South Middlesex Times

Omar M. Abuattieh, a student at the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, has been recognized as a Truman Scholar. Abuattieh, a Holmdel, New Jersey resident, joins 54 students from 49 U.S. colleges and universities in receiving this honor, which is governed by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. The Truman Scholarship acknowledges outstanding students in the United States who are pursuing careers in government or public service.

"It's a great honor, and I'm really excited for the opportunity to represent Rutgers, represent the Muslim community and also the health care industry – and specifically pharmacists," Abuattieh, a 22-year-old soccer enthusiast and Palestinian American, remarked. Currently in his fifth year of a six-year doctor of pharmacy program, he intends to utilize the scholarship for law school.

Anne Wallen, Director of the Office of Distinguished Fellowships, commented on his dedication to public service: "His clear commitment to public service, combined with his breadth and depth of knowledge on the issues his communities face, make him a very compelling candidate for the honor."

After his studies, Abuattieh envisions a role in public service. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, and have access to leadership development activities and potential federal government internships and employment, as stated by the Truman Foundation.

Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway and Rutgers-New Brunswick Chancellor Francine Conway delivered the news to Abuattieh through a video chat while he was in Florida celebrating a family occasion. "That's amazing," Abuattieh said, later expressing his eagerness to thank the university leaders in person.

Chancellor Conway commended, "So proud of you, well deserved. You're such an impressive young man and we know there are lots of good things in your future, so congratulations, really." President Holloway added, "As I said to Omar over Zoom, I’m proud that I know him. From the moment I met Omar I knew that he would do great things in his life. I can’t wait to congratulate him in person."

This year, out of 743 candidates nominated by 288 colleges and universities, Abuattieh became a part of a community of over 3,618 Truman Scholars recognized since the program's inception in 1977. Rutgers University now celebrates 15 Truman Scholars, with 13 being from the New Brunswick campus.

Reflecting on his aspirations, Abuattieh stated, "My aspirations very early on was to find ways to support all Americans, and I believe that a focus on pharmacy is a possible means to achieve that."

Anne Wallen noted Abuattieh's uniqueness, "As a pharmacy student, Omar is a bit unusual in the field of Truman nominees. However, his clear commitment to public service, combined with his breadth and depth of knowledge on the issues his communities face, make him a very compelling candidate for the honor."

Wallen further explained that Abuattieh was nominated by her office as students cannot apply directly for the award.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, as a teenager, Abuattieh and peers provided community service by running errands for local residents at no charge, founding a service called "Omar's Neighborhood."

Abuattieh has been engaged in local politics as a Republican county committee member in Holmdel, and also contributed to various organizations and councils, including co-founding a basketball league and serving on the Rutgers University Senate.

His summer internship was at Merck & Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, within the strategy realizations office. Abuattieh also chairs the Ali Leadership Institute in Holmdel, a New Jersey City entity aimed at empowering youth through civic education.

"The Truman Foundation is looking for students who have the potential to be true change agents in public service, and the bar is very high," noted Wallen. "Truman Scholars have a wide range of perspectives and areas of interest, with the commonality that they have a spark of leadership that makes it clear that they will make a difference in the world."

Those interested in the Truman Scholarship or other fellowships may reach out to Wallen at the Office of Distinguished Fellowships.