There is no single definition of a Hesburgh-Yusko Scholar. Our current Scholars are mathematicians and improvisational comedians, social activists and athletes, writers and musicians. What do they have in common? They are intellectually curious, driven and creative; they are dynamic young leaders with a passionate commitment to making the world a better place. A unique aspect of our Program is that it is not a reward for past achievement but an investment in your future leadership potential.
Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars are selected based on four criteria:
- Distinguished Academic Accomplishment
- Exemplary Moral Character
- Demonstrated Leadership Abilities
- Sincere Commitment to Service
Distinguished Academic Accomplishment
We seek students who care about exploring ideas and engaging in meaningful and productive dialogue. These students will have demonstrated significant achievement in the classroom but their motivation for academic success stems from a true passion for learning and the discovery process.
It is essential that Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars possess the intellectual brainpower to thrive in the rigorous academic environment of the University of Notre Dame, but we measure academic accomplishment by more than test scores and GPAs. We value the practical intelligence and skills necessary to identify and tackle important issues.
Exemplary Moral Character
Applicants should demonstrate strongly developed moral principles— they are guided by their beliefs about right and wrong, good and evil, justice and injustice. They should be sincere in their convictions, and they should be respected among their peers as people of kindness, integrity, courage, and faith.
Especially when challenged, Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars will not compromise their values, yet they also embrace opportunities to learn from others with different perspectives. Applicants should have the strength of character and moral compass to welcome opportunities to challenge themselves intellectually, physically, and spiritually.
Demonstrated Leadership Abilities
Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars have the potential to produce great and beneficial change in the University, the nation, and the world. We are looking for students who have led with confidence and humility. We do not believe leadership can be defined simply by positions and titles but rather requires vision and action.
Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars possess highly developed communication skills and the ability to influence others to work toward a common goal. Strong candidates should be able to point to specific times during which they have taken action to solve a problem, to improve a situation, to meet a need.
Sincere Commitment to Service
At Notre Dame, we believe that often we have as much to gain through service as to give. Applicants should possess, in the words of the University of Notre Dame Mission Statement, “a sense of human solidarity and concern for the common good,” and their social concern should be lived out in active service toward others.
Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars are driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the world around them. Successful candidates will have a generous spirit and a worldview that is oriented toward serving others.
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