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
Starkey, Ronald K. and Danielle L. Endowed Scholarship
The Ronald K. and Danielle L. Starkey Endowed Scholarship, established in 2020 in celebration of The University of Akron’s 150th Sesquicentennial Anniversary, recognizes outstanding achievement by University of Akron students majoring in political science, criminal justice or education.
Ron Starkey received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from The University of Akron in 1989, and his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve in 1992, graduating cum laude. Danielle Starkey earned both a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Science degree in Principalship from °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ in 1991 and 2001, respectively. Both are graduates of Akron East High School and, whenever possible, wish to recognize fellow Akron East alumni with this scholarship.
Ron has practiced law in the greater Akron area since 1992, first becoming partner at Stark and Knoll before opening his own practice, Starkey and Runkle, LLC, in Hartville, Ohio. The firm provides services to high net worth individuals focused on business, real estate and estate planning. Additionally, Ron serves as the Village of Hartville’s law director.
Danielle began her teaching career at Our Lady of the Elms and continued with Barberton City Schools, specializing in language arts and science. She later joined the Revere Local School District as assistant principal, and currently serves as assistant principal in the Springfield Local School District.
Distributions from The Ronald K. and Danielle L. Starkey Endowed Scholarship shall be split evenly and awarded to two °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ undergraduate students each year who are in good academic standing and have demonstrated financial need. One recipient shall be a student pursuing a degree in either political science or criminal justice, while the other recipient shall be a student pursuing a degree in education.
First consideration shall be given to students who are graduates of Akron East High School, Barberton City Schools, or Springfield Local Schools. Additional consideration shall be given to students from Akron Public Schools. Selection shall be made by the University Scholarship Committee and may be renewed provided recipients remain in good standing and funds are available.
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