Scholarships

Hispanic Alumni of Notre Dame Julian Samora Scholarship Fund

Julian Samora and his wife Betty, brought their family to Notre Dame in the fall of 1959.Julian was a pioneering sociologist who mentored hundreds of undergraduates and helped over 50 students earn doctorates at the University of Notre Dame. He and his wife Betty, opened their home to any student interested in a home cooked meal, cultural diversity and scholarly pursuits.

The graduate students have gone on to careers in Sociology, Economics, History, Psychology, Anthropology, and Law, both in academia and in the business world. Many graduates of the 
University remember Julian and his wife with fondness and are thankful for helping them through their years at Notre Dame.

Born into abject poverty in Pagosa Springs, CO, Professor Samora endured racism and other social challenges as a young man. His family history makes his story all the more amazing, as he had little contact with his biological father in his formative years. His mother died of cancer at a young age and Julian ventured into the world to become a teacher.

Little did he know that he would become the first Mexican-American to earn a doctorate in Sociology/Anthropology. He is credited with having helped establish the field of Medical Sociology. In 1968, he, along with Herman Gallegos and Ernesto Galarza, founded the Southwest Council of La Raza, now the National Council of La Raza. He was a charter board member of the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund, a leading organization on social policy.

Julian's scholarly work, with support from his wife, Betty, helped put the University Of Notre Dame on the map of institutions leading the way in the field of Chicano Studies. Professor Samora's support of the University of Notre Dame Press helped solidify the press as a viable entity at the university. Credited with writing seven scholarly books and over 50 journal articles, professor Samora's work remains relevant nearly 20 years after he retired.

To help perpetuate his legacy, the Hispanic Alumni of Notre Dame (HA of ND) have established a scholarship in Professor Samora's name. Third year undergraduate students may apply for the $2,500 award.

For more information on this scholarship, please follow this link:

https://secure.alumni.nd.edu/site/c.luIZLdMOJpE/b.2831791/k.90B7/Scholarships.htm

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