Merrimack College’s Austin Scholars Program is a close-knit community rooted in the tradition of St. Augustine, bringing together students who are passionate about leadership, service and community.
Austin Scholars students only need to take one additional Religion and Theological Studies class, outside of the 4 classes they already take through the Austin Scholars program, in order to earn a minor in Religion and Theological Studies.
During the 2022-2023 academic year, Austin Scholars delivered 5,682.5 service hours across 26 different sites around Merrimack College.
Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies the worth of a volunteer hour as $31.20. Therefore, Austin Scholars contributed approximately $176,142 into the Merrimack Valley in the 2022-2023 academic year.
Members of the Austin Scholars program are represented across all 5 schools at Merrimack and encompass over 40 total majors.
What does this mean? ANYONE can be an Austin Scholar!
A large piece of community life, beyond the dormitory experience, is the many social events offered throughout the year like trips to Bruins, Celtics and Red Sox games.
First year residential Austin Scholars live in preferred suite-style housing with dedicated upperclass Resident Assistants.
Many Austin Scholars declare a Religious & Theological Studies Minor by taking one additional RTS class, in addition to the Austin Scholars classes that they take their first and second year.
Austin Scholars welcomes students from all faith traditions & perspectives. Austin Scholars have the opportunity to take part in several spiritual retreats offered throughout the year, pilgrimages to Italy and international conferences in Colombia, Tunisia and Rome.
Our Austin Scholars communter students, or "Scholars on the Go," have their own specific commuter peer mentors to provide support and community.
We make up approximately 10% of Merrimack’s Community (100-125 freshmen per year) and provide a built-in support system across all four years.
Austin Scholars classes fulfill core curriculum requirements, with dedicated Austin Scholars Faculty, Peer Mentors, Tutors and additional study sessions so that students have the best chance at success.
St. Augustine Center is the Austin Scholars' dedicated lounge located in North Residential Village. Students are encouraged to use the space for collaborative group work, individual study sessions or just hanging out with other Austin Scholars in between classes.
“I have grown in many different ways. One key improvement is that I have grown into a better version of myself primarily due to Austin Scholars. What makes Austin Scholars special is how well the community comes together. Being able to live, serve and learn together is something you won’t see at other colleges.”
Connor Derderian '25
Majors: Business (Marketing & Sport Management Concentration)
"Since joining Austin Scholars I have grown into a leader through joining the Austin Scholars Outreach Program. This program has taught me a lot about responsibility and accountability. I think that Austin Scholars is special because of the likemindedness of the members. Austin Scholars is centered around community service and each member cares a lot about this."
Gracie O'Leary '23
Legislative Aide in Massachusetts House of Representatives
Majors: Criminology/Criminal Justice and Religion and Theological Studies
"I have grown a lot through the Austin Scholars, but especially in leadership by pushing myself to apply for new opportunities within our program! Our community is what makes Austin Scholars special! It is so unique to have a separate group of people with similar values."
Molly Kueter '24
Majors: Criminology/Criminal Justice and Human Development and Human Services
In the first two years, Austin Scholars take one class together each semester. These reflection-based courses fulfill Merrimack’s core curriculum requirements and incorporate service-learning reflection. Students may participate in special projects like a previous year’s Stations of the Cross project.
Austin Scholar tutors and teaching assistants provide peer support, in addition to the classes led by Austin Scholar faculty members.
You’ll serve in the community for two hours each week. You’ll choose from a variety of local organizations, and Merrimack will provide your transportation to and from the service sites. The service-learning component of Austin Scholars encourages you to develop leadership skills by serving those in need in our community. Upperclass Austin Scholars may also fulfill their service through a wide array of servant-leadership opportunities on and off campus, such as in internships and practicums, and as peer mentors, teaching assistants, service trip leaders, retreat leaders and more.
The Austin Scholars “live community.”
If you choose to live on campus, freshmen Austin Scholars live together in Monican Centre. The suites include two bedrooms, a shared common room and a full bathroom. Upperclassmen live in the South Residential Village.
All Austin Scholars have access to the Austin Scholars lounge in the St. Augustine Center where students meet with fellow Austin Scholars, grab a snack and study.
Open to residential and commuter students, the Austin Scholars cohort is available throughout all four years at Merrimack. It is also the oldest existing living-learning community on campus.
Inspired by St. Ambrose of Milan, who motivated, mentored and challenged St. Augustine as a young adult, members of Merrimack’s Ambrose Society will be asked to explore the many ways in which they serve as leaders among peers at Merrimack and beyond.
Our students participate in a wide range of activities and events that reinforce and demonstrate the values of the Austin Scholars program. A large piece of community life, beyond the dormitory experience, is the many social and spiritual events offered throughout the year. Social events include:
Austin Scholars enjoy special programming that serves to widen their perspectives of the world. Our annual Augustinian of Note Lecture invites international scholars to engage with students both academically and spiritually. Additional programming has included commissioning Masses on campus, pilgrimages to Italy and international conferences in Colombia, Tunisia and Rome. These experiences provide life-changing opportunities for students in our program.
Retreats, both on and off-campus, provide spiritual and relational growth. We’ve sponsored retreats in the White Mountains of New Hampshire where participants all stay in a house off campus and enjoy reflection, relaxation and home-cooked meals.
Austin Scholars also engage in collegewide service events. Many participate in Mack Gives Back, an annual event in which members of the Merrimack community perform service projects in the Greater Merrimack Valley and beyond. Our Scholars also join in Merrimack’s Service Recognition Night which highlights students’ community service. Senior class members who have completed four years of service at Merrimack are inducted into the Father John McKniff, OSA, Honor Society, in recognition of their contributions to the campus and greater community.
Yes! You pick a service site from a diverse group of organizations that we work with around the greater Merrimack Valley area. We make sure you have a broad range of fulfilling experiences and opportunities to choose from. Transportation to service sites is provided by Merrimack and you will typically be volunteering with at least one other student or a small group of other Austin Scholars.
Students serve in a variety of roles including:
• English tutors and conversation partners
• Homework help
• After-school play and supervision
• GED preparation and support
• Financial and health coaching
• Bingo, crafts etc. with adults in nursing facilities and independent housing
Absolutely! All Austin Scholars—commuter or resident—are invited to Austin Scholars events and have access to the Austin Scholars Lounge, a comfortable space where students meet with fellow Austin Scholars, grab a snack and study during the day.
The Austin Scholars Program is open to students of any major!
Qualifying students have been invited to join the Austin Scholars Program in their admission letter. To accept this offer, please visit your admission portal and submit your non-refundable enrollment deposit. If you haven’t been invited to join the program already, please do so with the button below.
Concert Choir singers participate in 2024 Mass ACDA Big Sing / Intercollegiate Choral Festival
