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
Dilley Family Endowed Scholarship in Economics
The Dilley Family Endowed Scholarship in Economics was established September 12, 2011, by David A. and Lessia K. Goad-Dilley in honor of the Dilley family legacy in the Akron area, their commitment to community and country and the family members that have attended or graduated from The University of Akron.
Akron native Donald W. Dilley (1922–2008) was born the son of Warren (an auto parts maker on S. Main St.) and Hazel (salesperson at O’Neil’s Department Store). He graduated from North High School in 1940 and then attended The University of Akron. A member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, he was a member of the University’s Pershing Rifles competitive shooting squad, achieving a letter and All-American status. He joined the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1942, and flew B-24s, PBY and PBM aircraft during World War II. He retired from the Naval Reserve in 1968 with the rank of Lt. Commander. He retired from Goodyear Aerospace in 1986 after 32 years as a technical writer. Donald had one sister, Dorese L. Dilley (1921- 1986). She graduated from North High School and the Akron Hospital School of Nursing. She joined the U.S. Navy in 1942, and served as a Nursing Officer. She taught Nursing at the Ohio State University and Kent State University. She also served as the Assistant Director of the Summit County Visiting Nurses.
Esther V. Dilley was born in Akron (1923-2017) to Erick (a carpenter and home builder) and Anna (homemaker) Anderson. She has one sister, Margaret (1921-2014) and two brothers, Einar (1919-2012, graduated from The University of Akron in 1944) and Robert (1926-2009). She graduated from Buchtel High School in 1941 and then attended Akron University where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
Donald and Esther were married in 1950 had four children: David (1950), Diane (1952), Donna (1954) and Denise (1964). All attended Ohio universities:
David, 1973 - The University of Akron, Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a BA in Political Science, member of Omicron Delta Kappa; 1987 – Wright State University, Masters of Business Administration
Diane, 1972 – The University of Akron, Associate Degree- Medical Office Assistant (honors)
Donna, 1977- The Ohio State University, Bachelor’s in Business Administration – Accounting
Denise, 1987 – The Ohio State University, BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering; member Kappa Alpha Theta
The Dilley Family desires to support students in the College of Business Administration (CBA) at The University of Akron with preference given to students majoring in Economics and have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA . Specific application criteria and awards will be made by the Chair, Department of Economics (and assisted by the Economics Department Academic Advisory Board) in coordination with the Office of Financial Aid.
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