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
Keister, Donald A. and Laura Jane Memorial Essay Prize in Literature
The Donald A. and Laura Jane Keister Memorial Essay Prize in Literature honors the memory of Donald A. Keister (B.A./M.A. '32), and his wife, Laura Jane ('33). Don held posts at The University of Akron as English faculty, chair of the Department of English, head of the General Studies Program, chair of the Humanities Division, and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He was known for his great love of literature and the humanities. His enthusiasm for his subject matter was communicated to many students over the years. Laura Jane Keister graduated from Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences in '33. She was a lifelong member of the University community and a member of Bierce Library circulation staff for 25 years. She was also archivist of the library's collection of historic photographs. She was an author and member of many community organizations. The Donald A. and Laura Jane Keister Memorial Essay Prize in Literature is to be awarded each April for an outstanding essay in literary studies written by a graduate student. The recipient will be chosen by a committee of English graduate literature faculty.
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