Five Brown students earn Truman, Goldwater scholarships

Awarded annually to selected college juniors across the United States, the prestigious Truman Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and a commitment to public service.

The 60 new Truman Scholars, who come from 54 institutions, were selected from 709 candidates nominated by 285 colleges and universities. Truman Scholars receive $30,000 for graduate study that is intended to prepare them for careers as public service leaders. They also receive leadership training, career and graduate school advising and internship opportunities within the federal government.

At Brown, the unveiling of the award was quite the surprise - literally. Philbrick said that Simundich invited him into his office under the pretense of debriefing the Truman Scholarship interview. He was waiting patiently outside the closed office door when Mork showed up, also expecting to speak to Simundich about her interview.

When the door opened, Philbrick and Mork were greeted by Simundich, Brown President Christina H. Paxson and Dean of the College Rashid Zia, who shared the exciting news that that they had both been selected as two of this year's 60 Truman scholars.

"My jaw dropped," Philbrick said. "I shook their hands, they congratulated me, and 'Thank you so much' were the only words I could get out. They had also gotten us cookies and cupcakes to celebrate, which were wonderful."

Jay Philbrick, Class of 2024.5

Concentration: Applied mathematics-economics and computer science
Hometown: North Yarmouth, Maine

Since his sophomore year at Brown, Philbrick has been involved with the Economics Departmental Undergraduate Group, where he's now a senior advisor. In addition to co-directing the Undergraduate Council of Students Polling Committee, Philbrick has served in various roles at the Watson Institute, PPE Center and Swearer Center. Growing up in rural Maine, he said he saw firsthand the life-changing impacts of government investments in areas like education and broadband, and hopes to pursue a J.D. and a Ph.D. in economics that he will use to build and implement effective policy, especially in rural communities.

"When I found out I got the scholarship, I knew the weeks of mock interviews and preparation - not to mention a lifelong passion for public service - had paid off," Philbrick said. "Although the news wouldn't be made public for another week, I did share it with my parents, which was a surreal, tearful and joyful moment of pride and relief."

Alexandra Mork, Class of 2025

Concentration: Political science and history
Hometown: Henderson, Nevada and Los Angeles, California

In addition to her work as a Meiklejohn Peer Advisor and officer on the advocacy team of Brown Votes, Mork serves as a political underrepresentation fellow at Brown's Taubman Center for American Politics and Policy, where she conducts research on voter registration in high schools. She's also involved with the Brown Political Review, where she was previously editor-in-chief.

"I am so grateful for the mentorship that I have received from people throughout my time at Brown," Mork said. "It's a really unique, encouraging and supportive environment."

Mork is passionate about issues of democracy, criminal justice reform and educational access, and hopes to pursue a J.D. and master of public administration in order to become a civil rights appellate lawyer.

"It was wonderful to be surprised and really special to get to share the moment with Jay," Mork said. " So many people - from Truman scholar Brown alums to deans of the college - talked through my application with me, read and edited my many drafts and helped prepare me for interviews."

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