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
Duffy, Shirley A. and Arthur R. Classical Guitar Endowment
“The Guitar,” honoring the eminent guitarist Andrés Segovia:
A portable companion always ready to go where you go/
a small friend weighing less than a fresh born infant/
to be shared with few or many/
just the two of you in sweet meditation.
by Carl Sandburg
Arthur Duffy played classical guitar in his 20s and 30s, and then took a hiatus for his career as a metallurgical researcher and, later, as a real estate investor. He started playing again in 2014 at the age of 82, studying with University of Akron guitar professor, Jim Marron, who was recommended to Mr. Duffy through the Cleveland Classical Guitar Society.
Arthur and Shirley Duffy, a former teacher, have been married for 63 years. They raised their children in a home where the arts were, and still are, appreciated and loved. The Duffy’s are avid supporters of The Chautauqua Institution, where they also established an endowment supporting guitar performances.
Students eligible for The Shirley A. and Arthur R. Duffy Classical Guitar Endowment must be enrolled full-time in The University of Akron School of Music, majoring in guitar or music education, and with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. A School of Music committee will review applicants and select one or more recipients as needs arise and funds are available.
​