Two University of Wisconsin juniors were awarded $30,000 scholarships to pursue a graduate education, the university announced Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation announced the 65 students nationally who received the award, including Max Bruner and Adam Schmidt from UW.

The 65 winners hail from 56 colleges and universities across the United States.

"It feels good to be recognized for the service I've done and commitment I've made to seek a graduate education," Schmidt said. "I'm honored. It's a great surprise, but I was confident in the application I put forward."

The Truman scholarship originated from a Congressional act passed in 1975 to prepare college students for a graduate education and a career in government or public service.

According to Julie Stubbs, director of undergraduate academic awards in the provost's office, 585 national candidates were considered after a committee screened applicants from UW.

This is the first time two UW students have taken home the award in the same year, according to Stubbs.

"It is quite rare. As far as I know, Wisconsin has never had two winners before," Stubbs said. "It speaks volumes to the caliber of University of Wisconsin students."

LaFollette School of Public Affairs professor David Weimer, who served on the UW selection committee, applauded the accomplishments of the two students and pointed to the "outstanding" nature of having two award winners.

Weimer said applicants needed to satisfy several criteria.

"They need to demonstrate commitment for public affairs, perhaps through coursework, internships and volunteer work," Weimer said. "They need to show us things that indicate they'd be serious about contributing throughout their career in public affairs."

Bruner, who is originally from Santa Barbara, Calif., is currently studying abroad in Cairo, Egypt, and said he is planning on attending law school and working in foreign service at the State Department.

"I feel that I have been dedicated to community and public service and have been willing to take the responsibility and leadership of projects I believe in," Bruner said in an e-mail to The Badger Herald. "Both the interviews and the application process helped me to better understand my educational and career direction."

Schmidt, who is originally from Rhinelander, said he is majoring in political science and geography and has participated in several public service programs, including the 2006 Model U.S. House of Representatives.

Stubbs pointed to Schmidt's work with Rhinelander's Smoke-Free Air for Everyone campaign as a crowning achievement in his application.

"He has amazing service experiences," Stubbs said. "[We also considered] the breadth and depth of his service experiences and the fact he ran the hometown smoke free campaign in Rhinelander."

Schmidt, who already is a student assistant in the Department of Population Health Sciences at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, said he plans on attending law school and studying health law.

Besides the large sum of money, Schmidt said the scholarship would provide him with other unique opportunities.

"It opens graduate school and it gives you preferred admissions at some top programs," Schmidt said. "It's absolutely opening up some doors."