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
Schier, Richard R. and Lela M. Endowed Scholarship
The Richard R. and Lela M. Schier Endowed Scholarship was established in 2016 through outright and residual beneficiary gifts to The University of Akron from the Richard R. Schier Trust Estate and the Lela M. Schier Trust Estate.
A lifelong Cleveland resident, Richard graduated from West Technical High School. During his 1941-1945 tour in the U.S. Navy, he received specialized mechanical and gear training in the air force, as well as a pilot’s license, and was known as the pilot of choice for high-ranking Navy officers. In September 1951, Richard became an associate member of the U.S. Naval Institute and during his long employment with the Eaton Corporation in Cleveland, he held several engineering patents. Following his retirement from Eaton, he created the consulting company, Schier Clutch and Gear Company.
Lela attended Ohio University and majored in business and accounting. She utilized this education throughout her career at various Cleveland companies.
The Richard R. and Lela M. Schier Endowed Scholarship was established to assist students pursuing undergraduate degrees in engineering or economics. Eligible students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and exhibit outstanding academic credentials at the time the scholarship is distributed.
The Office of Student Financial Aid, in collaboration with a representative from the respective academic units, will select the recipient(s). The scholarship is renewable if the recipient maintains all requirements and is in good standing with The University of Akron.
​