University of Richmond Junior Christian Herald Selected as Truman Finalist for Commitments to Social Justice, Public Service

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — University of Richmond junior Christian Herald was selected as a finalist for a Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Herald was one of the 191 finalists selected from 709 nominations for this year’s competition.

The Truman Scholarship is a highly competitive award for college juniors who have outstanding leadership potential, plan to pursue careers in public service, and wish to attend graduate school.

“To be named a finalist for the Truman is an honor, and it’s a testament to Christian’s accomplishments and commitment to public service and social justice,” said Dana Kuchem, director of the Office of Scholars and Fellowships.

Truman finalists are supported in clarifying career goals, writing and interviewing skills, and getting a head start in preparing applications for graduate education and scholarship competitions in the senior year. Herald, of Washington, D.C., is a leadership studies major. Her primary area of academic interest is racial equity, specifically in education.

“I have spent a significant amount of time during my college career working to promote social justice in educational spaces,” said Herald. “This is work that I am passionate about continuing, and I have a particular interest in confronting educator bias in the classroom, which has a significant impact on the ability of diverse learners to succeed.”

In 2021, as a first-year student, Herald founded Counterculture Magazine, the University of Richmond's first and only student-led publication to focus exclusively on social justice issues.

 “Counterculture has been read by people on every continent except Antarctica,” Herald said. “Our editors hold the magazine to journalistic standards.”

Herald plans to take a gap year and then pursue graduate school following her graduation next spring. She will be interning this summer at MDRC, a nonprofit education and social policy research organization based in New York City.

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