UC Davis is making a special effort to encourage more of its students to apply for prestigious scholarships and prizes, according to Peter Dale, acting vice provost of academic programs and dean of undergraduate studies. "Our university is certainly producing high-achieving scholars who should be recognized nationally for their contributions and be given the opportunity to be nominated by faculty for these national and international scholarships," says Dale. Third-year student Rachel Hall is the first to reap the benefits by being selected as one of only 65 students in the country to receive the Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Hall, who is majoring in Japanese and international relations, and hopes to pursue a career in the foreign service, will be receiving $30,000 for her education. The first student at UC Davis to receive this scholarship, she was selected from more than 850 students who applied from 435 four-year universities. Hall is an example of the outstanding students this campus attracts, notes Dale. "Her 4.0 grade-point average, coupled with her extensive list of public-service contributions, made Rachel a perfect candidate for such an award," he says. "My enthusiasm for applying was motivated by the institutional support I received," says Hall, citing coaching assistance from faculty.