhausting, and balancing this load with the challenges of the Nursing/Wharton dual degree program is probably the most amazing feat of all. G.J.’s ambition and passion for nursing and university life are enabling him to make a difference as an undergraduate in multiple arenas. His tireless enthusiasm and dedication are perfect examples of what makes a Penn nursing student truly exceptional.

G.J.’s accomplishment cannot be understated – not only is this award among the most prestigious awards that any undergraduate can receive, it is a first for Penn Nursing.

Please join me in congratulating G.J. on his fantastic achievement.