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Danison, Mervyn F. Memorial Photography Scholarship

Mervyn F. (Merv) Danison was born at the height of the Great Depression and came from simple beginnings, learning at an early age the value of hard work and how to save his money for lean times. As a child, he and his brother, Ken, got by on the meager money his mother made as a tire builder for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. As Danison grew and completed high school, he worked many jobs to pay his way through college.

After graduating from college, Danison worked as a photographer for Tambling Studios in Akron, as well as other studios in Northeast Ohio. He served as plant photographer for the Ravenna Arsenal during the Vietnam War and eventually joined Goodyear’s Public Relations Department in May 1972 as a news bureau photographer.

Danison distinguished himself at Goodyear, mastering his craft over the years and producing many outstanding and award-winning photographs. Hard work and determination characterized his work, and Goodyear CEOs, including Chuck Pilliod, afforded Danison the opportunity to provide a view of the world through his camera lens.

Danison’s abilities and talents helped him become a unique individual at Goodyear. More than any other Goodyear employee worldwide, Danison attended and covered the company’s most important events during his three decades with the company. He photographed major races around the country, including the INDY 500, the Daytona 500, and the Long Beach Grand Prix, as well as hundreds of other Goodyear events and executives. He also was responsible for covering one of Akron’s annual major events, the Soap Box Derby.

Danison was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, becoming a decorated veteran and recipient of a Purple Heart. He held very high values and had an astoundingly strong sense of country and duty. This never rang so true as the day he was overheard speaking with another Marine as they sat across from each other at breakfast: “Without the brave efforts of all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and their families,” he said, “this nation, along with our allies around the world, would not stand so boldly and shine so brightly, nor would we, as Americans, live so freely.” Ooh-Rah!

Danison’s knowledge of the world and life was almost legendary. Whether you were nine, 19, or 90, if you were privileged to be seated at a table with him, you could be sure of an interesting, lively conversation about history, politics and world events. Danison enjoyed working with students of the arts and taught courses in photography at the Winona School of Photography, as well as other local colleges and universities, including The University of Akron. This helped him earn a Master of Photography from the Professional Photographers of America. Danison had a unique gift for creating works of art. As he often told students who attended his photography classes at °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ: “Anyone can take a picture, but it is the responsibility of the photographer to create a photo that tells the entire story without using a single word.”

The Mervyn F. Danison Memorial Photography Scholarship will be awarded annually to a junior or senior student at The University of Akron enrolled full time in the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art who is completing requirements toward a degree in photography. The student must have demonstrated financial need, be in good standing with °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Consideration also will be given to a junior or senior with a minor in professional photography.

Applicants will be reviewed by The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art Scholarship Committee and the Office of Student Financial Aid, with final approval by Michael G. Zimmerman and/or the Myers School of Art Director. The scholarship may be used for tuition and fees.