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Newswise — Luke McDermott had his eye on the prize.

As a freshman at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the first-generation student met with Courtney Santos, director of undergraduate research and fellowships, and declared he wanted to earn a Truman Scholarship.

McDermott, now a junior majoring in political science, economics and history, achieved that goal when the announced April 18 that McDermott is among the 54 scholars nationwide selected for the honor. He was notified of his selection during a surprise meeting April 14 with Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett, the chancellor’s executive leadership team and McDermott’s colleagues who served with him on the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska’s executive team.

“I am excited,” McDermott said. “I’ve always wanted to do public service, and the people I’ve looked up to in public service, I noticed many of them had this mark of distinction — being a Truman Scholar — and so that was something I knew I wanted to pursue. It was the one scholarship I’ve been most passionate about ever wanting.

“It is encouraging to know that people who have accomplished great things in their lives are looking at me and saying I can accomplish similar things. It feels like I am on the right path.”

This year’s Truman Scholars were selected from 743 nominees representing 288 colleges and universities. Truman Scholars demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic excellence. The scholarship, which is a living memorial to the 33rd president, is among the United States’ most prestigious for students who want to pursue a career in government or other public service. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, participate in leadership development activities and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. 

"Luke McDermott’s achievement as a Truman Scholar is a powerful reflection of his character, drive and commitment to public service," Bennett said. "We are incredibly proud of him — not only for this prestigious honor, but for how he represents the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with purpose and integrity. His success signals to the world that our university is a launching pad for excellence.”

McDermott, who is also a University Honors student, plans to use the scholarship to pursue a joint Juris Doctor/Master of Public Policy, focusing on labor and employment law and constitutional law. Growing up in Omaha, McDermott said his dad was active in labor unions, and he has seen how labor law could be vastly improved.

“I think there's still too much power given to the federal government in deciding how labor should be adjudicated, and that wildly swings between different presidential administrations,” McDermott said. “Restructuring how we go about doing labor work is something I'm interested in, and I think that will require some really strong background in constitutional law.”

McDermott said he began thinking about a career in public service as a student at Millard North High School.

“I had great history teachers, and I think that is something that they instilled in me, that I wanted to be a public servant,” he said. “History informs how I do advocacy, and there are a lot of people I really admire. Through history, I can see how the actions of a single person can change the trajectory of other people's lives. And that's something I always aspire to do.”

McDermott was also inspired by his parents, Joel McDermott and Cathy McDermott.

“Not having attended college themselves, my parents were doubly committed to making sure that I made the most of my educational experience,” he said. “They were very encouraging and made sure I had the resources I needed to pursue all of the opportunities that were available to me.”

Those opportunities have included fellowships and recognition such as the Phi Beta Kappa Key into Public Service Scholarship, Alan Davis Scholarship, Reagan Civic Leaders Fellowship and Roosevelt Network Emerging Policy Fellowship. He was also one of winners. 

“These accolades speak to Luke’s exceptional ability to inspire action and effect meaningful change," Santos said. "I am delighted that he will represent our campus and our region in the Truman Scholar community, now and for years to come."

Aside from serving as external vice president in ASUN for the past year, McDermott’s campus leadership is extensive. His ASUN involvement began with the Freshman Campus Leadership Associates and the Student Court, and then as director of the Government Liaison Committee. McDermott also served as chair of the Husker Vote Coalition, a nonpartisan civic engagement organization that hosts voter registration drives. He attended the Association of Big Ten Students Conference in 2024 and 2025 to meet student leaders from across the Big Ten universities and share perspectives on governance models and advocacy efforts.  

Off-campus, he gained experience with policy analysis and constituent perspectives at various levels of government and non-profit entities through service as a Legal Aid of Nebraska volunteer, legal history researcher, state legislative page, Henry Clay College Student Congress Delegate for Nebraska and Victory Institute Congressional intern with U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). McDermott is currently an intern with the Nebraska Association of Public Employees (AFSME Local 61) labor union.

McDermott hopes his success in pursuing these opportunities, and especially earning a Truman Scholarship, inspires current and future Huskers to dream big.

“I hope it's also encouraging to everyone at the University of Nebraska that careers in government, careers in policy and advocacy are not out of reach — that there are all types of opportunities for students at the University of Nebraska,” he said.