Jay Philbrick, ‘24.5 Bonner Fellow at Brown University, was named as one of 60 new Truman Scholars.
Since his sophomore year at Brown, Philbrick has been involved with the Economics Departmental Undergraduate Group, where he’s now a senior advisor. In addition to co-directing the Undergraduate Council of Students Polling Committee, Philbrick has served in various roles at the Watson Institute, PPE Center and Swearer Center.
Growing up in rural Maine, he said he saw firsthand the life-changing impacts of government investments in areas like education and broadband, and hopes to pursue a J.D. and a Ph.D. in economics that he will use to build and implement effective policy, especially in rural communities.
Jay Philbrick ‘24.5, Bonner Fellow, Laidlaw Scholar and member of our Student Advisory Committee, is interested in using economic research and software development for social change. He wants to leverage evidence-based economic policy to raise people’s living standards, particularly in retirement support and worker benefits. The scholarship is particularly valuable for contributing to the joint JD/PhD programs he hopes to pursue after Brown.
“When I found out I got the scholarship, I knew the weeks of mock interviews and preparation — not to mention a lifelong passion for public service — had paid off,” Philbrick said. “Although the news wouldn't be made public for another week, I did share it with my parents, which was a surreal, tearful and joyful moment of pride and relief.”
Truman Scholarship
Awarded annually to selected college juniors across the United States, the prestigious Truman Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and a commitment to public service.
The 60 new Truman Scholars, who come from 54 institutions, were selected from 709 candidates nominated by 285 colleges and universities. Truman Scholars receive $30,000 for graduate study that is intended to prepare them for careers as public service leaders. They also receive leadership training, career and graduate school advising and internship opportunities within the federal government.
At Brown, the unveiling of the award was quite the surprise — literally. Philbrick said that Simundich invited him into his office under the pretense of debriefing the Truman Scholarship interview. He was waiting patiently outside the closed office door when Mork showed up, also expecting to speak to Simundich about her interview.
When the door opened, Philbrick and Mork were greeted by Simundich, Brown President Christina H. Paxson and Dean of the College Rashid Zia, who shared the exciting news that that they had both been selected as two of this year’s 60 Truman scholars.
“My jaw dropped,” Philbrick said. “I shook their hands, they congratulated me, and ‘Thank you so much’ were the only words I could get out. They had also gotten us cookies and cupcakes to celebrate, which were wonderful.”
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