O'Connor, Kevin G. Equipment Managers Endowed Scholarship
The Kevin G. O’Connor Equipment Managers Endowed Scholarship was established in 2016 by an Akron-area alumni couple who wished to honor Kevin G. O’Connor, longtime equipment manager for University of Akron Athletics, for his exceptional dedication to the University, his passion for serving student-athletes, and his willingness to always see the job through with a kind word and a song in his heart.
One of the first people University of Akron student-athletes meet when they arrive on campus is the equipment manager. For more than 30 years, The University of Akron has been blessed to have Kevin G. O’Connor in that role.
O’Connor, who has worked with every °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ athletic team over the past three decades, has provided each one with a tremendous level of service. Over the years, he has helped the Zips capture one team and seven individual national championships, 39 Mid-American Conference regular season championships, and 18 MAC Tournament championships. In addition, he has been integral to helping 210 Zips become All-Americans and three Zips become Olympians.
O’Connor is a certified member of the Athletic Equipment Managers Association District Five, which serves Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. He has served two terms as the District Five director and in 2003 earned the Tony Anderson Award, presented annually to the district’s equipment manager of the year.
While his service and dedication to the University are outstanding, O’Connor is most revered for his friendly smile and gregarious personality. For many alumni who return to campus for a visit, the Athletics Equipment Office is the first stop, allowing them an opportunity to say “hello”’ and shake the hand of “KO,” as O’Connor is affectionately known.
The Kevin G. O’Connor Equipment Managers Endowed Scholarship was established to assist students who devote much of their time during their college careers working behind the scenes of Akron Athletics. Students eligible for the scholarship must:
- Be employed as student equipment managers for Akron Athletics
- Maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Have demonstrated financial need
One scholarship will be awarded annually and may be renewed, provided the student maintains all requirements. The recipient will be selected by the Athletics Academic Advising Office in coordination with the Office of Student Financial Aid.
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