DePaul University has announced a new program to award scholarships of up to $2,500 to students who have a demonstrated commitment to community service through active participation in a parish-based Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization dedicated to community service.

Any student who has been accepted to or is enrolled in a DePaul undergraduate or graduate degree program is eligible, said Jane McGrath, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management. “The purpose of this scholarship is to seek out and reward those students who have an exceptional record of community service through their parish-based Society of St. Vincent de Paul,” she said.

“To apply, a student must submit a completed St. Vincent de Paul Society Scholarship application, resume, letter of recommendation and a one- to two-page essay that details community service experience and its effect on the student,” said McGrath.

The application deadline is July 15 and applicants will be notified of their status by Aug. 15. As many as eight students will be awarded scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500.

DePaul is the largest Catholic university in the United States, with eight schools and colleges and several nationally ranked programs. DePaul was founded in 1898 by the Congregation of the Mission (or Vincentian) religious community, which follows the teachings of 17th century French priest St. Vincent de Paul. The university’s mission emphasizes academic excellence, service to the community, access to education and respect for the individual. DePaul is a member of the International Federation of Catholic Universities, a world-wide association of Catholic academic institutions. For more information about DePaul, visit its Web site: www.depaul.edu.

To obtain a scholarship application packet, or for additional information about the St. Vincent de Paul Scholarships, funded by theVincentian Endowment Fund, contact McGrath at 312/362-5765 or jmcgrath@depaul.edu.