Benjamin Eckstein is like any normal college junior. Except that he’s got a 4.07 GPA, is a member of the Honors College, is actively involved in the University community and is a finalist for the prestigious Truman Scholarship.
Eckstein, 20, was nominated by Associate Dean of Social Sciences Larry Singell and on Wednesday went to Seattle to be interviewed by the Truman Scholarship panel.
The scholarship, which can be worth up to $30,000 to be used toward graduate school, is awarded to one college junior in each state each year, with the exception of California and New York, which have three and two Truman Scholars, respectively. Students who have leadership skills, academic achievement and willingness to serve the public can be considered for the award.
“The Honors College sent out a letter with scholarship opportunities, and I looked into it and found out it was about public service, so it seemed like a good fit,” said Eckstein, who is a planning, public policy and management major. “So far, I feel like my college experience has revolved around those three areas.”
Eckstein has been encouraged and guided by Singell, the University’s Truman Scholarship adviser, since he first inquired about the award.
“You’re competing against the best and the brightest,” Singell said. “In order to get it, (a panel) selects people with leadership, high academic achievement, prospects of academic success and a career in public service. Ben has a rare combination of attributes that make him perfect for this. He’s a really unusual character, and that’s what it takes to get this scholarship.”
Eckstein, who works in the ASUO as an Athletics and Contracts Finance Committee executive appointee and is involved in the Office of Student Life, competed against two other finalists from Oregon during interviews in Seattle. Eckstein also plans to run for an ASUO Senate seat in the upcoming  election. The Truman Scholarship is awarded on a state-by-state basis, with recipients representing the state in which they attended high school. Eckstein graduated from West Salem High School.
“I think he’ll do very well because he’ll answer truthfully and honestly, because that’s who he is,” Singell said, who has discouraged other students from applying because they did not have the necessary attributes that the scholarship panel looks for. “It’s not something he’s doing to fill out a resume.”
In preparation, Eckstein and Singell turned to Laura Leete, an assistant professor in planning, public policy and management. Leete helped Eckstein face the scholarship panel by preparing him with a mock panel that comprised several professors from various studies and members of University President Richard Lariviere’s staff.
“I saw him briefly (after he returned from Seattle), and he said he was happy about the actual panel interview,” Leete said. “Our mock panel was so hard on him that the real thing was easy.”
The scholarship is primarily for juniors intending to attend graduate school for public service. Eckstein is considering law school and public policy fields.
“I don’t know where specifically my career path will lead,” Eckstein said. “But I do know that a goal of mine is to focus on youth engagement and promoting positive civic attitudes. I’d really like to use youth education as a way to foster responsible and engaged citizenship. It’s really broad, but basically I want to make students especially feel empowered to make a positive social change.”
Leete was also optimistic.
“Whether or not he gets this, he’ll have a great career,” Leete said. “We’ll be very proud of him regardless of getting the Truman.”
Singell mentioned that Lariviere is incredibly proud of Eckstein and would like for more University students to apply for these competitive scholarships.
“We would really like to know who these individuals are and if they’re interested in doing this level of graduate work,” Singell said. “Then we would … work with them and encourage them. There are other Bens out there.”

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