Named scholarships & funds
When it comes to earning a college degree, the greatest obstacle can be funding.
For this reason, The University of Akron is pleased for the opportunity each year to assist talented, deserving students achieve their dreams, thanks to more than 1,300 named scholarships established through the kindness and generosity of thousands of °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ alumni and friends, corporations, and foundations.
Scholarships truly are the best way to ensure that today’s students persist to graduation. Scholarships allow students to enroll full time and remain focused on their studies; they also reduce drop-out rates, decrease the stress of student loans, and shorten the road to graduation.
If you are interested in making a significant contribution to student success, please consider a gift to scholarships. You may also establish a named scholarship at The University of Akron, which can be created to honor a living person, in memory of a loved one, or to contribute to the growth of an area of study.
To learn more, please contact the Department of Development at 330-972-7238.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
This is not the page to apply for scholarships.
Students who want to apply for scholarships should visit the scholarship page on the Financial Aid site. You can find the link for the online application here.
The Department of Development does not accept applications for or distribute scholarships. Scholarships are distributed through the University’s Office of Student Financial Aid.
Search for a Named Scholarship
Pasquale, Ron and Laura Endowed Scholarship for Football
In recognition of The University of Akron’s Sesquicentennial Anniversary, this scholarship was established in 2020 by Ron and Laura Pasquale, natives of Youngstown, Ohio. The Pasquales are longtime advocates of student-athletes of The University of Akron. Mr. Pasquale is a University of Akron alumnus, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in business in 1987.
Ron was a 1982 walk-on offensive lineman for the Zips football team under coach Jim Dennison and credited his recruitment to his brother, Bill, a fellow Zips teammate. Ron earned an athletic scholarship and became a four-year starter for the Zips. He acknowledges the °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ athletic scholarship for bridging the financial gap in continuing his academic pursuits.
Ron credits on-the-field, classroom, and career achievements to the PMA - Positive Mental Attitude spirit of coach Dennison along with lessons of self-sacrifice and determination exhibited by his teammates. In 1986, Ron was selected a team captain by his teammates and awarded All-American honors under the leadership of first-year head coach Gerry Faust.
In 2003, Ron became one of the first known NCAA athletes to donate a living organ for transplant to a teammate. Ron successfully donated a kidney to former Zips lineman Bill Pasquale. Ron was inducted into The University of Akron’s Varsity “A” Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
Ron is grateful to The University of Akron for the opportunity to earn a college degree and build a successful career in the telecommunication industry.
The Ron and Laura Pasquale Football Scholarship recipient will be a football student-athlete with preference given to someone beginning their Zips Football career as a non-scholarship member of the squad. The recipient may be an incoming freshman or active team member. Final recipient selection will be made by the coaching staff.
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