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
Varian, Donald Storm Jr. Endowed Scholarship
The Donald Storm Varian, Jr. Endowed Scholarship was established at The University of Akron in August 2018 by the family of Donald Storm Varian, Jr.
Donald Storm Varian, Jr., was a respected husband, father and friend who wore the various roles of his life with distinction and a willingness to impact others. Recognized as an outstanding lawyer by judges, court officials and other attorneys, Varian used his profession, and his life, to mentor and assist others.
An Akron native, Mr. Varian graduated from Buchtel High School and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in political science from The University of Akron. While attending college, in 1963, he joined the ROTC where he served in the U.S. Army, later reaching the rank of first lieutenant. He remained in the U.S. military while attending American University Washington College of Law, in Washington, D.C. It was there, while in law school, he met his wife, Anne Sargus, then a Virginia school teacher. The Varians were married in 1970, and went on to have four children.
Mr. Varian’s professional career included the Akron City Prosecutor’s Office, as well as later serving in private practice with Blakemore, Rosen, Miller & Norris, handling criminal defense and civil cases. Later professional advances made him a partner with Blakemore, Rosen, Meeker & Varian. After a distinguished 20-year career, he continued as a solo practitioner. His civic legacy included serving on the board of the East Akron Community House as well as the Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ.
The Donald Storm Varian, Jr. Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving student(s) at The University of Akron, with first consideration given to freshmen matriculating from Buchtel High School who have a 3.0 or higher GPA. Other incoming freshmen who graduated from Akron Public Schools who meet all University eligibility requirements and have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA can be considered for the scholarship. If selection cannot be made based on the above criteria, then the scholarship may be awarded to any undergraduate student at the University with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The Donald Storm Varian, Jr. Endowed Scholarship is needs-based, and is renewable so long as the student(s) meets the minimum 3.0 GPA and all subsequent eligibility requirements for their selected major. The University Scholarship Committee will be responsible for making the selection.
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