Lucy Farley is far away from the College of Saint Benedict this semester – studying abroad in South Africa.
But the impact the junior political science and nutrition double major has made during her time on campus was clearly demonstrated in March when Farley was named one of 201 finalists to become part of this year’s class of Truman Scholars.
The awards, named after former President Harry S. Truman, are designed to support the call to public service. Those chosen receive $30,000 in funding to assist with graduate studies as well as leadership training, career counseling and/or special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.
“When I found out I was a finalist, I was honestly shocked,” Farley said via email from South Africa, where she has now returned after flying back to the Twin Cities for her interview on March 26.
“The other applicants are so driven and qualified that I didn’t know what to expect. It was humbling and incredibly affirming.”
According to the Truman Foundation’s website, a total of 743 applications for this year’s class were received from 288 institutions – meaning Farley is already in select company.
“Lucy is a star student academically, but she also has had key experiences outside the classroom – an internship in Washington, D.C., and work with Square One Global on campus,” said Phil Kronebusch, a professor of political science and coordinator of competitive fellowships at CSB and SJU. “That makes her an excellent candidate for the Truman Scholarship. In these partisan times, it is great to see a student so committed public service and solving problems.”
Farley – a graduate of Beresford (South Dakota) High School – said the academic grounding she has received as a student at CSB and SJU helped pave the way for her achievement.
“The academic culture at CSB/SJU challenges you to think critically, deeply and intentionally,” she wrote. “As a double major in two very different fields (STEM-based nutrition and policy-driven political science), I’m constantly switching gears. But I’ve come to see how interconnected they really are. Professors here don’t just teach content, they encourage resilience, embrace failure as a learning tool and genuinely want you to grow.
“That culture has made me a better thinker and person.”
She especially praised Kronebusch and her other professors for the assistance they have provided.
“My professors have been incredible throughout my journey,” she wrote. “Phil Kronebusch, my constitutional law professor, served as my advisor this year and pushed me to reach my full potential throughout the Truman application process.
“From the nutrition department, Mark Glenn exemplifies what it means to be a great educator. He’s kind, understanding and truly cares about his students. His belief in balancing academic excellence with humanity really moved me and my peers.”
Post-graduation, Farley hopes to pursue a career “at the intersection of nutrition policy and public service.” At the moment, though, she is soaking up the experience studying abroad provides.
“I wouldn’t normally think to travel to South Africa, and that’s what intrigued me,” she wrote. “I love the weather, the beaches and the mountains. But more than that, I love how we’re fully integrated into the university community here. It’s immersive and beautiful and I absolutely adore it.”
In addition to her success in the classroom, Farley is the co-director of Square One Global, an on-campus nonprofit organization. She is also a part of the CSB club dance team, has taken part in the Washington, D.C., summer study program (working with the Better Medicine Alliance) and Bennie Bible Study, as well as serving as a lector for SJU Campus Ministry. She also previously ran hurdles on the CSB track and field team.
“CSB/SJU has become home for me,” she wrote. “I’m surrounded by incredible people and supported by professors, faculty and coaches who genuinely want to see you succeed. The community atmosphere makes you feel deeply valued – (that) your dreams matter and you’re not alone in pursuing them.
“It’s a place where people show up for each other, and that has made all the difference in my college experience.”