The 6th Annual William A. Solemene Scholarship Essay Contest
William A. Solemene was a long time Dallas advertising executive. He was generous in his philanthropy
and active in civic service and party politics. In sponsoring this scholarship, the
William A. Solemene Charitable Foundation wishes to honor the spirit of active citizenship
and love of country that was such an important part of his life. Through the generosity
of the Foundation, the University of Dallas has been able to award over the past five
years $125,000 in scholarships apportioned to multiple students.
Once again, the Solemene Foundation has contributed $25,000 to be apportioned among
the authors of the top two or three essays. Submission requirements and the topic
and prompt for the essay are listed below.
Deadline:
Deadline for submission is October 30, 2023 at midnight CDT. Scholarships will be
awarded for the spring 2024 semester.
Qualifications:
- Applicant must be a current University of Dallas undergraduate with at least 15 credit
hours but not more than 110 credit hours earned at UD.
- Applicant must be a Liberal Arts Major; pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in any
major.
- Applicant must have submitted a 2023/2024 FAFSA.
Requirements:
- 800-1,500 word essay - see topic below. Line spacing for the essay should be at 1
1/2 lines. Do not include personal identification in the essay; only include your
UD student ID number at the top of your essay. Your essay must be uploaded within
the application.
- One letter of recommendation from a University of Dallas professor. This letter may
be uploaded with your application or emailed (either by the applicant or directly
from the professor) to finaid@udallas.edu. If the letter is emailed, the subject line of the email must be: Solemene Scholarship,
ID (insert the applicant's UD ID number).
Topic of William A. Solemene Foundation Scholarship
On the Personal Meaning of Work: An Essay
Essay Prompt:
From within the context of a person’s life – from youth through the later stages of
life – discuss the meaning of work.
Consider particular qualities or virtues that one might build upon in imagining a
life of work. For instance, consider some of the following qualities: responsibility,
diligence, honesty, cooperation or collegial relationships, purpose, rewards, personal
integrity, one’s attitude toward authorities in the workplace.
In composing your essay feel free to draw on your personal experience in the working
world. As you look forward to the future are there any individuals you might hope
to emulate during the course of your own future work-experience?
In your discussion, consider the place or contribution of one’s own work to the well-being
of civil society.
Once you have your essay and letter of recommendation from a UD professor ready, submit
your application HERE.