For the fourth consecutive year, a Brandeis student has been awarded the prestigious Truman Scholarship. Jonathan Sclarsic '03 got the call from President Jehuda Reinharz during Passover break, but wasn't home to take the call. He called Reinharz back promptly."I was completely shocked when I got the call from President Reinharz," Sclarsic said.

Sclarsic said he began the application process in October and it took five months to complete — over 100 hours.

"I was really excited because not only is the money great, but it's a lot of prestige," he said.

The Truman Scholarship, named for President Harry S. Truman, is given to 75 college juniors nationwide each year, who plan to pursue careers in government, social policy or the non-profit sector. Each university chooses a pre-determined number of applicants, and Sclarsic was one of the two nominated by Brandeis.

The award totals a $30,000 scholarship. Five thousand is applied to next year; the remainder of the sum will endow Sclarsic's graduate studies,

"I definitely want to be in some form of public service, whether it's in an advocacy organization, in some advocacy role or working in the government itself," Sclarsic said.