An OU student has received a prestigious national award based on leadership, academics and the “likelihood of making a difference” in the world.

Political science and history junior Matthew Gress was the only Oklahoma student named a Truman Scholar. Recipients of the honor must be committed to careers in government or non-profit areas and are given $30,000 for graduate study.

“The university is extremely proud of Matthew Gress for his academic record and his leadership abilities,” OU President David Boren said. “Above all, we are proud of his commitment to give back to the broader community and to serving others.”

Gress was raised in Cyrill and currently holds a 3.96 GPA. He lists Stanford as his first choice for graduate studies in both the law school and school of education program in policy, organization and leadership studies.

Gress is active in many student organizations and won several leadership positions at OU.

He has been part of Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature since his freshman year and is running for governor of the organization after serving as representative, senator and attorney general. Gress was also a member of the President’s Leadership Class, Oklahoma Student Government Association, OU Political Science Club and student advisory council for the Political Science Department.

Gress also has participated in UOSA since 2007 after serving as external affairs chair last semester.

Gress will intern this summer with Congressman Frank Lucas, R-Okla., in Washington.