UND Junior Greyson Orne Awarded Prestigious Truman Scholarship

By: Marcella George

UND President Andy Armacost introduces Greyson Orne as the University’s newest Truman Scholarship recipient. Photo by Joe Banish/UND Today.

University of North Dakota junior Greyson Orne received a surprise of a lifetime on April 10 when UND President Andy Armacost and Provost Eric Link walked into his classroom in Robin Hall. Their visit was to deliver a prestigious announcement: Orne had been awarded the 2025 Truman Scholarship, one of the nation’s most competitive and distinguished academic honors for undergraduates pursuing careers in public service.

A double major in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations and Political Science, Orne is now the 15th UND student to earn the Truman Scholarship since the program’s inception in 1977. He is one of only 60 students selected nationwide this year, representing 54 colleges and universities.

Originally from Camden, Maine, Orne transferred to UND in the fall of 2022 after completing his first year at Colby College. Since then, he’s made a mark at UND through leadership roles in student organizations and internships with both the Northern Plains UAS Test Site and General Atomics.

“Winning this award places Greyson in a powerful network of scholars committed to public service,” said Mark Jendrysik, professor of political science and public administration, and Orne’s lead advisor throughout the application process. “When you join the Truman community, you gain access to a group of people who are deeply invested in your success. People are going to meet Greyson and say, ‘We’re going to help him go further than he ever thought possible.’”

Yee Han Chu, UND’s academic support and fellowship opportunities coordinator, also played a key role in Orne’s success. “It was a delight working with Greyson,” Chu said. “He demonstrates both academic excellence and a genuine passion for public service. I see great potential for him as a Truman Scholar.”

The Truman Scholarship provides up to $30,000 for graduate or professional studies in fields dedicated to public service. As part of his award, Orne plans to participate in the Truman Summer Institute in Washington, D.C., where he hopes to intern with the Federal Aviation Administration’s UAS division or with congressional committees focused on transportation and UAS integration into national airspace.

From left to right: UND Provost Eric Link, Greyson Orne and President Andy Armacost pose, after informing Orne that he has been awarded the Truman Scholarship. Photo by Joe Banish/UND Today.

The Truman Foundation, established by Congress in 1975 as the nation’s living memorial to President Harry S. Truman, supports the next generation of leaders committed to careers in public service.

“President Truman wanted a living monument—not of stone, but of people,” said Jendrysik. “Greyson’s selection is a reflection of that vision, and of UND’s continued excellence in preparing students for leadership and impact.”

Media contact: David Dodds, director of communicatons, david.dodds@UND.edu.