Two LSU Ogden Honors College Students Named Truman Scholarship Finalists

The LSU Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College is proud to announce that Anna Cattar, of Central, La., and Lailah Williams, of McKinney, Tx., have been selected as finalists for the prestigious Truman Scholarship. 

The Truman Foundation’s Finalist Selection Committee selected 191 students from 136 institutions to interview with the Foundation’s Regional Review Panels between March 1st and April 3rd. In 2024, the Foundation received 709 applications from 285 institutions.

Cattar is a junior studying sociology and interdisciplinary studies in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences; Williams is a junior studying political science and international studies in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. 

Cattar is part of the Louisiana Service and Leadership, or LASAL, Scholars Program, which prepares Ogden Honors College students for leadership roles in Louisiana, particularly in the fields of public service, social justice and environmental sustainability. Cattar received the Ogden Leaders Grant to create the Adelante program, which partners with Humanities Amped to support ELL students in the East Baton Rouge Public School System. She is one of six Project 225 officers that works with local service and nonprofit organizations to fulfill the needs of the Greater Baton Rouge community.  As part of her Truman application, Cattar presented a policy proposal on increasing health literacy in Louisiana.  After graduating, she wishes to pursue a dual JD and MPA degree.

Williams is a member of the LSU Student Government Senate and has been the chair of the Student Life, Diversity, and Community Outreach offices. Williams is also the Alumni Advisor and Senior Advisor of the YMCA Model United Nations and Youth Legislature. Her work with Geaux Vote LSU has encouraged many students to engage with the political process.  Williams is also Director of Political Outreach for the Black Student Union. As part of her Truman application, she presented a policy proposal on natural disaster relief for Louisiana’s renters.  Upon graduation, Williams would like to pursue a Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy.

“These exceptional students embody the very essence of change-makers sought by the Truman Scholarship Foundation. I wish them both luck with their interviews,” said Ogden Honors College Dean Jonathan Earle.