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B.T. Collins Scholarship 2023-24 Application Form and Instructions

2023-2024 Deadline: October 15, 2023
APPLY HERE

Brien Thomas (B.T.) Collins (1940 – 1993)

“You must know of my love and affection for everything that embodies generosity and selflessness, and that is Santa Clara University…..I started off at 29 years of age to remake my life at Santa Clara University.”

Brien Thomas (B.T.) Collins
Santa Clara University, BA ’70, JD ’73

B.T. Collins came to Santa Clara as a student after losing a leg and arm as a U.S. Army captain in Vietnam. His optimism and energy transformed many of his classmates. His good humor and generosity endeared him, and his loyalty and strength of character propelled him. He served as Director of the California Conservation Corps and Chief of Staff for Governor Jerry Brown. He also served as Chief Deputy State Treasurer, Director of the California Youth Authority, and as an elected member of the California State Assembly. He regarded public service as a privilege, and frequently urged others to “give back.” His sudden death in 1993 left some challenges unmet, but also left the most important ingredients needed to meet them: inspiration and integrity.

Following his passing at the age of 52, classmates and colleagues established an endowed scholarship in his name. The B.T. Collins “Captain Hook” Scholarship provides financial aid to continuing students who are dedicated to pursuing public service careers, and have demonstrated outstanding leadership potential.

Sacramento, CA television station KCRA produced a documentary on B.T. entitled “Return to Vietnam” which chronicled his journey back to Vietnam years after the war. Learn more of B.T.’s story in this video story.

B.T. Collins

B.T. Collins

B.T. Collins – Documentary from Santa Clara Law on Vimeo.

B.T. Collins “Captain Hook” Endowed Scholarship Application

The B.T. Collins “Captain Hook” Endowed Scholarship provides financial aid to students with demonstrated leadership potential who are dedicated to pursuing a career in public service. The scholarship is awarded to a student in his/her final year of study. Each applicant must be a registered voter and in good academic standing. Prior awards have ranged from several thousand dollars to $10,000. Award levels are not fixed and may vary from year to year.

Complete the application form at the link below and attach your application letter and resume with the following information:

  1. List the research resources used to educate yourself about B.T. Collins, the amount of time devoted to each source, and a brief comment about what information was most meaningful.
  2. Based on what you have learned while researching B.T., describe his values and attitude toward life. Discuss how he would be relevant in today’s world.
  3. Explain how your life experiences and accomplishments relate to your understanding of the spirit of B.T., your plans for the future in the area of public service, and why you deserve to be awarded B.T.’s scholarship.
  4. Upload a single page resume. In your resume, be sure to include any work or volunteer experience in public service.

Your application letter is not to exceed three pages and your resume is not to exceed one page. 

Semi-finalists selected by the B.T. Collins Scholarship Committee will be contacted for an interview. If you have any questions, please e-mail lawfinancialaid@scu.edu