'Humble' Harris garners prestigious Truman award

Jamal Harris has always considered himself a humble person. And even after receiving the prestigious Harry S Truman Scholarship, the College junior would rather not talk about his accomplishments. Harris is one of only two students in Pennsylvania who received the competitive scholarship, which is given annually to two students from each state who are committed to a career in public service and propose graduate study in areas specifically targeted toward this goal. Harris was selected based on leadership potential, high academic achievement, strong faculty recommendations and prospects for success in graduate school. The award comes with a $30,000 grant -- $3,000 to be used toward senior year tuition and fees and $27,000 for graduate studies. Harris received the award after a grueling application and interview, which included meeting with other finalists, such as College junior and former Undergraduate Assembly Chairperson Tal Golomb. "It was pretty cool meeting other finalists," Harris said, adding that "it was kind of upsetting to find out we were competing." Harris said he was more surprised to receive the fellowship. "I don't know why they chose me," he said. "There was one kid who was doing a documentary in Zimbabwe." Despite Harris' modesty, his involvement in both the University and the community wowed the Truman Foundation. Harris has been especially active in working with children. While studying at the University, he has taught middle school children in Philadelphia in an effort to incorporate health lessons into the regular school curriculum. He also worked in Atlanta with the Child Improvement Program, where he frequently interacted with senior citizens as well. Additionally, Harris has devoted time to include working for Higher Education in the Health of Youth, and he will chair the upcoming Medical Health Fair April 12. Harold Haskins, director of student development in the Office of the Vice Provost for University Life, worked with Harris on several projects. "Jamal is one of the most dedicated and committed students to issues pertaining to minority communities," Haskins said. "His organizational talent in putting these programs together is amazing," he added. Haskins also emphasized Harris' ability to balance his many extracurricular activities with his academic work. "This ambition is part of his character -- his personality," he said. "He's a very good student -- respected highly by both peers and administrators." Hard-pressed to give a reason why the Truman Foundation selected him for one of the coveted scholarships, Harris finally came up with a modest answer. "I guess it was because I'm sincere that this is what I want to do with my life," he said. "It's obvious that I want to work in public service."