UP Junior Julianna Pedone Selected as a Truman Scholar Finalist

College of Arts and Sciences

Political Science

February 27, 2024

Julianna Pedone, a University of Portland junior Political Science and Global Affairs major from Gilroy, Calif., has been honored as a finalist for the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship.

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Nationwide, 191 students from 136 institutions were selected as 2024 Truman Scholarship Finalists. Pedone, one of two finalists representing universities in Oregon, will participate in a regional interview in March for one of the roughly 60 scholarships awarded annually by the Truman Foundation. Its rigorous selection process aims to recognize and reward aspiring leaders who demonstrate a strong record of public and community service.

Pedone, who minors in English and Constitutional Studies, has interned in California for the South Country Youth Task Force and the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. She has been published in the Chapman Undergraduate Law Review and plans to pursue a law degree. She is committed to working on immigration and asylum policy and is particularly invested in providing women and survivors of gender-based violence with equal access to asylum.

As president of UP’s Pre-Law Society (UPPLS), Pedone organized the group’s first mentoring program and hosted its inaugural law school admissions panel. She is a research assistant in UP’s Office of Institutional Research, serves as a campus writing assistant, works in the Learning Commons and is a reporter and editor for The Beacon.

“Julianna epitomizes the Truman scholarship’s definition of a ‘change agent,’” said Cara Hersh, PhD, UP’s Assistant Provost of Scholarly Engagement and Career Readiness. “Her commitment to public service is apparent in her governmental internships, leadership roles on campus, and superstar academic work. I couldn’t be more thrilled that Julianna is representing University of Portland as a Truman finalist.”

Truman Scholarship winners for 2024 will be announced in mid-April. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, participate in leadership development activities, and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government.