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
Strain, Dr. Franklin Memorial Graduate Chemistry Scholarship
The endowed Dr. Franklin Strain Memorial Graduate Chemistry Scholarship was established by a gift from Dr. Franklin Strain. Dr. Strain received degrees at Ottawa University and the University of Kansas. He was director of research for the Barberton Laboratories of PPG Industries for 20 years. He was the coordinator of research for the Chemical Division of PPG Pittsburgh for three years, prior to retirement in 1973 with a total of 36 years of service.
Dr. Strain enjoyed a very successful career in chemical research, holding 147 patents (97 U.S. patents and 40 foreign patents). He had an inquisitive mind, an ability to think analytically, and a great fascination with organic chemistry. Dr. Strain invented the synthesis of plastic that revolutionized personal eyeglasses. The product, called CR39, has the optical qualities of glass, unmatched by any other resin. More than half of all prescription eyewear lenses sold in the United States today are cast from CR39 resin.
Dr. Strain served on the Advisory Committee of the Graduate School at The University Akron. He was concerned with recruiting and encouraging outstanding graduate students in chemistry. The Dr. Franklin Strain Memorial Graduate Chemistry Scholarship is to be awarded to an outstanding graduate chemistry student with a special interest in organic chemistry.