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
Kaufman, Donald L. Essay Competition to Accentuate Ethical Business Practices
Donald L. Kaufman was born in Erie, Pa., and moved to Akron at a young age. He attended Ohio State University, where he earned a BA in 1953 and a JD in 1955. Upon graduating from law school, he served in the United States Air Force as a JAG. Following his service to his country, Mr. Kaufman returned to the Akron area and joined Alside Inc., a company founded by his brothers that together they grew into the recognized leader in the aluminum and vinyl siding industry.
Mr. Kaufman began his career with Alside Inc. as general counsel for the company and rose to the rank of president in 1974 and chief executive officer in 1982, a title he held until his retirement in 2001. During his tenure, he was responsible for more than 3,000 employees and $500 million in sales. Above all, Mr. Kaufman prides himself on the ethical manner through which he balanced the delicate relationships between his associates, customers, and the company’s bottom line. It is his belief that any comprehensive business education includes timely and relevant curricular issues focusing on ethics in business. This resulted in the establishment of The Donald L. Kaufman Essay Competition to Accentuate Ethical Business Practices in The University of Akron’s College of Business Administration. Mr. Kaufman also established the Donald L. Kaufman Business Speaker Series in the College of Business Administration as a way to supplement the academic experiences of students with real world expertise from business practitioners.
The Kaufman Essay Competition is intended to benefit undergraduate students in the College of Business Administration who demonstrate a propensity toward successful careers in business that will be guided by ethical, moral, and overall sound business judgment. To determine a worthy recipient, on an annual basis, the College of Business Administration will make students aware of the scholarship, which will involve a case study and be the basis for the essay. Interested students will apply in writing to receive a copy of the case study and the rules governing the competition. Entries will be judged annually by representatives appointed by Mr. Kaufman and faculty members the College of Business Administration. The winner of the competition will receive a $2,000 tuition credit.