Norwich University Endorses Duffek, LaCroix, and Walker for the Truman Scholarship

Norwich University is pleased to announce an endorsement of Kyle Duffek, Lily LaCroix, and Lukas Walker for the Truman Scholarship.

To receive an endorsement, students must go through a rigorous process. In addition to submitting a completed application and three letters of recommendation, candidates are required to research and write a policy proposal addressing a societal problem they wish to address. Those selected to proceed are then invited to participate in a 30-minute interview in which they are asked to introduce and defend their policy proposal to a university committee comprised of faculty and staff. Endorsed candidates possess an extensive record of public and community service, commitment to careers in government or elsewhere in the public sector, a desire to influence public policies or education programs, and outstanding leadership and communication skills.  

Kyle Duffek

Kyle Duffek is a civil engineering major from Chandler, Arizona. Kyle’s record of public service and community service is extensive. The committee was especially pleased to see sustained, multi-year commitments. For example, in high school, he was in Key Club, served as a student mentor, and was a scholar athlete throughout all four years. At the collegiate level, he has been a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a member of the University’s cross-country team, and a squad leader in the Corps of Cadets.  We also noted that Kyle’s record of service dovetails with his academic and professional interests. We were particularly impressed with his work as a student ambassador for Engineering for One Planet, an organization devoted to preparing future engineers for today’s sustainability needs. We find it impressive that he was able to build on this experience to effect change at Norwich. Working with our faculty, Kyle developed a sustainability module for Norwich University’s first-year students to learn more about sustainability and the importance of public service in the engineering sector.

It is evident that Kyle wishes to use his talents through his chosen profession to better society. Choosing to focus on affordable housing and homelessness, Kyle is driven to find practical solutions to resolve a complex issue. This is reflected in his desire to pursue a master’s degree in structural engineering at UC Berkeley. Kyle is drawn to this program for its strong emphasis on applied research that addresses real-world problems. We are delighted to see that he is also planning to enroll in courses in environmental engineering and public policy. Upon completion of his studies and military obligations Kyle intends to work as an engineer officer with the California National Guard.

Kyle is well regarded and respected by his faculty and peers alike. He has demonstrated that he can lead in any setting—whether being a squad leader in a military environment or a leader in an academic lab setting, taking initiative and shaping research direction.  

Lily LaCroix

Lily is from Barre, Vermont, and a health science major with a concentration in pre-athletic training. Lily’s record of public and community service showcases her passion for sports, athlete safety, and giving back to her community. This makes sense considering her chosen academic major and goal of becoming an athletic trainer and an advocate for people to safely participate in sports at the secondary level.

Lily’s stated professional goal is to become a certified athletic trainer in a public school in Vermont. She is especially interested in serving in an under-resourced or rural school district. This is especially noteworthy given the high rate of young people leaving Vermont. The state needs talented and skilled people like Lily to stay and support their communities. She not only serves Vermont as an emergency medical technician (EMT), but she will also be invaluable as an athletic trainer, educator, and advocate for safety in sports.

The committee was especially impressed with Lily’s commitment to identifying and solving issues at the local level. She spoke about her experience as a young athlete and how she could have benefited from having an advocate. Drawing on her first-hand experience and desire to improve her community, Lily aptly paints a picture of inequality and lack of access to quality healthcare for K-12 athletes in Vermont. Her proposal shows her understanding of the issue and the levers that need to be pulled in order to enact change at the local and state level. As an example, in addition to serving in a school district, she also plans to secure a position on the board of the Vermont Athletic Trainer’s Association.  Serving on the board will allow her to address policy and funding obstacles.

Lukas Walker

Lukas Walker is from Chesapeake, Virginia, and is pursuing a degree in strategic studies and defense analysis through the University’s College of Graduate and Continuing Studies. Lukas’ record of public service and community service is extensive, broad, and diverse. In reviewing his civic activities, one can truly see how Lukas is committed to his community and willing to serve in all roles, big or small. We especially appreciate that his roles vary from sustained, such as averaging three shifts per month as a volunteer firefighter to periodic such as volunteering for the Pickering Creek Audubon Society as needed or required. What is evident is that he is a team player and willing to do what is needed. This includes working within, as well as outside, his areas of expertise.

Lukas is currently an active-duty service member of the United States Navy and will pursue graduate studies after finishing his undergraduate degree from Norwich University. Upon completion, he would like to become an astronaut, serve in the intelligence community with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), or work within the Department of Energy. No matter where he ends up, Lukas has made it clear that he wishes to continue to serve his country.   

Lukas’ problem statement and proposed solution to address an aging nuclear infrastructure reflect his desire to influence public policy using his lived experience alongside the education he has amassed in his lifetime. We were particularly impressed that his proposal highlights incentives to create steady career paths for active-duty personnel. As someone who knows first-hand the benefits and challenges of serving in the armed forces, the dangers faced by military and civilians alike, and the need to incentivize extended contract obligations, Lukas is an ideal representative to address and solve these issues. 

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation

A living memorial to President Harry S. Truman and created through an act of Congress, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation was created to “award scholarships to persons who demonstrate outstanding potential for and who plan to pursue a career in public service.”  

If selected as a finalist, endorsed candidates will receive an invitation from the Truman Scholarship Foundation to attend a regional review panel. In 2025, 54 college students from 49 institutions were named as Truman Scholars.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation clearly outlines its mission, the lasting impact of past scholars, and the continued responsibility carried by those chosen in the future:

“We take risks by investing early. The Truman Foundation identifies aspiring leaders at an important inflection point in their development — when they are college juniors — and recognize and reward their commitment to careers in public service. Although certainly accomplished, many are still largely untested. Yet when you look at what the now more than 3,500 Truman Scholars have achieved, our risk-taking is paying off. 

For a small investment — at the right time —the returns are impressive. Today, Trumans work in the West Wing, sit on the U.S. Supreme Court, and serve in federal and state legislatures. They are transforming nonprofits, delivering crucial service, and organizing for change in local communities. And Truman Scholars are leaders in academia, research, and health care. They can be found in every branch of the Armed Services. And many make a difference far beyond the borders of the United States.”

To learn more about the university endorsement process, please email Thy Yang, Assistant Vice President for International Education and Campus Representative for the Truman Scholarship program.