The Truman Foundation has recognized UW-Madison as an honor institution"" for the 2007-'08 academic year. UW-Madison joins Michigan State University, the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia as the four schools receiving the Truman Honors Institution Award this year.
""We're just very excited about the university support of public service and the university support of the Truman Scholarship application process,"" said Frederick Slabach, executive secretary of the Truman Foundation.
""We've had some absolutely fabulous Truman Scholars selected from [UW-Madison] over the years and we think this is an honor that is quite fitting given the culture and the track record of success at the university.""
According to a statement, UW-Madison has had 15 students win the award since it was created in 1977.
Earlier this year, two UW-Madison students won the 2007 Truman Scholarship, which awarded each $30,000 for graduate study. The award is named after former U.S. President Harry S. Truman.
Max Bruner, a UW-Madison senior and one of the two UW-Madison recipients, said he believed the university received the recognition because of ""exceptional students and a devotion to public service.""
""This is a great honor,"" Julie Stubbs, director of the Undergraduate Academic Awards Office. ""There's this long tradition of service at UW and receiving this award is just a validation of that.""
Stubbs said the Truman Scholarship looks for college juniors who already know they want a career in public service and have campus experience and community and government involvement.
""Truman scholars are living the Wisconsin Idea. They are using what they learn in class and beyond to really benefit society and make positive changes in their communities,"" Stubbs said.
She said because the application process is so ""grueling,"" the university has about eight to 12 applicants per year.
She said there are about eight essays, three letters of recommendation and several interviews with university professors. The university is allowed to nominate four final candidates for the national competition.
Bruner described the application as ""a daunting process,"" but encouraged others to apply.
An information session for freshmen and sophomores interested in applying will be held Nov. 5 in the On Wisconsin Room at the Red Gym. Slabach, Bruner and Adam Schmidt, the other UW-Madison 2007 Truman Scholarship recipient, will be in attendance.
