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
Bodiford, David W. and Donna M. Scholarship in Accounting
The David W. and Donna M. Bodiford Scholarship in Accounting was established in July 2019 to offer financial support to minority students in The University of Akron College of Business Administration (CBA) George W. Daverio School of Accountancy.
A native of Massillon, Ohio and a Washington High School graduate, David W. Bodiford received an accounting degree from The University of Akron in 1977. While attending the University, he was inducted into Beta Alpha Psi and served as a resident assistant in Bulger Hall. After graduation, he moved to Minneapolis, MN, working for Arthur Andersen and subsequently for Dayton-Hudson Corp. After a variety of roles with several retailers, and accounting and consulting firms, David currently serves as Vice President, Internal Audit for Big Lots, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio.
Donna M. Bodiford is also a native of Massillon, Ohio and a Washington High School graduate. Donna attended Kent State University, and also studied Culinary Arts at Columbus State. Prior to retiring, Donna worked within the financial services and restaurant / catering industries.
David and Donna have been and are active in volunteer work within their community. David is a longstanding supporter of his alma mater, and is a past member of the George W. Daverio School of Accountancy Advisory Board. In 2012, he was honored with the University’s Frank L. Simonetti Distinguished Business Alumni Award. He presently serves on the Board of Trustees of Africentric Personal Development Shop (APDS), a non-profit, behavioral healthcare center serving the Columbus community, which provides counseling and educational services addressing substance abuse and domestic violence issues. Donna has mentored students in the Columbus City Schools, volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and taught ‘English as a Second Language’ through the Columbus Literacy Council. She also actively seeks volunteer opportunities through her local church home.
The David W. and Donna M. Bodiford Scholarship in Accounting shall be awarded annually, as funds are available, to a deserving, full-time University of Akron student (or students) pursuing a degree in The George W. Daverio School of Accountancy. Candidates eligible for consideration shall be minority students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher who have financial need.
Selection will be made by The George W. Daverio School of Accountancy Scholarship Committee. If the Accountancy Scholarship Committee is unable to make selection, then selection will be determined by the College of Business Administration Scholarship Committee, or the University Scholarship Committee if the College’s committee is unable to make selection.
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