Dominic “Dom” Mendlik, a political science and economics double major and John V. Roach Honors College student, is a 2024 Truman Scholarship finalist. He was selected as one of 193 finalists from this year’s pool of 709 nominations from 285 institutions across the U.S.
The nationally competitive Truman Scholars program recognizes outstanding college juniors for their demonstrated interest and achievement in leadership, academics and public service.
Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, Mendlik said he feels called to pursue a career in public service and hopes to attend law school after graduation.
“In Nebraska, we face unique challenges as a rural state,” he said. “However, we have strong community, business and political leaders willing to be aisle-crossers to craft pragmatic public policy. I want to enter public service to make sure that my generation inherits and builds on that legacy of problem-solving and bipartisanship.”
Leadership on Campus
Mendlik has actively honed his leadership skills and passion for service at TCU.
He began as an AddRan College of Liberal Arts representative in the Student Government Association and is now the SGA vice president, successfully leading initiatives such as extending the pass/no credit deadline.
He is also a former Admissions Ambassador and a current member of several academic and extracurricular organizations, including the moot court team, Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, the Pre-Law Society, Order of Omega and the Political Science Distinction Program.
Mentorship and Support
Mendlik acknowledges the support he has received to become a Truman Scholarship finalist.
“It means the world to me to be selected as a finalist because it is a recognition of the many faculty, staff and peer mentors who have helped me develop as a scholar and leader,” he said.
Mendlik worked for several months with the new Director of Nationally Competitive Scholarships, Tracy Rundstrom, to prepare his application. Upon being named a finalist, Mendlik participated in an in-person interview in Denver with a panel of public servants, elected officials and business leaders.
“Dom is an extraordinary student with a deep intellectual understanding of and consistent track record for serving the public good,” Rundstrom said. “He has more than surpassed the Truman Scholars’ expectations for leadership, service and academic excellence.”
Future Plans
Mendlik said winning the scholarship would help him attend law school and reach his goal to use legal knowledge to help shape and write public policy.
“If I were to receive this scholarship, it would mean the world to me,” said Mendlik. “Like the scholarships I have received from TCU, I view the Truman Scholarship as a responsibility to be a force for positive good in our country and make an impact in the lives of others,” he said.
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation will announce the 2024 Truman Scholars in April.
