UO junior is a finalist for an esteemed Truman Scholarship

University of Oregon junior Benjamin Eckstein has been selected as a finalist for the nationally prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship is an award for students who wish to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or other areas in public service. Seventy-five Truman Scholarships can be awarded each year. Last year 53 were awarded, one from each state and the District of Columbia, with the exception of California, which had three.

Eckstein is a Robert D. Clark Honors College student from Salem, majoring in Planning, Public Policy and Management, with minors in Business Administration and Non-Profit Administration. He has earned a 4.07 GPA.

"Ben really does represent the best and the brightest from this university," said UO Economics Professor Larry Singell, who also advises Truman Scholar candidates. "He is one of the most complete and impressive students I have ever had the opportunity to work with."

In the letter Singell wrote to nominate Eckstein for the Truman Scholarship, he said, "Ben possesses all four critical attributes for achieving excellence in public service: work ethic, intelligence, leadership and heart. Persons such as Ben are rare and I give him my highest possible recommendation."

"He is exactly the type of student for which this award is offered," Singell added after learning Eckstein had been chosen as a finalist.

Eckstein intends to go to graduate school following graduation, and most likely will study in the area of public policy.

The final selection of the Truman Scholars will be made after an interview in Seattle on March 10.