The Obama Foundation announced that Willamette University junior Joshua Torres BA’27 has been selected to receive The Voyager Scholarship, more formally known as The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. He is one of 100 “Voyagers” in the 2025-2027 cohort made up of students from 34 states and territories and 71 colleges and universities and one of only two recipients in the entire Pacific Northwest.
Torres is honored to be joining the ranks of this impressive cohort. “I hope to earn this recognition by pouring myself into my summer voyage and honoring those who believed in my goals,” says Torres.
Unlike traditional scholarships that end at graduation, The Voyager Scholarship represents a decade-long investment in emerging leaders. Going far beyond tuition assistance, the program offers recipients resources to help broaden their global perspective through work and travel. It all kicks off with a large Summer Voyage the summer between their junior and senior years.
Torres hasn’t finalized his Summer Voyage plans, but the anticipation of the immersive, real-world experience and the possibilities are part of the excitement. He says, “I hope to learn more about the world we live in, to serve humanity, and to learn more about myself along the way. What excites me most is the people and communities I will engage with, and the shared meals. I love eating with people.”
“Willamette is proud to celebrate this exceptional young leader," said Willamette University President Steve Thorsett. “Voyager Scholars represent the best of our values — creativity, compassion, and a dedication to making a difference in the world. I congratulate Joshua on this achievement and look forward to seeing the impact he will make in his community and beyond.”
The goals of the Voyager Scholarship to broaden future leaders' worldview and sense of service is well aligned with Willamette University. With a mission to prepare students to lead lives of contribution and impact, Willamette prioritizes learning experiences that empower students to turn knowledge into action. Each academic program is designed to offer students opportunities to step outside the classroom and apply what they’ve learned to real-world situations.
Torres says, “I can’t think of a school whose motto – 'Not unto ourselves alone are we born’ – aligns more closely with the Voyager Scholarship mission than Willamette. Faculty and classmates here have nurtured my sense of shared humanity and public service. The scholarship amplifies those lessons by giving students the experiences, mentors, and credibility to serve others on a global scale.”
