Bro. David R. Scruggs, Esq. Memorial Scholarship

About the Scholarship

The Delta Lambda Foundation proudly honors the life and legacy of Brother David Rodney Scruggs, Esq., through the establishment of the Bro. David R. Scruggs, Esq. Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship embodies Brother Scruggs’s unwavering commitment to justice, academic excellence, community uplift, and the noble ideals of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Brother Scruggs, a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha and a dedicated Parliamentarian of the Delta Lambda Chapter, was known for his sharp legal mind, humble service, and impactful leadership. He authored numerous articles highlighting chapter engagement at the national and regional levels and served the Eastern Region as Assistant General Counsel. As an accomplished attorney for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, he championed equity in federal labor and employment law throughout his distinguished career.

A proud alumnus of Tennessee State University (B.S., 1986) and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University (J.D., 1998), Brother Scruggs exemplified the transformative power of education and mentorship.

In his honor, this merit- and need-based scholarship will award $1,000 to a student who reflects Brother Scruggs’s values of leadership, service, and academic excellence. The scholarship is open to:

  • Undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at Tennessee State University, Texas Southern University, Morgan State University, or Coppin State University

  • Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. attending any accredited college or university in the State of Maryland.

The Bro. David R. Scruggs, Esq. Memorial Fund, administered by the Delta Lambda Foundation, also serves as the foundation for a future endowment. It will support initiatives and educational advancement in alignment with the legacy Brother Scruggs leaves behind—a legacy grounded in brotherhood, advocacy, and a tireless pursuit of justice.

Award Information

  • Award Amount: $1,000 (one-time award)

  • Number of Awards:  One scholarship will be awarded

  • Recipients will be notified by email and announced publicly by the Delta Lambda Foundation

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet at least one of the following and be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program:

  • Be currently enrolled at one of the following institutions:

    • Tennessee State University

    • Texas Southern University

    • Morgan State University

    • Coppin State University

OR

  • Be a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. attending any accredited college or university

This is a merit- and need-based scholarship. Recipients will be selected based on academic achievement, leadership potential, commitment to community service, and demonstrated financial need.

Required Materials

1. Essay (500–750 words)
Respond to the following prompt:

Brother David R. Scruggs, Esq. was a dedicated public servant and legal professional whose life embodied the values of scholarship, service, and community uplift. Drawing on your personal experiences, describe how you reflect these values—or others such as leadership, justice, or integrity—in your academic, professional, and or civic pursuits. How will receiving this scholarship support your educational journey and future impact?

2. Financial Need Statement (250–400 words)
In a brief essay, describe your financial need. You may include information about your current employment status, financial aid or scholarships you’ve received, family or personal responsibilities, and any financial barriers that impact your ability to complete your education. All information will be kept confidential and used solely for the purpose of evaluating scholarship eligibility.

3. Current FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR)
Submit a copy of your most recent FAFSA Student Aid Report to help the committee assess your financial need. This document is available at https://studentaid.gov once your FAFSA is processed.

4. Current Official Transcript
Sent as part of your application packet or directly from your institution.

5. One Letter of Recommendation
From a professor, mentor, advisor, or community leader (not a relative)

6. Resume or Activity List
Highlight academic honors, leadership roles, employment, and community service

Submission Instructions

Submit all required materials (essays, transcript, etc.) as a PDF packet in the form below or in one email to [to be determined]
Subject line: Scruggs Scholarship Application – [Your Full Name]

Application Deadline: [To be determined]
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.