Fred E. Freeman Scholarship supports educational dreams of staff | Latest | NDWorks

The application window is now open for the Fred E. Freeman Staff Scholarship, an opportunity for eligible staff to receive up to $2,000 per semester toward tuition, books, and other educational expenses.

Established in 1994, the scholarship honors the late Fred E. Freeman, a beloved Notre Dame leader who retired as associate director of personnel in 1987 after 47 years of service. Upon his passing, Freeman left a generous gift to the University that continues to reflect his steadfast commitment to staff development.

Each year, a limited number of full-time, non-exempt staff are selected for the scholarship based on eligibility, the relevance of their coursework to their current or future roles at Notre Dame, and available funding. The award can be used toward postsecondary education, certifications, or a college degree, and for many, it has opened doors they once thought closed.

Theron Patrick, a member of the Circulation Services Unit of Hesburgh Libraries, is one such recipient. He supports research and library services for the School of Architecture in the Walsh Family Hall of Architecture, helping students, faculty, and staff access the resources they need.

“Prior to seeking a Master of Library and Information Science, I’d been out of school for over ten years, so the idea of returning was daunting. However, thanks to my family, fellow colleagues, and this amazing University, I took a chance. The Fred E. Freeman Scholarship has been an incredible gift and I’m so thankful to be a recipient as I move toward the next chapter of my career. It’s given me an opportunity to continue my professional development while allowing me to save money. If you’re in the same mindset as I was before, I highly encourage you to take the plunge and apply. If I can do it, so can you!” Patrick said.

For Danielle Bartkowiak, an EESO Associate in NDHR, the scholarship has been a powerful catalyst in a personal journey marked by determination, resilience, and a lifelong drive to pursue advanced education.

“Growing up, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to attend college. Finances were tight, but I always had the dream of being a college graduate. I was fortunate enough at the time to get an associate’s, but was hoping that in the future I could pursue my bachelor’s. When I started Notre Dame in 2020, I learned about the benefits available such as the tuition reimbursement benefit and later on, the Fred Freeman Scholarship. In 2023, I accomplished my bachelor’s and wanted to pursue my master’s, but life and finances prevented me from doing so. I decided to apply for the Fred Freeman Scholarship, and I was blessed to be a recipient. Thanks to this incredible opportunity, I am halfway through my program and am already able to use the knowledge and tools to better myself in my career,” Bartkowiak said.

Let this be the year you take the next step in your educational journey with a little help from the Fred E. Freeman Scholarship.

To be considered for the Fred Freeman Scholarship, applicants must be regular, full-time, non-exempt staff members with at least one year of full-time service as of the first day of fall 2025 classes. Continued full-time employment at the University is required throughout the course of study.

To apply, download and complete the Fred Freeman Scholarship Application (PDF) and submit via email to [email protected] or mail to NDHR, 101 Grace Hall. The deadline to apply for the 2025 award cycle is Monday, June 30.