The $30,000 Truman Scholarship is awarded to about 75 juniors nationally for superior academic ability, a strong record of service and leadership, and plan careers in public service.

"This award is a wonderful affirmation of the career that I have chosen," said Bratcher, who was named a McNair Scholar prior to her arrival as a USC freshman. The McNair is USC’s most prestigious scholarship for out-of-state undergraduate students.

Bratcher is an Honors College student and holds several leadership positions on campus including: director of the Carolina/Clemson Blood Drive, Peer Health educator, USC Sorority Council president, Student senator, and Omicron Delta Kappa Awards Day coordinator. She also is a member of Chi Omega Sorority, Anthropology Student Association, and Russell House University Union Advisory Board.

Bratcher’s record of public service and community activities include her role as founder and president of Rivers of the World “Books to Belize” initiative in high school. More recently she volunteered for the Richland County Public Health Department.

Bratcher will use the Truman Scholarship to support her pursuit of a joint medical doctor and master’s of public health degrees with a concentration in rural health. Following her medical training, she plans to do overseas volunteer medical work for one to two years. She then plans to continue her public work in the United States to influence health access and education, particularly to those living in severely underserved rural areas.

USC Truman Scholar candidates are evaluated and nominated by a scholarship committee, chaired by Shelley Smith, a professor in the Department of Sociology.

“There is nothing to fault in Lara’s record of public service, commitment, erudition of expression, her plans for her life or her academic record,” Smith said. “She has funneled her energy into efforts to improve health care and education for underprivileged groups. From book drives to blood drives, Lara has demonstrated her leadership abilities to make a difference in the lives of many.”

Other members of the University Truman Committee include Steven Burritt (USC 1995 Truman Scholar), George Geckle, English, Don Fowler, government and international studies, Jerald Rosati, government and international studies, and Robert Felix, law.

Bratcher was supported by the University’s Office of Fellowships and Scholar Programs, which was established in 1994 to provide advisement to students competing for national fellowships. Bratcher is the fifth USC student to be named a Truman Scholar.

Bratcher is the daughter of Thomas and Peggy Bratcher of McMinnville, Tenn.

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