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
Davis, Douglas P. Endowed Scholarship Fund
Douglas P. Davis was known for his bright smile, love for family, and eagerness to make new friends. The University of Akron College of Education is honored to celebrate the memory of Douglas P. Davis, who died too soon on December 2, 2012. Through Doug’s legacy, opportunities for students in the College who seek a career in helping those with special needs will be created.
Barbara P. Davis, Doug’s mother, established The Douglas P. Davis Endowed Scholarship Fund as a way to express her gratitude for everyone who assisted Doug during his lifetime and final days. Much care and love filled his days, including that of his family, and the personnel who assisted him will never be forgotten.
Douglas P. Davis was born with Down syndrome and eventually was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. These debilitating disabilities did not prohibit him from making a lasting impression on everyone he met during his 56 years of life. Douglas had a tremendous impact on the medical staff and caregivers he worked with and will be remembered for his infectious personality. Douglas’ sister, Betsy Davis, spoke of how he rarely had an unhappy day and always was willing to speak to individuals he came in contact with. Douglas was blessed with two siblings, Kurt and Betsy, and loving parents, Donald and Barbara.
For many years, Barbara Davis has been interested and involved in supporting scholarships for students at the University because of her belief in the value of higher education and her involvement with The College Club of Akron. She decided a scholarship would be a meaningful way to allow Douglas to have a continued impact on people’s lives. Mrs. Davis made the first contribution in 2013, with a goal of having a fund that would give in perpetuity. Once endowed, this scholarship will be available annually to a student pursuing a degree in the College of Education. Preference will be given to students with a special-education teaching concentration and students who have a demonstrated financial need. The award recipient(s) will be determined by the College of Education’s Dean’s Office.
Due to the generosity of the Mary Frances Shale Trust, this fund will receive matching dollars for contributions received until the Shale Trust monies are exhausted.
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