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
Urban, Melba Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Women's Golf
Jeanne and Mike Nelson established The Melba Urban Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Women's Golf in 2021, in honor of Jeanne's aunt, Melba Urban. Melba enjoyed Zips sports, including football, basketball and most important to her, golf. Melba was unable to attend college, but she did work at Firestone, which allowed her to pursue her love of golf -- one of the perks of her job was being able to play at Firestone Country Club. The Firestone course was her favorite course to play and to take in a match as a spectator. Annually, she attended the World Series of Golf and had the opportunity to meet golfing legend Arnold Palmer at one of the competitions. Aside from playing and watching, Melba developed lifelong relationships through her love of golf, many of which lasted until her passing at age 96.
Melba's niece, Jeanne, was a student-athlete in college and recalled having to make her own uniforms, pay her own travel expenses and not have assistance to ease the financial burdens associated with scholarship or athletics. By establishing The Melba Urban Endowed Scholarship for Women's Golf at The University of Akron, Jeanne and Mike desire to enable female student-athletes to pursue degree completion as they also pursue their love of golf and to worry less about the financial commitments associated with higher education and athletics. They hope to assist Zips in their educational pursuits as they prepare for future opportunities and success.
The Melba Urban Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Women's Golf candidates may be full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at The University of Akron. Recipients must be in good academic standing and will be selected by the Women's Golf Team coach. Additionally, candidates should be involved with community service or philanthropic pursuits locally.
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