To be a San Dam is to discern and respond to God’s call to rebuild the Church in the world today. It’s building a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ, showing care for the community, being an active learner, and being a person on a mission.
San Damiano Scholars
San Damiano Scholars
This changes everything
Catholic and Franciscan Education | Christ-Centered Community | Holy Spirit-Driven Discernment | Mission-Oriented Leadership
Tuition Support
Need support? No problem.
The San Damiano Scholars provide support up to full tuition.
Faith-Filled Community
Looking for a community in college?
Build a community that has Christ at the center.
Prepared for Life
Want to leave college prepared?
The program forms you as a whole person integrating academics and faith.
Where does the name San Damiano come from?
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."
We believe God echoes these words to us today, encouraging us to respond in new ways to meet growing needs. Marian University's San Damiano Scholars strive to understand and discern what “rebuild my church” means to them. It’s a profoundly important—and individual—challenge with lasting societal implications.
What career path is calling you?
We believe the Church deserves well-formed and grounded leaders. People who are willing to answer the call to something larger than themselves. People who are willing to explore their beliefs and find their life’s work. People who have a love for their church and want to explore faith-based career options.
No matter where your career interests lie, explore the call to something bigger than yourself—communities, churches, schools, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, and other groups need talented engaged leaders who are filled with the compassion, light, and love of their faith.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Excellent academic achievement.
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Major/Minor in ministry studies (double major is possible).
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Demonstrated leadership ability.
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Commitment to service.
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Active participation in Church life.
Scholarship
The San Dam Program aims to educate students for integrating and applying theological wisdom in their professional fields and in the Church. Students will:
- Study and contemplate the fundamentals of Sacred Scripture, learning to apply them to contemporary life in the Church and world.
- Integrate contemporary Catholic belief and practice in search for truth and promotion of justice.
- Draw upon the essentials of Church history in formulating responses to diverse vocational and professional contexts.
All Students who are San Damiano Scholars will either major or minor in Ministry Studies.
Discipleship
San Dam strives to form students in the way of Jesus Christ guided by the Holy Spirit and with the Catholic Church. Students will:
- Center life, individually and communally, around the Eucharist.
- Display ongoing discernment through self-knowledge and relationship with God.
- Practice a robust prayer life implementing a variety of spiritual practices.
- Build life-giving Christian fellowship that is intentional, supportive, and ecumenical.
Practically students will be a part of a small group on campus, attend yearly retreats, practice varied forms of prayer, and have opportunities to receive the Sacraments regularly.
Leadership
The San Damiano Scholars will train students to lead through service with compassion for others. Students will:
- Promote the dignity of the individual, including the self and the other.
- Support human flourishing by defending the goodness and giftedness of the poor and vulnerable.
- Witness the joy of the Gospel to others in word and deed.
Become a San Damiano Scholar
- Apply to Marian University at marian.edu/apply
- Apply to be a San Damiano Scholar in the fall of your senior year. Bring your application to prayer and have a trusted adult review your answers before submitting.
- Priority Deadline: October 15, 2025
- Selected applicants will receive an invitation to interview.
- You become a San Damiano Scholar!
Additional Resources
- Click here to learn more about the San Damiano Scholarship Program for Church Leadership.
- Schedule an official visit to Marian University's campus.
- Apply for the Missionary Disciples Institute at Marian University held on campus for one week over the summer if you are not a senior.
- Connect with us by following the San Damiano Instagram and Facebook accounts!
Financial Aid
Marian University is awarding 75 San Damiano Scholarships (some up to full tuition) to students who seek to be transformational leaders in the Church. Qualifying students will be instrumental leaders in rebuilding the Church on-campus, in the community, and through their life’s work. All students will major or minor in Ministry Studies and communicate a strong consideration toward leadership within parish/church ministry, faith-based education, faith-based healthcare, faith-based nonprofit, or similar field. Amounts vary and may be combined with other institutional aid.
Contact
Julianne Lark
Director of Outreach and Events
Franciscan Leadership Institute
jlark@marian.edu
317-282-9954
