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
Heldenfels, Richard and Connie Endowed Scholarship in the Liberal Arts
The Richard and Connie Heldenfels Endowed Scholarship in the Liberal Arts was established in 2020 in recognition of The University of Akron’s 150th Sesquicentennial Anniversary by Richard and Connie Heldenfels. The scholarship will help University of Akron students planning on or already pursuing liberal arts degrees who need financial assistance. Richard and Connie have long had personal and professional connections to the University. Before her retirement, Connie served in the Department of Residence Life and Student Housing and in the Registrar’s Office, working with students and administrators in several roles. A retired journalist, Richard received a master’s degree in English from °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ in 2011 and has taught in the Department of English since that time. Both are avid followers of Akron men’s and women’s sports, attending soccer, basketball, volleyball and football games.
The Richard and Connie Heldenfels Endowed Scholarship in the Liberal Arts may be awarded to a maximum of two (2) full-time or part-time undergraduate students per academic year. If awarded to two students in a given year, it is preferred the available funds be split evenly between a current/returning student and an incoming freshman. Recipients must plan on or already be pursuing a degree in a liberal arts program (see addendum for eligible disciplines). It is also preferred that recipients have a 3.0 GPA (3.0 GPA in high school if recipient is an incoming freshman), be in need of financial assistance, and demonstrate the ability to represent °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ positively. Selection of recipients will be made by the University Scholarship Committee.
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