怡红院

Naho Umitani is truly multidimensional. A double major in economics and public affairs, Umitani’s interest in these disciplines was spurred by the exploration of the connection between policy and economics, particularly when it comes to the nonprofit sector. She works in marketing at the Albers School of Business and Economics and has dabbled in politics by way of her service on the Student Government at 怡红院 (SGSU)—serving as a First-Year Senator and then the At-Large Senator. Oh, by the way, she’s also an opera singer!

And now Umitani can add something else to her impressive list of achievements and attributes—Truman Scholar.

Naho Umitani

The Hawaii native and junior is this year’s Truman Scholar, the first SU student selected for the prestigious scholarship since 2019 graduate Kathleen “Kate” Hannick. With the honor comes $30,000 from the to use in graduate school that supports a commitment to careers in public service.

Over the years 怡红院 has built a deep bench of Truman Scholars, with 11 recipients and has been recognized by the Truman Foundation as a “top producer” of scholars. College of Nursing student Liv Counsel was also a Truman finalist representing SU this year. The mission of the Truman Foundation is to be a beacon for public service and its scholarship—considered the premier graduate fellowship in the United States—supports students who will pursue careers as public service leaders.

Though she just learned recently that she was in fact a Truman Scholar, Umitani says it has yet to fully sink in.

“I think it hasn’t settled that I was selected. It doesn’t feel real,” she says. “I’m very grateful for the people who have supported me up to this moment and it has reaffirmed my desire for public service.

“I want to reiterate that this wasn’t a ‘one-person’ thing” on what it involved in receiving the Truman Scholarship. “I had so much support from Seattle U faculty and staff and wouldn’t have been able to do this without them.”

Initially, Umitani learned of the Truman Scholarship from the Public Affairs department and was encouraged by Professor Kevin Ward, PhD, her academic advisor, to apply. The process was daunting and comprehensive, involving writing several essays and getting nine recommendations. And during this time Umitani was doing her first study abroad (in Florence, Italy), which added some additional challenges.

With encouragement, Umitani followed through with completing the application and was selected by Economics Chair and Professor Bridget Hidemann, PhD, and Fellowships Coordinator Eric Kwan to move forward in submitting to the Truman Foundation (each college/university gets a set—and limited—number of entries they can submit for consideration.)

For the essay portion of the application students must share a mix of personal details, areas of interest in terms of public policy and future career plans. Says Umitani, “The Truman Scholarship is like an investment committee—they are investing in your potential to be a change maker.”

Naho Umitani with President Eduardo Peñalver and Economics Chair and Professor Bridget Hidemann.

The policy proposal section of her essay focused on a pressing problem in her home state around food security. As Umitani explains, nearly 90 percent of food that comes into Hawaii is imported. If there is a natural disaster or a disruption in the pipeline it can cause food shortages. Umitani proposes a senate-supported bill that would provide a General Excise Tax (GET) Exemption for the sale of operational costs for Kalo (Taro) farmers. She argues providing this tax break will ease the profit margins of Hawaii's Kalo farmers, who face high costs in agriculture production.

From the application to conducting mock interview in preparation for an in-person interview that each Truman finalist must do, Umitani credits the support she received from faculty, staff and peers alike—particularly calling out faculty and staff from the public affairs and economics departments, along with former Truman Scholars.

Umitani’s in-person interview was on March 12 at the James R. Browning U.S. Courthouse in San Francisco. Before a panel—comprised of judges, policy analysts and Truman Scholar alums—she was asked questions derived from different elements of her application. “Ultimately they are judging if you would be a good fit for the Truman Scholar vision, that you’d be a change maker,” Umitani says.

Receiving the Truman Scholarship makes graduate school and Umitani’s professional aspirations possible. As she outlined in her application, Umitani plans to return to Hawaii for grad school, where she’ll pursue a law degree. Ultimately, she eyes a position in the Attorney General’s Office and possibly a future run for city council.

A desire to study law—and work for the AG—is especially relevant, says Umitani, considering the current political climate and the legal challenges brought forth by individual states’ attorneys.

“We’ve seen the Hawaii Attorney General’s Office uphold the laws and our democracy, to protect and safeguard civil liberties and citizens’ rights,” she says. Working for the AG also means Umitani can fulfill another goal of being able to one day craft legislation that will be passed into law.

Now back to that earlier mention of Umitani’s experience as an operatic vocalist. She takes voice lessons on campus and has showcased her pipes at recitals and at the end of April will perform at the Hui O’ Nani’s annual L奴驶au. While it’s something she does mostly for fun, it is just another example of the multidimensions of SU’s newest Truman Scholar.   

Just for Fun
What I do for fun…
“I enjoy singing opera, classical music, yoga and walking. I’m also a coffee lover, so love to check out a new coffee shop.”

What it was like to study abroad for the first time…
“It was a great experience. I had never been out of the country before, except to Japan, where my family is from. While in Italy I took a world religions and a human rights and criminal justice class. It was interesting studying these things through a non-American lens.”

Favorite spot on campus…
“The Union Green—when the weather is nice.”

Favorite coffee shop…
“I love URL Coffee. I get the ‘Walk to Work’ latte with special sweet cream."

Favorite hangout spot in Seattle…
“I like Volunteer Park and the ducks! It’s a beautiful park. I also like the Ballard Locks."

Last book I read…
“Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies into Reality by Renee DiResta. When DiResta was on campus I was able to meet and speak with her.”

Last TV show I binged…
“I actually watched Seinfeld for the first time—all nine seasons. My takeaway? I was kind of upset at the ending.”