ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico (UNM) student Chase Jacques-Maynes has been selected as one of 201 candidates from 137 institutions to interview for the Truman Scholarship. The interviews will be conducted by the Foundation’s Regional Review Panels between March 2 and April 7. This year, the Foundation received a total of 743 applications from 288 institutions.

The Truman Scholarship is a prestigious national award named after President Harry S. Truman. It is designed to support college juniors and seniors who exhibit exceptional leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to public service. Recipients receive $30,000 in funding to pursue graduate education aimed at preparing them for careers in public service.

Jacques-Maynes, a senior majoring in Political Science with a minor in Honors Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts, is currently participating in the Fred Harris Congressional Internship offered by UNM's Political Science Department. He is working at Senator Ben Ray Luján’s office.

“Being named a Truman Finalist is a remarkable achievement, recognizing not only Chase’s academic excellence and leadership but also his dedication to making a meaningful impact in his communities and beyond,” said Kiyoko Simmons, Honor College Scholarship & Outreach manager. “The Truman Scholarship is one of the nation’s most competitive awards, selecting students with the potential to become future change agents. Chase has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service. I am excited to see him advance to the finalist interview and wish him the best of luck!”

Jacques-Maynes has previously served as First Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of Bernalillo County and interned for New Mexico State Representative Majority Leader Gail Chasey.

"I am most grateful for this opportunity to present my ideas for meaningful political progress that will benefit all New Mexicans," said Jacques-Maynes. "Demonstrating to the Truman Regional Panel what young leaders can do when we dedicate ourselves to public service will be a privilege."

He added, "If selected as a 2025 New Mexico Truman Scholar, I will be most honored. But leadership is about results, not titles. Selected or not, I promise my dedication to the public good of New Mexicans."

The selection process involves interviews conducted by regional review panels throughout March and April before announcing the 2025 Truman Scholars. In recent years, UNM student Andrew Schumann was chosen as a 2023 Truman Scholar following Abrianna Morales in 2022 and Emma Hotz in 2021.

UNM's nomination process for the scholarship has been coordinated by its Center for Academic Excellence & Leadership Development under the Honors College.