Jack Deloplaine Memorial Academic-Athletic Scholarship

About Jack Deloplaine

Jack Deloplaine (April 21, 1954 – August 2, 2022) was a distinguished Salem University alumnus who exemplified excellence both on and off the field. A 1976 graduate, Jack made history as the first Salem football player drafted to play in the modern-day NFL. His professional career included time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he earned a Super Bowl XIII ring, as well as the Washington Redskins and Chicago Bears, where he served as a blocking back for Walter Payton.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Jack was inducted into the Salem University Hall of Fame and Pinnacle Award Association. He dedicated his life to giving back through youth sports coaching, Special Olympics volunteering, and numerous charitable golf tournaments. Jack was known for his humility, never seeking the spotlight, and letting his contributions to family, athletics, academics, and society speak for themselves.

Scholarship Mission

The Jack Deloplaine Memorial Scholarship serves four primary purposes:

1. Perpetuate Jack’s Legacy – Honor his contributions to the Salem brand and society
2. Reward Excellence – Recognize student-athletes who excel in both classroom and athletic endeavors
3. Acknowledge Service – Celebrate student-athlete social contributions to their communities
4. Financial Support – Help defray academic costs for deserving recipients

Award Details

Amount: $2,000 for the 2025-2026 academic year
Recipients: One scholarship will be awarded
Distribution: Funds applied directly to the recipient’s Salem University financial account Presentation: Award ceremony during Homecoming Awards Event on Friday, October 3rd, 2025

Eligibility Requirements

• Current Salem University student-athlete (junior, senior, or graduate level)
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Active participation in any Salem University sport
• Open to all majors and athletic programs
• Must demonstrate commitment to community service

Selection Criteria

The scholarship committee evaluates applicants based on four key areas:

Academic Excellence

• Strong GPA and academic performance
• Official Salem University transcript required

Athletic Excellence

• Outstanding performance in Salem University athletics
• Proof of athletic participation required

Social Contributions

• Volunteer work with schools, community organizations, or non-profits
• Documentation of service activities required

Communication Skills

• Quality of application essay (maximum one page)
• One letter of recommendation from coach, instructor, or community leader

Application Requirements

Required Documents:

• Official Salem University transcript
• One-page essay demonstrating alignment with Jack’s values
• One letter of recommendation (from coach, instructor, non-profit employer, etc.)
• Proof of athletic participation
• Documentation of social contributions

Essay Guidelines:

• Maximum one page in length
• 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced
• Focus on personal values that align with Jack’s character
• Follow his motto: “make a long story short”

Important Dates & Information

Application Deadline: September 26th, 2025 at 12:00 PM EST
Submit all required documents electronically to Dr. Al Tarquinio