It has been a banner award year for Temple, with high-achieving students capturing some of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the nation. Now, administrators who lead the scholarship application process are seeking next year’s potential Fulbright, Truman, Udall, Marshall — or even Rhodes — scholars.

Students should take note, however: you can’t win if you don’t apply. 

“We’ve had tremendous success finding scholars who are suitable for these awards, but we know that there are more students out there with the drive, passion and experience to succeed,” said Ruth Ost, director of the university’s Honors Program. “The application process is demanding but rewarding — win or lose. A mix of a good academic record, vision, passion and a record of accomplishment produces winning scholars.” 

Effective mentorship and support are also critical to the process, adds Denise Connerty, assistant vice president for International Affairs. She encourages professors who recognize talented scholars in their classrooms to give them an extra push to consider applying for scholarships.

“Faculty are instrumental in identifying candidates and helping students through the process,” said Connerty. “Professors tend to know their students and their potential to become candidates for these awards. We need their help. If they come across a student who might qualify, they should let us know.”

For students interested in applying for scholarships, the process starts with a visit to International Programs or the Honors Program to find out if they qualify. In most cases, awards require that students have interesting ideas and experiences that they can share with the world.

Application requirements vary according to the award. All require essays, a resume and strong letters of recommendation from faculty.

To prepare students for a successful experience, Ost and Connerty are committed to helping students work through the process, assisting with essays, arranging mock interviews and doing whatever it takes to prepare them to be the best candidates they can be. Both are excited about the success of this year’s applicants and look forward to working with next year’s applicants.

This year alone, Temple students have received Truman, Marshal and Udall Scholarships. Most recently Avi Fox, a student in the College of Liberal Arts, was awarded a scholarship from the Morris K. Udall Foundation, in part due to her work with a local community organization that supports environmentally friendly living.

“The entire Temple community has contributed to this record of achievement,” said Ost.