Salter Wins Truman Scholarship; Sixth BC Student in Eight Years to Earn Prestigious Fellowship
(4-5-2006) — Denver native Nicholas Salter, a junior at Boston College, has won a Truman Scholarship, awarded to outstanding students who intend to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service and have demonstrated leadership. He is the sixth BC student since 1998 to receive a Truman, among the most competitive graduate scholarships in the United States, with only 70 to 75 given each year.
Salter, who this academic year is studying at the London School of Economics, said that the Truman Scholarship will enable him to further his interest in addressing global poverty through sustainable development. He plans to pursue an interdisciplinary doctoral degree in development studies, one that would incorporate social and natural sciences.
"This interdisciplinary degree would provide me with a broad knowledge of global development issues, beyond the scope of a doctoral degree in economics, and more fully prepare me for a career with a leading development nongovernmental organization," said Salter, an economics major. "Because many of the major concerns facing developing countries today involve issues of ecology, climate change, sustainability, gender inequality, health care, and education, the solution must go beyond the scope of economic liberalization." Salter, whose activities have included the Undergraduate Government of Boston College, the Global Justice Project, PULSE and the Campus Ministry School of the Americas Watch, praised BC Truman Program coordinator Assoc. Prof. Kenji Hayao (Political Science) and Assoc. Prof. Jennie Purnell (Political Science), who is overseeing the program this year during Hayao's sabbatical.
"They spent countless hours supporting me throughout the application and interview process," said Salter, who also thanked Prof. John McDargh (Theology) for his assistance.
Purnell, noting that BC was cited in 2003 as a Truman Honor Institution, said the Truman program's goals are in alignment with the University's academic and spiritual ideals. "The scholarships definitely award academic achievement and potential, but there is a high premium on one's record of community service and demonstrated leadership," she explained. "That happens to be the kind of student BC seeks: Those who see knowledge not just as an end in and of itself, but a means to work for social justice.
"In Nick's case, his faith has been a key component in his life, and has led him to consider, and attempt to resolve, major questions of humanity. He is most deserving of the scholarship."
Discussing his career plans, Salter said he envisions working on global poverty issues through involvement with advocacy and development organizations in the "Global South" - areas of the world that are socioeconomically underdeveloped.
"I am thrilled to be a 2006 Truman Scholar and delighted to share this honor with Boston College and all those who have supported me in my academics, activism, and faith, " he said.
"The Truman application process really gave me a chance to think critically about my future academic and career goals, while also giving me a chance to reflect on past experiences that have influenced my commitment to equality, peace, and social justice."
Nicholas Salter '07