Daggy Youth/Student Scholarships enable young seekers and emerging scholars to participate in an International Thomas Merton Society Conference, thereby inspiring the next generation of Merton readers and scholars Scholarships are intended for first-time ITMS Conference attendees under the age of 40; however, if you feel you qualify with exceptional circumstances, please reach out to [email protected] to share details about your situation.

These scholarships honor the late Robert E. Daggy, founding member and second President of the ITMS, and cover the costs of conference registration, housing, and meals.

Questions or requests for further information can be directed to: D[email protected]     The next ITMS conference will be held in June 17-20, 2027 at Iona University, New Rochelle, NY.     Scholarship applications will open on October 1, 2026.   The closing date for applications is April 1, 2027.	Support the ITMS Daggy Scholars Program:

  "I appreciated how the Daggy Program brought together an intimate and unique group of individuals from across the country and around the world. The sense of community was truly special, and the leaders were incredibly attentive and supportive throughout the entire experience. I especially valued how they kept us informed and engaged both before and during the conference, which helped me feel welcomed and well-prepared."

"Great experience! I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be at this conference and connect with many wonderful folks!"

"It was great to know fellow and former Daggy Scholars and see how they apply their interest in Merton to their diverse fields of interest and ministry. The shindigs at the end of the day, back at the dorms, offered a great time of connection and conversations and provided some of the greatest memories I will carry forward with me."

"I appreciated how welcoming everyone was, it is clear this is a close community and that the Society values Daggys."

Daggy Scholars Page on Facebook

Visit "What Thomas Merton Means to Me" on YouTube
to hear former Daggy Scholars talk about Merton's impact on their lives.

Daggy Scholars at the ITMS Conference at Regis University, Denver, CO., June 19-22, 2025.

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Daggy Scholars at the ITMS Conference at St. Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN., June 22-25, 2023.

Daggy Scholars at the ITMS Conference at Santa Clara, CA. June 27-30 - Photograph

Daggy Scholars at the ITMS Conference in St. Bonaventure, NY. June 15-18, 2017 - Photograph

Daggy Scholars at the ITMS Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. June 4-7, 2015 - Photograph

Daggy Scholars at the ITMS Conference in Fairfield, Connecticut. June 13-16, 2013 - Photograph

Daggy Scholars at the ITMS Conference in Chicago, Illinois. June 9-12, 2011 - Photograph

Daggy Scholars at the ITMS Conference in Rochester, New York. June 11-14, 2009 - Photographs and Feedback

Daggy Scholars at Robert E. Daggy's
grave at the Abbey of Gethsemani