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Parry, W. Stuver and Nancy C. 'Always First Class' Endowment Fund

The W. Stuver and Nancy (Collins) Parry “Always First Class” Endowment Fund was established by Stu and Nancy Parry, classmates and lifelong sweethearts from The University of Akron, class of 1956.

Mr. and Mrs. Parry are natives of Akron, Ohio. Mr. Parry attended Oberlin College before leaving to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. After his military service, Mr. Parry came to The University of Akron where he earned a B.S. in business administration and was a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Honorary Society. Mrs. Parry earned a B.A. from the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences. A member of the Delta Gamma Sorority, Mrs. Parry was an active leader and participant in student government during her academic career.

W. Stuver Parry began his professional career at his family’s company, Akron Welding & Spring Company. He served as treasurer from 1954 to 1977, and in 1977 was named president. Mr. Parry and his family ultimately formed the Parry Corporation, which included Akron Welding and Spring, Gas Technics of Ohio, Parry Home Medical Division, Wooster Welding Supply, and Canton Safety. These companies dealt in industrial and medical gases, welding supplies, and fire and safety equipment. In 1996, the Parry Corporation was sold to Praxair Inc., where Mr. Parry retired as chairman of Praxair Distribution.

Mr. and Mrs. Parry participate fully in civic and church-related activities in the Akron, Ohio, area and La Quinta, Calif. They have served in leadership roles of the Salvation Army, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, the United Way of Summit County, The University of Akron Women’s Committee, the YMCA, Western Reserve Academy Board of Trustees, Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron Women’s Board, Akron Garden Club, The University of Akron National Alumni Board, and The University of Akron Foundation, among many other organizations. For his service to The University of Akron, Mr. Parry has received the University’s Alumni Honor Award and has been named to the Varsity “A” Hall of Fame. Mr. and Mrs. Parry are the proud parents of four children and 12 grandchildren.

Stu Parry is the Father of the Men’s Soccer Program at The University of Akron. In 1954, as a student player and coach, he began The University of Akron’s men’s varsity soccer program. In this role, Coach Parry always stressed to his soccer players how important it was to represent The University of Akron and themselves in a “first class” manner both on and off the field. The competitive spirit, teamwork, sportsmanship and camaraderie Coach Parry instilled in his players helped shape their lives in positive ways and made for one of the most successful collegiate soccer programs in the country – yesterday and today.

To encourage, advance and reward “first class” attributes of leadership, good citizenship, academic prowess and athletic talent, among student athletes at The University of Akron, The W. Stuver and Nancy C. Parry “Always First Class” Endowment will provide scholarship assistance for tuition, books, and fees, as well as on-campus housing, for one or more men’s soccer players. The Head Coach of the Men’s Soccer Program, in conjunction with The University of Akron’s Office of Student Affairs and Financial Assistance, will select the Parry Scholar(s). If, for some unforeseen reason, a men’s soccer program ceases to exist at The University of Akron, The W. Stuver and Nancy C. Parry “Always First Class” Endowment will support scholarships for student athletes, as determined by the Athletic Director, in conjunction with The University of Akron’s Office of Student Affairs and Financial Assistance.