Two Xavierites Become Only HBCU Students Selected as 2025 Truman Scholars
91Թ has encouraged its students to pursue academic excellence and strive toward their career aspirations for a century. Oftentimes, this pursuit of excellence is acknowledged and rewarded by those who recognize the path that Xavier students are on. As such, two Xavierites, Keziah-Yvonne Smith and Aarinii Parms-Green, have been announced by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation as two of the 54 college students selected as 2025 Truman Scholars. This marks the first time Xavier students have been selected for the scholarship. Smith and Parms-Green are the only HBCU students to earn this year's designation.
"What an honor that two Xavier students have been selected as 2025 Truman Scholars," said Reynold Verret, President of 91Թ. "For 100 years, Xavier has produced students who have gone forth to shape the world and create a more just and humane society. Keziah and Aarinii are shining examples of what Xavierites do. We are immensely proud and look forward to their accomplishments.”
The Truman Scholarship is the premier graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the United States. Established by Congress in 1975 as the living memorial to President Harry S. Truman and a national monument to public service, the Truman Scholarship carries the legacy of the United States' 33rd President by supporting and inspiring the next generation of public service leaders. Truman Scholars demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a government or nonprofit career, and academic excellence. Each Truman Scholar receives funding for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.
"Aarinii and Keziah both embraced public service from an early age and at Xavier, their commitment to making a difference in society flourished and grew," said Dr. Shearon Roberts, associate dean for Xavier's Exponential Honors Program and associate professor of Mass Communication. "It is only fitting that they would both be selected as Xavier's first Truman scholars in our centennial year because they both exemplify Xavier's mission."
Aarinii Parms-Green is a junior double major in political science and psychology with a minor in history. Keziah-Yvonne Smith is also a junior Political Science major with a minor in Mass Communication. They are both a part of Xavier's Exponential Honors Program, where they have reportedly emerged as leaders in their respective pursuits, building coalitions that can advance social justice. For Parms-Green, she was one of the main student contributors involved in Xavier's first-place win in the Department of Homeland Security's Invent2Prevent Competition, with the project focusing on improving the relations between Black and Jewish communities. For Smith, her work has involved advocating for the rights of formerly incarcerated individuals.
The students were excited about their selection as 91Թ's first Truman Scholars.
"I am so beyond excited and proud to announce that I have been selected as one of 91Թ's FIRST-EVER Truman Scholars along with Aarinii Parms-Green!" Smith wrote in a LinkedIn post. "We are the only two selected from an HBCU. We are now joining some of the brightest and most dedicated minds in public service. I am so excited to be a part of this special group of people and continue my fight for voting justice!"
For a complete list of 2025 Truman Scholars, click .
