USD's Libby Brust: The Only Truman Scholarship Finalist from the Dakotas

Libby Brust, a University of South Dakota (USD) student, is the only Truman Scholarship finalist from South Dakota and North Dakota. The Truman Scholarship, a federal memorial to the 33rd U.S. president Harry S. Truman, is given to students with strong leadership skills, a commitment to government or nonprofit work, and high academic achievement. It offers funding for graduate studies and various opportunities within the federal government.

Brust was chosen as a finalist from 709 applicants from 285 institutions nationwide. She will now interview with the Foundation’s Regional Review Panel. Brust, from Northfield, Minnesota, participates in the Honors program, Kappa Alpha Theta, Alternative Week of Off Campus Learning (AWOL), and Rotaract at USD. She also does undergraduate research in the Department of Biology and is the current Student Government Association (SGA) vice president.

Brust is also involved in her community, mentoring elementary students at the United Church of Christ. She believes her experiences at USD, including studying abroad, have broadened her understanding of different cultures and global issues.

After graduation, Brust aims to earn a master’s in public health and a doctorate in dental medicine, focusing on health policy. She hopes to work as a pediatric public health dentist at a community dental clinic and as a policy advocate with the Department of Health, focusing on health care access to address oral health disparities.

Brust is grateful for the chance to be a Truman Scholarship finalist. She stated that the scholarship would help fund her further education and provide resources to enhance her learning and service to others. She also mentioned that the Truman Scholarship would support her in her goal to improve access to dental health care.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.