Education
UOG Student Laxamana named Truman Scholar
By
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, University of Guam April 18, 2024
Jonas D. Macapinlac
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, University of Guam April 18, 2024
Julie Ann L. Laxamana, a senior Criminal Justice and Biology major at the University of Guam, has been selected for the 2024 Truman Scholarship. From left to right: Dr. Gena Rojas, Interim Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Succes and eleventh UOG Truman Scholar; Dr. Sharlene Santos-Bamba, Senior Vice President and Provost; Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, UOG President; Christian Gyles Ramos, UOG student and 20th UOG Truman Scholar; Julie Ann L. Laxamana; Julian Laxamana, Jr.; Junellie Mae Laxamana; Mae Anne Laxamana; and Dr. Ronald McNinch, Associate Professor of Public Administration. (Photo courtesy of University of Guam)
Julie Ann L. Laxamana, a senior Criminal Justice and Biology major at the University of Guam, has been selected for the 2024 Truman Scholarship. Laxamana is one of 60 students from 54 U.S. colleges and universities named Truman Scholars this year.
Laxamana is the 21st Truman Scholar from UOG.
“I’m thankful to the Harry S. Truman Foundation for this opportunity and to my mentors at UOG, Dr. Gena Rojas and Dr. Ron McNinch, for their support throughout this process and my time as a UOG student. I am very humbled and honored.”
The Truman Scholarship, a highly competitive and prestigious scholarship, was established by the U.S. Congress in 1975 as the living memorial to President Harry S. Truman. Laxamana can use the $30,000 scholarship to pursue a master’s degree at some of the nation’s top universities for public service and administration.
According to a press release from the foundation, “Truman Scholars demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic excellence. Each Truman Scholar receives funding for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.”
Laxamana also serves on the UOG Board of Regents as the Student Regent. She was recently named a Congressional Award Gold Medal recipient. The Congressional Award website states that Gold Medal winners “have committed themselves to at least two years to goal-setting and community involvement. To earn the award, a participant must log a minimum of 400 hours of Voluntary Public Service, 200 hours of Personal Development, 200 hours of Physical Fitness, and a five-day, four-night Expedition or Exploration.”
“We are immensely proud of Julie. It’s truly amazing to see our students achieve on the national stage,” said UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez. “Her accomplishments highlight not only her leadership capacity, hard work ethic, and commitment to academic excellence, but also the invaluable mentorship from our dedicated faculty. UOG is shaping leaders ready to make a meaningful impact.”
Headshot of Julie Ann L. Laxamana (Photo courtesy of University of Guam)
Truman Scholars from the University of Guam:
1. Joaquin V. Leon Guerrero – 1978
2. Maria Nancy V. Guhit – 1979
3. Marie T. Deloso – 1983
4. John Jerry Ignacio – 1985
5. Leilana V. Lujan – 1986
6. Demian M. Fitzgerald – 1988
7. Duane M. George – 1989
8. Jesse T. San Nicolas – 1990
9. Mary Grace Mendoza-Lapid – 2000
10. Donna L. Gomez – 2001
11. Gena A. Rojas – 2002
12. Willian B. Cruz-Jones – 2004
13. JakinDee M. Aguon-Perez – 2005
14. Sahara June Defensor – 2006
15. Elvira Manglona – 2007
16. Jose Salas Cruz, Jr. – 2009
17. Rebecca Casimbon – 2015
18. Athena McNinch –2017
19. Kehani Mendiola – 2021
20. Christian Gyles Ramos – 2023
21. Julie Ann L. Laxamana – 2024