The Senior Class Legacy scholarship program began in 1989 with three seniors who had the vision to leave a legacy for future Toreros. Sam Attisha '89, David Reiling '89 and Kerry O'Heany Reiling '89 created this scholarship program, by students for students, to ensure that the USD experience would be available for future students. The original vision of the scholarship, and part of the current criteria, is that it would be given to students who have financial need and are making a lasting impact on the University.
CURRENT USD STUDENTS:
Online application for the Senior Class Legacy Scholarship will open on November 27, 2023 Click here to apply.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be a current and returning undergraduate student who is in good standing (not eligible for graduating seniors).
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Demonstrates a lasting impact through campus involvement.
• Special consideration given to students who filled out a FAFSA, CA Dream Act, or USD Dream Act application and have financial need.
ESSAY PROMPT:
Describe in 500 words how you have left a legacy through your campus involvement and how you foresee it will impact future USD students.
Alumni and students from the Classes of can still give to their Senior Class Legacy scholarship. Contact Annual Giving at (619) 260-4724 for more information on how to continue your legacy.
Meet the USD Senior Class Legacy Scholars for the current academic year:
Nelson Hemmert, 26
Nelson is a rising sophomore majoring in political science who wants to attend law school post grad. He is a student-athlete who plays football for USD. In addition to his dedication to football, he is a member of the Black Student Union (BSU). As a student athlete, he wants to use his platform to improve his community and provide resources and opportunities for fellow students. In the future, he intends to work in political research as well as study law so that he can participate in grassroots political movements that will benefit his immediate community and society as a whole.
In his own words, "I want to express my gratitude to the donors and USD alumni who made this scholarship happen in order to support USD students in continuing their study. Being a part of a university that seeks to help its students succeed in college and who also looks out for its students makes me proud. I'm appreciative to the Alumni and donors and can't wait to be a part of the alumni class in the future.”
Julia Humphrey, '24
Julia Humphrey is entering her fourth and final year at USD as an Environmental and Ocean Sciences major with a focus in Marine Ecology, along with Biology and Chemistry minors. She is actively involved on campus as student researcher, Changemaker Hub fellow, Scholastic Assistant, Honors student, and President of USD Pi Epsilon, an environmental honors society. Currently, Julia is applying to graduate school with the goals of obtaining a PhD in Marine Ecology and conducting research that aids in ocean conservation.
In her own words, "Thank you to the USD Alumni and donors who made this scholarship possible. I am extremely grateful and honored to be a recipient of the Senior Class Legacy Scholarship. Not only does this award alleviate some financial burden, but it also validates that my community believes in me and my academic ventures and involvement."
Senior Class Legacy Scholarship Recipients:2020-2021
Christina Ledford '23
Gianna Peterson '21
Joshua Glasser '21
Rachel Alef '22
Sana Moezzi '21
Valerie Jaimes '21
Senior Class Legacy Scholarship Recipients: 2019-2020
Kristina Kimsey '19
Avery Zink '21
Valerie Jaimes '21
Salina Tekele '22