History of the Fund

Honoring the past by investing in the future.

The Class of 1977 Legacy Endowed Scholarship was started by the members of the DU Class of 1977 and was endowed in 2016.  As of October 31, 2025, over $130,000 had been donated to the fund of which 90% was donated by members of the Dillard University Class of 1977. As the Dillard University Class of 1977 prepares for its momentous 50th class reunion in 2027, we have launched a legacy fundraising campaign. Our goal is to grow donations to the scholarship fund to $400,000, with a stretch goal of $500,000, as a testament to our class's enduring commitment to Dillard's mission.

Mission & Values

The Class of 1977 Legacy Endowed Scholarship was established to support upperclassmen facing financial need, helping them complete their higher education and earn a college degree. Since upperclass students have demonstrated their dedication to finishing their studies, this scholarship aims to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder their ability to graduate.

Past Scholarship Recipient

Your generosity was truly a gift from God. Your kindness has given me the opportunity to finish my last year of college.

Past Scholarship Recipient

I will make it my mission to be just like you all so that students will not have to struggle with finding a way to pay for school.

Impact Stories

From Past Scholarship Recipients

Thank you so much for the Class of 1977 Legacy scholarship.  By my father being placed on disability my senior year in high school, it left me unsure on how I would pay by myself.  However, due to this scholarship, I was able to start the 2018 fall semester.

I am extremely grateful that you found it in the kindness of your hearts to give me this scholarship. I was truly surprised and your generosity was truly a gift from God. Your kindness has given me the opportunity to finish my last year of college, and I am sincerely thankful.

I would once again thank you all for your generous donations. I will make it my mission to be just like you all so that students will not have to struggle with finding a way to pay for school. Their main focus should be on earning good grades; not whether or not they have enough money to stay in school.

I am absolutely grateful for the Class of '77 Legacy Scholarship. Without this scholarship, it would be extremely difficult, financially, for me to attend Dillard University. Paying out of pocket would have been impossible for myself and my family. Again, I am extremely grateful for the scholarship.