Monday, March 16, 2015
Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
Ashley Orr of Columbiana, a junior majoring in economics and mathematics at Youngstown State University, has been named a finalist for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship.
She is YSU’s first Truman Scholarship finalist. Winners will be announced in mid-April.
“The Truman Scholarship is one of the nation’s top academic awards and has one of the most-competitive scholarship fields in the United States, so to be named a finalist is a singular honor in itself,” said Ron Shaklee, director of University Scholars and Honors Programs at YSU.
The scholarship, created in 1975 by an act of Congress, is awarded to select college juniors based on campus and community service, commitment to a career in public service, communication ability, aptitude to be a “change agent,” and academic talent. Scholars receive up to $30,000 for postgraduate education.
A 2012 graduate of Columbiana High School and a Leslie H. Cochran University Scholar at YSU, Orr plans to graduate in May 2016 with two bachelor’s degrees — mathematics and economics. She would like to pursue a joint doctoral degree in economics and public policy.
“I would like to thank the YSU faculty, staff and students for their everyday impact on me, my career and my experiences here at YSU,” Orr said. “I am a product of what YSU has to offer its students, and for that I am extremely grateful.”
Among her academic activities and achievements: National Conference Award Winner for Outstanding Research Presentation by an Undergraduate; University Scholar Award for Distinguished Leadership; AVI Leadership Award and Scholarship; Spirit of Student Government Award; and a member of the Math Honor Society and the YSU STEM Leadership Society.
She also made a presentation at the Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics, was selected to present at the annual meeting of the National Collegiate Honors Council in Colorado, and also participated in a five-week undergraduate research experience at Texas A&M University. She has competed in national MathFest events in Portland, Ore., and Hartford, Conn.
Orr has worked as a research assistant intern for the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, is a member and vice president of Financial Affairs of the YSU Student Government Association and has served as president of the University Scholars Trustees.
She developed and facilitates Penguin Pen Pals, a project with Harding Elementary School in Youngstown, and also is involved with Relay for Life, the Rich Center for Autism, American Red Cross and other local community-service projects.