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
Whitaker, Faye Smith Education Scholarship Endowment
The Faye Smith Whitaker Education Scholarship Endowment was established through a bequest by Mrs. Whitaker. Her scholarship is to recognize her father, William Andrew Smith, and her brother, Edward Leland Smith, both graduates of The University of Akron. Mrs. Whitaker also attended the University. During her years at the University, she became a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority and remained involved with the sorority throughout her life.
The Smith family's strong ties to The University of Akron continued with Mrs. Whitaker's nephew Dean E. Smith, Class of '54, who completed his business and law degrees and was recognized with an honorary doctorate from the University. Dean Smith's four sons also completed their degrees at The University of Akron, and the fifth generation of the Smith family currently attends the University.
The Faye Smith Whitaker Education Scholarship Endowment will provide undergraduate scholarships for students in the College of Education. Selection of award recipients is to be made by the College in collaboration with the Office of Student Financial Aid.
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