To be a San Damiano Scholar is to discern and respond to God's call to rebuild the Church in the world today. It's growing in a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ, showing authentic care for the community, pursuing wisdom, and embracing a life of mission.
Application for San Damiano Scholars will be available mid-August, 2026.
Become the leader the Church needs.
Through intentional formation, you'll integrate faith, academics, leadership, and service to live your vocation with confidence.
Invest in your calling – not just your education.
The San Damiano Scholars Program offers up to full tuition support, making it possible to pursue your vocation without financial barriers.
Find the community you've been looking for.
Build lifelong friendships rooted in faith, joy, and a shared desire to follow Christ.
Eight centuries ago in the Italian town of Assisi, a young man named Francis had an experience that changed history. As he knelt before the crucifix in the church of San Damiano, Francis heard Christ speak:
"Francis, go rebuild my church, which you see is falling into ruin."
Those words transformed Francis—and through him, the Church.
Today, we believe Christ continues to invite ordinary people to respond with extraordinary faith. As a San Damiano Scholar, you'll prayerfully discern what it means to "rebuild my Church" in your own life through your gifts, vocation, and leadership. It’s a profoundly important—and individual—challenge with lasting societal implications.
We believe the Church deserves well-formed, faith-filled leaders. People who are willing to answer God's call to something greater than themselves. People who seek to grow in their relationship with Christ, deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, and discover how their unique gifts can serve the Church and the world.
Whether you're called to ministry, healthcare, education, business, nonprofit leadership, or another profession, your vocation can be a way to rebuild the Church. Through the San Damiano Scholars Program, you'll be challenged to integrate your faith with your education, discern where God is leading you, and become a leader rooted in compassion, wisdom, and service.
ScholarshipSan Damiano Scholars learn to apply theological wisdom to their studies, future professions, and service to the Church. Students will:
All San Damiano Scholars major or minor in Ministry Studies.
DiscipleshipSan Damiano forms students to live as lifelong disciples through prayer, authentic community, and the sacramental life of the Church. Students will:
Throughout the program, students participate in small groups, annual retreats, Days of Reflection, opportunities to receive the Sacraments, and other experiences that foster lifelong faith and community.
LeadershipSan Damiano Scholars are formed to lead through service, following Christ's example with humility, compassion, and a commitment to the Gospel. Students will:
Throughout the program, students put their leadership into action through service opportunities, mentoring, and experiences that prepare them to make a lasting impact in the Church and the world.
Becoming a San Damiano Scholar begins with four simple steps
Apply to Marian University. Submit your application for admission to Marian University.
Complete the San Damiano Scholars application. Applications open mid-August 2026. Priority deadline is October 15, 2026.
Interview with our team. Selected applicants will be invited to participate in an interview, where we'll get to know you, your faith journey, and your desire to be part of the San Damiano Scholars community.
Welcome to the San Damiano Scholars Program! Accepted students begin a four-year journey of scholarship, discipleship, leadership, and lifelong community.
Marian University awards 75 San Damiano Scholars, with awards ranging up to full tuition, to students who are committed to becoming transformational leaders in the Church. Scholarship amounts vary based on the selection process and are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, service, and a desire to integrate their faith into their future vocation. Amounts vary and may not be combined with other institutional aid.
Patrick Verhiley
Julianne Lark
