Dear Scholars,

Last May, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation sponsored the first-ever Truman Scholars National Conference, which was organized by the Truman Scholars Association (TSA). As you well know, the 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 more than a decade. It seems only natural that the two organizations would work in partnership to further our mutual goals.

The Foundation and TSA continue identifying ways to capitalize on the tremendous energy created by the National Conference and to further strengthen the Truman Scholar community.

This month marks the official launch of two new communication tools we have developed together - the "Truman Scholars Blog" and the "Truman Scholar News" e-mail newsletter. We hope that these will help you to keep informed of what other Truman Scholars are doing and communicate with one another. As these are new initiatives, we are eager to receive feedback from Scholars about what they find most useful and how we may improve efforts to enhance communication.

In addition to online interaction, TSA has begun to organize a series of meet-and-greet events in coordination with my trips to cities around the country for Truman Scholar finalist interviews. Last week, Margaret Hsu (KS '93) hosted more than 30 Scholars in the Washington, DC area at the Tabard Inn for a kick-off event. We hope you will check the schedule of Meet-and-Greets, as well as Finalist Dinners, and join us if you are able. (Click here for more information.)

These events will culminate in May, as we celebrate the induction of a new class of Scholars. All Scholars are invited to attend the Truman Scholars Reunion Weekend to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Truman Scholars Leadership Week in Missouri from May 27 to May 30, 2010. The events will be hosted at William Jewell College in Liberty and at the Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Mo. We are excited to announce that Jeffrey Toobin (NY ’80), noted legal analyst (CNN, The New Yorker) and author of The Nine, will serve as our keynote speaker. (Click here for more information.)

As I interact with Scholars around the country and receive updates via e-mail, I am reminded what an impressive community this is. As I have said many times: 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 hope to see many of you soon at a meet-and-greet event in your community, or in Missouri this May.

Sincerely,

Frederick Slabach (MS '77)

Executive Secretary

Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation