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
Cianciola, Donato F. Memorial Scholarship
The Donato F. Cianciola Memorial Scholarship was established by a gift from Mr. Cianciola to honor his Italian heritage. Mr. Cianciola deeply valued education and wished to assist students of Italian descent who are pursuing their college education. Born in 1931, Mr. Cianciola was born in America to Italian parents. Mr. Cianciola spoke only Italian until he began school. He graduated second in his class from North High School in June 1947. His father, who owned and operated authentic Italian grocery stores, insisted that his son keep his promise to his mother who had passed away that he would attend college. Mr. Cianciola was given $300 to enroll at The University of Akron. He was surprised to discover that the cost was $48 for the semester. Mr. Cianciola graduated from The University of Akron in 1953 with a bachelor of science in business administration. Throughout his life and career, Mr. Cianciola believed that education was a significant factor of his success. His regard for education and his deep commitment to his ancestral heritage led him to create this scholarship. The Donato F. Cianciola Memorial Scholarship was established to assist a student of Italian descent. Nomination of award recipients will be made by the president of The Italian American Professional and Businessmen’s Club and awarded by the Office of Student Financial Aid at The University of Akron.
​