Gerlach, Dr. Don R. Endowed Fund
Dr. Don R. Gerlach is a Corn Husker at heart. Born and raised in Nebraska, he received his bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees from The University of Nebraska. He was also awarded a Fullbright Scholarship and spent a year at the University of London (1956-57). Dr. Gerlach proudly served his country in Korea with the 1st Cavalry. Originally trained as a medic, his academic credentials provided an avenue for a role in their Education Center. He worked with professors from the University of Maryland's Overseas Program, and also taught history courses. He arrived on the campus of The University of Akron in 1962 and taught upper level and graduate courses in the College of Arts and Sciences, specializing in Early American History as well as English History. In 1988, he was named Outstanding Researcher by The University of Akron Alumni Association. A staunch advocate of faculty rights as well as the maintenance of high academic standards, Dr. Gerlach will long be remembered for his leadership in the Faculty Senate, a role he carried through into retirement as the Faculty Senate representative for the Association of University of Akron Retirees (A°µºÚ±¬ÁÏR).
The Dr. Don R. Gerlach Endowed Fund was established by Dr. Gerlach for the support of the faculty member who teaches Early American History to 1800 in The University of Akron's College of Arts and Sciences. The fund shall provide for that faculty member's salary enhancement. In the event that Early American History to 1800 is no longer offered as a course in the College, the fund shall support the faculty member who teaches English History. Then, in the event English History is no longer offered, the fund shall convert to scholarship support for an academically talented student majoring in either American History or English History.
This endowed fund is a fitting tribute to Dr. Gerlach's personal and professional service to The University of Akron. Awards from the fund are to be approved by the Dean of the College of Arts and Science in conjunction with the Chair of the History Department. Faculty recipients of the award must be in good professional standing with the University. Likewise, any student recipients must be in good academic standing.
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