Inaugural Truman Scholars National Conference a Major Success
Jeff McLean (WI ’03) & James Gibson (AL ’02)

The Truman Scholars National Conference, held June 19-21, 2009 in Washington DC, was by all accounts an incredible success. More than a year in the making, the conference brought together the largest group of Truman Scholars in one location in the scholarship’s 33-year history, with over 300 Truman Scholars and 100 guests in attendance.

The conference kicked off on the afternoon of Friday, June 19, with a cocktail reception at the historic National Press Club in downtown Washington. There, Trumans from the entire range of class years caught up with old friends and met many new ones. The night’s formal programming commenced with a black-tie-optional dinner, highlighted by remarks from Truman Foundation Executive Director Frederick G. Slabach (MS ’77) and a moving tribute to the late Brooks Roy Burdette (GA ’80). Mr. Burdette was memorialized by his sister, Ila Burdette, and fiancée, Corine Hegland (IA ’97). Both women spoke of Brooks’s lifelong commitment to helping others and to the Truman Foundation, noting that at the time of his passing, he was involved in planning this very conference and co-chairing the TSA Fundraising Drive. In honor of his consistent and selfless dedication to the Truman community, Brooks was posthumously awarded the first “TSA Distinguished Service Award.”

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Madeleine K. Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State and current Truman Foundation President. Dr. Albright gave an inspiring and humorous speech on her life in public service and took questions from the scholars in attendance. Following dinner, nearly everyone stayed until late in the evening, enjoying drinks, dancing, and each others’ company.

Saturday’s programming, also held at the National Press Club, consisted of five sets of panel discussions and a working lunch featuring keynote speaker, former Governor of the State of Arizona, current U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, and Truman Scholar Janet A. Napolitano (NM ‘77). Secretary Napolitano’s inspiring address reaffirmed the virtues of public life despite its challenges and provided unique insight from a member of the first class of Truman Scholars. The panel discussions, moderated by Trumans from a wide array of class years, were incredibly engaging and capitalized on the vast amount of professional expertise available at the conference. Panel topics ranged from education and health care policy to methods for effectively partnering with the private sector.

On Sunday, those scholars whose travel schedules permitted took part in a community service project by cleaning up the riverbank at East Potomac Park in the Hains Point region of Washington. The group, comprised of scholars from various years, literally got their hands dirty (very dirty) and made a significant difference in the landscape of the park. The service project was a fitting coda to a successful National Conference that underscored the impassioned, all-hands-on-deck approach exemplified by President Truman and aspired to by all honored with the scholarship that is his legacy.