The Nicholas Spehar Memorial Scholarship was established through a spontaneous pledge by David Gundlach to honor the life and sacrifice of Nicholas Spehar, a Naval Special Warfare SEAL Team Five member killed in combat in 2011 and the brother of a former student at Holy Cross College. Funded through Gundlach’s estate gift to the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, and founded in 2012, the scholarship has delivered more than $1.2 million in aid to 95 students. Dozens of scholars on campus each year pursue degrees while carrying forward a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and service.
The scholarship supports siblings, spouses, and children of those killed in the line of duty, as well as veterans and children of active or retired military members. Recipients often cite the award as a life changing source of stability that allows them to focus on their studies, remain enrolled at Holy Cross, and prepare for futures of service in their own communities.
We are grateful to our partners at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County for their enduring commitment to supporting Holy Cross students and faithfully carrying forward David Gundlach’s vision for this scholarship.
