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Jillian Ross (Cedar Falls, IA) is a junior in the Western Illinois University Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA). She was recently named a finalist — one of only 197 college juniors in the U.S. — for the competitive national Harry S. Truman Scholarship.
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In addition to her academic activities, Jillian Ross (left in both photos) also is involved with various student organizations and causes on campus. She was recently recognized as one of the top fundraisers for WIU's annual St. Baldrick's fundraiser (sponsored by Tanner Hall and WIU Housing and Dining Services). It's the third year she has participated and shaved her head to show solidarity with children who have cancer.
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WIU Student Selected as Finalist for Prestigious Truman Scholarship

March 9, 2016

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MACOMB, IL — Jillian Ross (Cedar Falls, IA) has a distinct vision for her future. A junior in the Western Illinois University Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA), Ross has plans to start her own wilderness program and camp that would not only help people connect with one another, but also promote individual environmental stewardship and encourage civic engagement.

While her laser focus is helping prepare her to achieve her dream when she's done with college, Ross' diligent work has also been a catalyst for her selection as one of only 197 college juniors named as a finalist for the competitive national Truman Scholarship. According to officials at the Harry S. Truman Foundation, each year, more than 600 applications are received for the 55-65 scholarships the organization awards annually.

"The Harry S. Truman Scholarship is widely recognized as the top scholarship in the United States," said WIU Centennial Honors College Director Richard Hardy. "The Truman looks for students who excel in academics, public service and civic leadership. Just to be nominated for a Truman is praiseworthy in its own right, but to become a finalist is a major accomplishment."

Ross is only the second student in WIU's history to be selected as a finalist for the prestigious scholarship opportunity. She has been preparing for her finalist interview since she learned she was selected a few weeks ago.

She said her background working at youth camps has inspired her career goals, and her studies and engagement in the WIU community have helped motivate her to always put forth her best effort. This motivation caught the attention of faculty she has worked with, as a student in the RPTA department and in the Centennial Honors College, at WIU. It was Hardy; Paul Schlag, associate director of the Centennial Honors College and associate professor in the RPTA department; and Dan Yoder, RPTA chair, who initially approached her and encouraged to her to submit an application for the Truman Scholarship.

"This whole process has helped me to clearly see where I want to go and where I'm headed. Being named a Truman Scholar finalist is an honor in itself. I didn't expect that to happen, but I am delighted to have the opportunity," she added.

"Jillian is the most remarkable student with whom I have worked while at Brigham Young University, the University of Colorado, the University of Georgia and Western Illinois University. Her intellectual capacity is matched only by her caring heart and commitment to enhance the lives of others," Schlag said.

Ross will travel with her mother to Kansas this weekend to be interviewed by members of one of the Truman Scholarship Foundation's Regional Review Panels. She said while she anticipates the process to be tough, thanks to the help from WIU faculty, she feels prepared for the interview.

"When I learned I was selected as a finalist, I started meeting with Dr. Hardy and Dr. Schlag two-three times per week to talk through various questions I may be asked. Having gone through this several times, Dr. Hardy has a good idea of what kinds of questions they ask during the interviews," she explained. "They have also set up some mock interview panels for me, and during those, I have been interviewed by WIU faculty members. After each interview, they provide me with feedback about my answers and how I presented myself. It's a very intense process, but very helpful."

Ross, who came into Western as a recipient of the Centennial Honors Commitment Scholarship, did not officially declare her RPTA major until she was already enrolled at WIU. She said she looked at WIU initially because the University offered all the major programs (including art, theatre and studies in the recreation field) she was interested in as a high school senior in 2012-2013.

"I visited Western twice, and it was the second time around I was really sold. I got to meet with faculty and staff from each of the different programs I was interested in, and they were all enthusiastic about their programs and the opportunities available at Western. I was really interested in the Honors College, as well, and I remember being impressed by that, too," she noted. "I really felt I could succeed here, and it offered a place where I thought I would have the opportunities to develop and practice my skills. This opportunity — to be nominated as a candidate for the Truman Scholarship and then to be selected as a finalist — is proof that I was right about my feeling I could succeed here."

In addition to her academic activities, Ross also is involved with various student organizations and causes on campus. This week, she was recognized as one of the top fundraisers for WIU's annual St. Baldrick's fundraiser (sponsored by Tanner Hall and WIU Housing and Dining Services). It's the third year she has participated and shaved her head to show solidarity with children who have cancer.

"The first year I took part in St. Baldrick's, it had a lot to do with the fact my friends on my residence hall floor encouraged me to do it. Over the years, though, I have come to love the St. Baldrick's Foundation and what they are trying to do. Everyone understands cancer, but not too many people understand there is a lack of funding for research pertaining to childhood cancer. The annual St. Baldrick's event at WIU, during which many students shave their heads, is a unique way to raise awareness, even after the event is over. The act of actually shaving our heads causes people to ask questions about why we have shaved our heads. I get to explain why I participated in St. Baldrick's and want to help raise awareness and funds for that organization."

During her time at Western, Ross has also been a member of WIU's Student Alumni Leadership Counsel, the WIU Swing Dance Club and the WIU Paddler's Club. She currently is a Senior Research Fellow for the Presidents Institute, the student vice president for WIU's Phi Kappa Phi chapter and is a member of the WIU Wesley Foundation. She also served as a peer mentor for Western's First Year Experience (FYE) course, is currently an RPTA ambassador and is a member of the communications committee for the Macomb Food Co-op. In 2015, she received the Clayton Award for making significant and instrumental contributions to the success of WIU's Camp Rocky, a free youth leadership camp run by students in the RPTA department.

For more information, contact Hardy or Schlag in the Centennial Honors College at (309) 298-2228. For more information about the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, visit Truman.gov.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing