2014 Scholars

Marshall Scholarship Recipient

Jake Wellman, Political Science & Economics

Jake Wellman, a graduate of the University of New Mexico, was awarded the Marshall Scholarship for graduate study at the London School of Economics. Wellman graduated from UNM in May 2013 with degrees in political science and economics and is currently working as a policy analyst for the Administration for Children and Families as a Truman-Albright Fellow in Washington, DC.

Competition for the Marshall Scholarship is extremely rigorous. The scholarships finance up to 40 Americans of high ability to study at a British university of their choice, in any academic program that confers a degree. Wellman will study Environmental Economics and Climate Change and International Political Economy at the London School of Economics this fall.

"I am excited to apply the lessons I've learned, both in and out of the classroom at UNM, to studying one of the world's most pressing problems at the London School of Economics," Wellman said. "I can tell you that I'll miss green chile and Lobo basketball, but hopefully there are ways to get both in the UK."

Wellman went on to say how thankful he is for his family, and the Lobo family, including professors, advisers, friends and mentors who continually gave him support and encouragement.

Wellman was a member of the UNM Board of Regents and president’s strategic advisory team, and is a recipient of the UNM Regents’ Scholarship, Harry S. Truman scholarship and the President’s Call to Service Award (G. W. Bush). He is an Eagle Scout and Phi Kappa Phi, and completed both political science honors and university honors programs.

Truman Scholarship Recipient

Ryan Roco, Political Science

Ryan Roco was one of 59 scholars awarded the 2014 Truman Scholarship for graduate study announced today by former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright, president of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. Roco, a junior majoring in political science with a minor in Asian studies, returned to school last summer after six years of first-hand experience in human rights advocacy. As a photojournalist, he documented violence against the civilians in Myanmar. 

His research on “Crimes In Northern Burma” has been recognized in multiple internationally issued human rights reports including The New York Times. His photographs and videos have been featured by Associated Press, Reuters, the Guardian and PBS News Hour.

Roco’s goal has been to tell the stories of these places through his photo and video-graphic work. Now he wants to take an active role in the story, to change the outcome, rather than simply report it.

Roco is taking a graduate-level course this semester and was invited to present his work to a graduate-level class. He plans to pursue a Juris Doctor and a doctoral degree in Political Science, and continue his career in human rights advocacy.

Competition for the Truman Scholarship is extremely rigorous. This year, the Truman Scholarship Foundation received 655 applications and selected only 59 scholars who are pursuing a career in public service. Each Truman Scholar receives up to $30,000, along with a number of other benefits and opportunities, in support of graduate studies.