Divine Mercy University Establishes Bishop Loverde Scholarship Fund to Support Religious Vocations

Divine Mercy University (DMU) has established the Bishop Loverde Scholarship Fund to support priests and religious students pursuing advanced degrees in psychology and counseling. The initiative aims to raise $500,000 by June 30th, 2026, to help students who will serve their home dioceses and communities after graduation.

Bishop Paul Loverde, who served as the Diocese of Arlington's third bishop from 1999 to 2016, has been a longstanding board member of what is now Divine Mercy University. Known for his advocacy of Catholic education and religious vocations, Loverde has been particularly focused on addressing mental health needs across dioceses in the United States.

The scholarship program reflects Loverde's commitment to supporting religious professionals and addressing critical mental health challenges. By providing financial support to priests and religious students, DMU hopes to encourage more individuals to pursue careers in counseling and psychology within religious contexts.

The fund will specifically support students who commit to serving the Diocese of Arlington or their home dioceses after completing their graduate studies. This approach ensures that the scholarship not only supports individual educational goals but also contributes to broader community mental health resources.

DMU, a Catholic graduate school of psychology and counseling, offers doctoral and master's degrees in clinical psychology and counseling. The university is accredited by multiple educational organizations, including the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.