UOG student Laxamana named Truman Scholar

Julie Ann L. Laxamana, a senior Criminal Justice and Biology major at the University of Guam, has been selected for the 2024 Truman Scholarship. Laxamana is one of 60 students from 54 U.S. colleges and universities named Truman Scholars this year.

Laxamana is the 21st Truman Scholar from UOG.

“I’m thankful to the Harry S. Truman Foundation for this opportunity and to my mentors at UOG, Dr. Gena Rojas and Dr. Ron McNinch, for their support throughout this process and my time as a UOG student. I am very humbled and honored.”

The Truman Scholarship, a highly competitive and prestigious scholarship, was established by the U.S. Congress in 1975 as the living memorial to President Harry S. Truman. Laxamana can use the $30,000 scholarship to pursue a master’s degree at some of the nation’s top universities for public service and administration.

According to a press release from the foundation, “Truman Scholars demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic excellence. Each Truman Scholar receives funding for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.”

Laxamana also serves on the UOG Board of Regents as the Student Regent. She was recently named a Congressional Award Gold Medal recipient. The Congressional Award website states that Gold Medal winners “have committed themselves to at least two years to goal-setting and community involvement. To earn the award, a participant must log a minimum of 400 hours of Voluntary Public Service, 200 hours of Personal Development, 200 hours of Physical Fitness, and a five-day, four-night Expedition or Exploration.”

“We are immensely proud of Julie. It’s truly amazing to see our students achieve on the national stage,” said UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez. “Her accomplishments highlight not only her leadership capacity, hard work ethic, and commitment to academic excellence, but also the invaluable mentorship from our dedicated faculty. UOG is shaping leaders ready to make a meaningful impact.”

Truman Scholars from the University of Guam:

Joaquin V. Leon Guerrero – 1978

Maria Nancy V. Guhit — 1979

Marie T. Deloso – 1983

John Jerry Ignacio – 1985

Leilana V. Lujan – 1986

Demian M. Fitzgerald – 1988

Duane M. George – 1989

Jesse T. San Nicolas – 1990

Mary Grace Mendoza-Lapid – 2000

Donna L. Gomez – 2001

Gena A. Rojas – 2002

Willian B. Cruz-Jones – 2004

JakinDee M. Aguon-Perez – 2005

Sahara June Defensor – 2006

Elvira Manglona – 2007

Jose Salas Cruz, Jr. – 2009

Rebecca Casimbon – 2015

Athena McNinch -2017

Kehani Mendiola – 2021

Christian Gyles Ramos – 2023

Julie Ann L. Laxamana — 2024 (PR)