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
Schidel, Thomas R. Scholarship Fund in Engineering
The Thomas R. Schidel Scholarship Fund in Engineering was established in 2013 by Mr. Tom Schidel, a 1950 graduate of The University of Akron with a degree in mechanical engineering. Mr. Schidel launched a successful career in rotational molding after graduating from the University. He was instrumental in developing Rubbermaid's first rotational molding manufacturing plants in California, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, and Canada. In 1967, Mr. Schidel co-founded Rotocast Plastics Products, a plastics company that expanded to five locations before being sold in 1998. Mr. Schidel remains active as a beneficial owner of GSC Industries Inc. In 1998, Mr. Schidel was inducted into the Rotational Molding hall of Fame.
The University of Akron College of Engineering honored Mr. Schidel as its Outstanding Alumnus in 2010. He has been a generous benefactor to the University, providing support of the Student Design Center in the College of Engineering. The Thomas R. Schidel Conference Room is named in his honor.
The Thomas R. Schidel Scholarship(s) will be awarded to students enrolled in the College of Engineering who evidence academic success and financial need. The award amount will be determined on an annual basis, based on funds available. Scholarship recipients will be determined by the Financial Aid Committee with the College of Engineering.
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