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.

Students on campus


Search for a Named Scholarship

Search by letter
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Search by text
Search by category

Bennett, Bob Memorial Endowed Scholarship

The Bob Bennett Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 2017 by Mr. Bennett’s wife, Sarah  J. Bennett, and their sons, Scott and Stephen, who are both civil engineers.  This scholarship will carry on Bob’s legacy and honor his lifetime accomplishments, which have left a lasting impression on his family, friends and the community.

Bob Bennett was born September 18, 1935 and moved to Akron in his teen years to attend the old South High School, graduating in 1953.  Bob went on to The University of Akron where he received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1958.  He was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity and was awarded the fraternity's Founders Award for outstanding service for his work and guidance when the organization’s new fraternity house was built.

In 1970, Bob established a heavy-construction company, Bob Bennett Construction.  He loved to work and took pride in his company’s reputation as an industry leader.  Bob Bennett Construction was involved in several University of Akron projects, including building demolitions which preceded the construction of E.J. Thomas Hall, South Hall Dormitory, North and South Campus Parking Decks, Ocasek Natatorium, Buchtel Field and InfoCision Stadium.  Bob Bennett Construction was also involved in the demolition of Memorial Hall, as well as the installation of turf at the Rubber Bowl.  Upon semi-retirement, Bob continued to go to work every day and was proud his sons followed his footsteps in the family business.

Bob was a proud °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ alumnus and supporter.  He donated his slide rule to the College of Engineering in 2013, where it is prominently displayed with other alumni slide rules in an art display.

The Bob Bennett Memorial Endowed Scholarship shall be awarded annually to undergraduate students majoring in civil engineering at The University of Akron.  Sophomore through senior level students are eligible.  Preference will be given to students who were born or raised in Ohio, demonstrating Bob Bennett’s devotion to the local community.  Each year, the selected student(s) will be awarded a minimum of $5,000, depending on available funds.  Any remaining distribution funds shall remain in the award account for future use.  Recipient selection will be made by the civil engineering scholarship committee.

​

Was this information helpful?