It turns out a whole new world of academic opportunity – something nationwide in scale – awaits the humble student, who didn’t think college was within reach financially.

Ramos has been selected for the Truman Scholarship, a highly competitive and prestigious scholarship established by the U.S. Congress in 1975 as the living memorial to President Harry S. Truman. Ramos can use the $30,000 scholarship to pursue graduate studies and unlock the door to admission into some of the country’s top universities.

He is the 20th student from the University of Guam to become a Truman Scholar since 1978.

Ramos is one of 62 Truman Scholars this year out of 705 candidates nominated by 275 colleges and universities across the nation.

The scholarship also opens up eligibility into the U.S. Foreign Service, which means he’ll have a shot at a future career as a diplomat. Truman scholars’ eligibility into the U.S. Foreign Service is part of the legacy of the late Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, said Dr. Gena Rojas, who is a mentor to Ramos and was the eighth Truman Scholar from UOG, having earned it in 2002.

"This scholarship is about being a change agent, it demonstrates you have the commitment to public service, a commitment to positively contribute to communities and to societies at large. Christian's advocacy to give a voice to many in our society who have not felt seen or heard is one the best examples of a Truman Scholar and a UOG Triton."

The announcement brought tears of joy to many who recently gathered at UOG with the Ramos family.

For the Ramos family, it was a breakthrough from a cycle of juggling jobs to get by and putting aside the college dreams of some in the 10-children household.

For UOG, Ramos' achievement showcases that UOG students are among nation’s best, and that UOG has faculty mentors dedicated to seeing their students succeed.

It could not have happened to a better student than Ramos, said Vice President of Administration and Finance and Chief Business Officer Randy Wiegand.

Ramos recalled that he wasn’t even sure if he could afford college because his parents were raising him and his nine siblings.

He said he thought of going straight from high school into getting a job because he didn’t want to burden his parents. His mom Berlyn Ramos worked in food service while his dad Jaime Ramos was a taxi driver until a stroke made it impossible for him to continue.

Despite the challenges his family faced, Christian Ramos’ parents were his biggest champions for him getting a college education.

“I’m really proud of what I was able to endure and what my family was able to endure,” said Ramos.

Dr. Sharleen Santos Bamba, Interim Vice Provost for Academic Excellence, Graduate Studies and Online Learning said, “It is amazing to know that our students can compete anywhere in the world.”

UOG’s Truman Scholars over the years:

• Kehani Mendiola – 2021
• Athena McNinch –2017
• Rebecca Casimbon – 2015
• Jose Salas Cruz, Jr. – 2009
• Elvira Manglona – 2007
• Sahara June Defensor – 2006
• JakinDee M. Aguon-Perez – 2005
• Donna L. Gomez – 2001
• Mary Grace Mendoza-Lapid – 2000
• Willian B. Cruz-Jones – 2004
• Gena A. Rojas – 2002
• Jesse T. San Nicolas – 1990
• Duane M. George – 1989
• Demian M. Fitzgerald – 1988
• Leilana V. Lujan – 1986
• John Jerry Ignacio – 1985
• Marie T. Deloso – 1983
• Maria Nancy V. Guhit – 1979
• Joaquin V. Leon Guerrero – 1978
  
  

For more information about the Truman Scholarship application at UOG, contact:

Dr. Gena Rojas
Associate Professor of Public Administration
School of Business and Public Administration
(671)735-2514/2501
rojasg@triton.uog.edu