ELKHART, Ind.—Megan Whitacre (Hively Avenue Mennonite Church, Elkhart) was recently awarded the Truman Scholarship, a $30,000 grant to help cover the cost of graduate school for those interested in a career in public service.
Whitacre, a junior at Ball State University, is one of only 60 college students from across the country who received the award.
She credits the year she spent in Raleigh, N.C., as part of Mennonite Mission Network’s Service Adventure program as the reason for her career choice.
"My Service Adventure experience is what made me want to work in public service in the first place," Whitacre said. "My goal is to work in U.S. foreign aid and development policy."
Service Adventure gives young adults (ages 17-20) the chance to live and serve in community with other young adults and a mentor or mentor couple. Whitacre worked in a women’s shelter and at Growing Together Preschool, run by a member of Raleigh Mennonite Church.
"Throughout her Service Adventure experience, Megan continued to ask good questions about what it means to love as Christ loves," said Susan Nisly, the program’s director. "I’m excited to know that Megan’s time in Raleigh helped her decide to make a career out of public service."
Whitacre will complete an internship in Washington, D.C., this summer and plans to graduate in December from Ball State with a major in political science and international affairs.
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Mennonite Mission Network, the mission agency of Mennonite Church USA, leads, mobilizes and equips the church to participate in holistic witness to Jesus Christ in a broken world. Media may contact Andrew Clouse at andrewc@mmnworld.net, 574-523-3024 or 866-866-2872, ext. 23024.
