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
Reeves, Gerald M. Scholarship
The Gerald M. Reeves Scholarship was established in 2015 in honor of Mr. Gerald M. Reeves on the occasion of his 80th birthday by his wife, Yolanda, daughters Michelle Reeves ’81; Beth Reeves Schultz ’84, ’89; Jennifer Reeves Johns ’88; and son Jerry Reeves ’89.
Reeves graduated with a bachelor of science in education from The University of Akron in 1957 and a master’s in education from Kent State University. During his undergraduate years at °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ, Reeves was a member of the Zips football team and later was inducted into the Varsity “A” Hall of Fame for his many accomplishments on the field.
Leadership is a quality Reeves highly prospected and exhibited as a student at °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ. He was active in Student Government and Omicron Delta Kappa and served as an ROTC Advance Army Officer.
A lifelong learner, Reeves always valued education. He devoted more than 35 years to the educational process as a teacher and superintendent in Hudson, Ohio. After graduation and retirement, Reeves continued to make an impact within the community and beyond by serving on several volunteer boards, including Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Laurel Lake Retirement Community, °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ’s National Alumni Board of Directors, and the Alumni Association’s College of Education Steering Committee.
The Gerald M. Reeves Scholarship will be awarded to a second-year student, with legacy status, who is in good standing and completing degree requirements in The University of Akron LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education. The applicant must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 and reside in Summit County, Ohio, with a parent, grandparent, or guardian who is a University of Akron alumnus.
Selection also will be based on the following:
- Confirmation of legacy status
- Community service
- Leadership within The University of Akron campus community and Northeast Ohio
- Character
Applications will be reviewed and approved by the College of Education, with final approval from the Office of Student Financial Aid. The funds from the scholarship will be used for tuition.
The Gerald M. Reeves Scholarship was funded with an initial gift from the Reeves family and will be funded in the future by annual gifts from family and friends. The family desires to provide an annual award; however, award amounts and distribution may vary depending on fund availability and the discretion of the Reeves family.
​