Julian Samora (March 1, 1920 – February 2, 1996) was an American teacher, scholar and community activist who helped to pioneer the field of Latino Studies. Samora was the first Mexican-American to ever receive a doctorate in sociology; and, by the end of his academic career, he was named Professor Emeritus at the University of Notre Dame. He received numerous honors across his career, including the order of the Aztec Eagle, the highest honor Mexico bestows on non-Mexican citizens.