After a campus and nationwide competition, two University of Wisconsin juniors are each being awarded $30,000 scholarships to continue their studies in graduate school.

Asad L. Asad was one of 20 undergraduates across the country to be named as a 2010 Beinecke Scholar and continue his studies in political science. Nicholas Lillios was also distinguished as one of 60 students to be named as a Truman Scholar and will continue studying medical research and public health policies.

Asad, who plans to research political science and international relations, was shocked to be chosen as an award winner.

“It took me everything not to jump for joy,” Asad said.

Office of Undergraduate Scholarship Awards Director Julie Stubbs said the application process included endorsement from a UW faculty committee before the nominees moved forward to compete on the national level.

“That’s a great part about the campus process. ,,, Students get feedback from the committee members to help them in the national competition,” Stubbs said. “Including anything from how to prepare for an interview to questions about something that was mentioned in an essay.”

Stubbs encouraged Asad to apply for the scholarship, despite his hesitance at the start of the process.

“I didn’t think I had any shot of getting the scholarship,” Asad said. “I just figured I would take a shot at it.”

According to Stubbs, Lillios’ credentials at UW made him a strong candidate for the scholarship.

“Nick has been involved in so many things, both in political science and biochemistry,” Stubbs said. “He really brings those two together in a powerful way, and I think he’ll be able to make a difference.”

Lillios currently serves as the vice chief justice for the Associated Students of Madison’s Student Judiciary.

Lillios said his application process included writing eight to nine short essays, submitting a policy proposal and an interview before a panel of professionals. Although a current political science and biochemistry major, he plans to attend medical school to seek both M.D. and M.P.H. degrees.

“I’m really interested in medical research,” Lillios said. “But also more of the policy side, especially minorities, and how medicine and science can affect them. So public health is what I would concentrate in.”

According to Lillios, the scholarship money can be used for anything related to graduate studies, including books or tuition.

“It was really exciting,” Lillios said. “You realize everyone who’s applying with you has a really strong application as well. So it was just really exciting after such a long process.”