From the Executive Secretary
Frederick G. Slabach (MS ’77)

Congratulations to the Truman Scholars Association (TSA) on the phenomenally successful inaugural Truman Scholars National Conference in Washington, D.C. at the National Press Club.

As I said at the conference banquet, “whoever you are and wherever you are on your path in public service, the Truman Foundation is proud of you. And I am proud to be a member of your community.”

I am delighted that the Truman Foundation and TSA could jointly sponsor such an important event. And I am deeply grateful for TSA’s support for the Foundation’s programming that will benefit future generations of Truman Scholars.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation has been building human capital for social innovation and national service since its inception in 1976 as the federal government’s living memorial to our 33rd president. And TSA has been broadening and deepening the interconnections among Truman Scholars for decades. It seems only natural that the two organizations would work in partnership to further our mutual goals.

I hope the Foundation and TSA will be able to collaborate in many ways in the future. The TSA Board and the Foundation already are thinking of ways to capitalize on the tremendous energy created by the National Conference.

• Several scholars have suggested ideas for future meetings and events on a regional and national basis.
• May of 2010 will be the 20th anniversary of Truman Scholars Leadership Week (TSLW) in Missouri, and we have already begun informal discussions about a possible Truman Scholar reunion in Independence in conjunction with TSLW.
• Plans are underway for further development of the Truman Scholar database so that our alumni can network more easily on their own.

The most enjoyable aspect of the National Conference was meeting and getting reacquainted with Truman Scholars. As I surveyed the ballroom, meeting rooms, hallways, and lobby of the National Press Club, I was delighted to see informal groups of Truman Scholars locked in intense discussions of policy, career plans, family, friends, and fun.

If you attended the National Conference, thank you. I hope you will continue to engage with TSA and the Foundation in the months and years ahead. If you were unable to attend the National Conference, I hope you will look for other opportunities in the future to participate in this most amazing community.