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.
Only one program like it in the country!
Scholars in the San Damiano Scholars Program
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.
Learn. Pray. Grow.
Inspired by scripture, our San Damiano Scholars Program for Church Leadership provides holistic student development:
At Marian University, our mission is to be a great Catholic university dedicated to excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts traditions.
As St. Francis was called to rebuild the church, we are called to prepare you for ordained ministry or religious life, for lay leadership, and for careers pursued in light of the call to service from God.
Having a solid theological foundation is important to future church leaders. Knowing what the church teaches and why—and to pastorally apply that knowledge—is vital.
As
a future church leader, your life will be rooted in prayer. We help San Damiano scholars develop daily rhythms for their prayer lives through membership in a like-minded community of peers who all want to grow spiritually. These are some examples:
As a San Damiano scholar, we'll help you be open to the ways in which God moves in and through your life. We'll help you grow in ways you never expected and live a life beyond the ordinary through experiences like:
To be eligible, you should:
If you are a high school senior, plan now to:
Upon review of your application, we'll notify you if you are invited to interview.
Once accepted, we'll provide you with more information about student orientation and getting ready for fall classes.
All High School Students:
Here is where we need your help. Can you identify, name, and connect us to student you think would be good fits for the San Damiano Scholarship Program? This Program seeks to continue to foster faith in students who are passionate about being leaders in their community, schools and church communities!
Nominate your students for the San Damiano Scholars Program
With your nominations, we will reach the student about the program and invite them to apply.
At Marian University, we offer a $8,500 scholarship (per year, over four years) to students who are ready to be intentionally formed and educated to be a leader in the Church. Whether that student seeks to be a minister in a parish or nurse in faith-based hospital, we are seeking students who desire to answer God's call for their lives.
We believe in the value of a Marian University education and that students pursuing higher education are making an investment in themselves and in their future. The costs of college and the idea of student debt, however – especially at a private university like Marian – can be concerning and even overwhelming to students and their families, especially when students are looking at more mission focused jobs. That’s why we’re excited to offer a loan repayment assistance program (LRAP).
Our LRAP is a safety net, we offer for students that are recipients of the San Damiano Scholarship. Once you are employed after graduation, if you earn less than $43,000 per year, we will help you repay your student (and parent PLUS) loans until you do.
The PLU Pledge covers all federal direct and private alternative student loans, as well as parent PLUS loans.
LRAP Eligibility
To learn more you may review the terms and conditions at www.myLRAP.org/marian.
© 2021 Marian University
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Marian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection
of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students.
*Placement rates are gathered from data collected from graduates within six months of graduation.
Students may make a complaint to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education.
Marian University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana.
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