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UPPER DIVISION SCHOLARSHIPS

List of upper-division scholarships

Akron Law Alumni Association Scholarship

Requirements: Need based, merit based

The Akron Law Alumni Association Scholarship was established to provide law school scholarships based primarily on financial need and secondarily on scholarship, legal aptitude and character.

The Judge Donald T. Anderson Endowed Scholarship

The Judge Donald T. Anderson Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually to one or more students enrolled at The University of Akron School of Law. The Dean of the School of Law will select the scholarship recipient(s).

Requirement: Evening student

With love and appreciation for her parents, Nickolas P. and Marilyn M. Andreeff, Margaret E. Andreeff Matejkovic has established The Nickolas P. and Marilyn M. Andreeff Scholarship Fund to help students at The University of Akron School of Law. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide assistance for an evening student attending classes at The University of Akron School of Law.

The endowed Norman P. Auburn Scholarship in Legal Studies was created by University of Akron President Emeritus Dr. Norman P. Auburn who, with C. Blake McDowell Sr., was responsible for bringing the School of Law to The University of Akron in 1959. The annual award or awards are to be made upon the recommendation of the dean of the School of Law.

The Judge William and Patricia Baird Endowed Scholarship Fund

This scholarship shall be awarded by the Scholarship Committee and the dean of The School of Law. Scholarship awards can be used for tuition, books, or other expenses. Judge and Mrs. Baird are pleased to be in a position to assist law students who are pursuing their dream of practicing law.

Requirement: Visual or hearing impairment

This scholarship is designated to support students of The University of Akron School of Law who have visual or hearing impairments.

Requirement: merit based

This scholarship was established in honor of Judge Randoph Baxter (’74) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Ohio. The award will be made to law students who have demonstrated substantial academic achievement.

The William C. Becker Memorial Scholarship

The purpose of The William C. Becker Memorial Scholarship is to provide assistance for a second-year evening law student enrolled in Professional Responsibility at The University of Akron School of Law. In awarding the scholarship, the faculty responsible for teaching Professional Responsibility will provide the School of Law Scholarship Committee three to five students who best exemplify the qualities and characteristics of Professor Becker, as noted above, and have a demonstrated interest/achievement in the field of ethics and professional responsibility. The School of Law Scholarship Committee will select The William C. Becker Memorial Scholar from the list of candidates based on financial need, with approval from the dean of The University of Akron School of Law.

Requirement: female member of Akron Law Review editorial staff

The Kathryn A. Belfance Scholarship Fund was established by her family in honor of her 70th birthday. Kathryn (Kay) attended the School of Law as an evening student. During her studies, Kay worked full time as a legal secretary and was a single mother raising three children. This scholarship is designated for women who are members of the editorial staff of the Akron Law review. While balancing work, family, and her studies, Kay achieved academic excellence and was an associate editor on The University of Akron Law Review. Specifically, the award is for women who exhibit financial need, with preference to those who are mothers, balancing the demands of home life and academic success.

Requirement: BLSA member

This scholarship was established to provide tuition assistance with an expressed preference for a BLSA member.  BLSA's primary purpose is to provide academic, professional, and cultural support to minority law students. However, its membership and activities are open to the general student body.

Requirements: Day student, raising a family, demonstrated need

The Sharon L. Black Law Student Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 by Sharon L. Black and her husband, Dr. Bradford Black.This scholarship is designated for day students in good academic standing who are raising a family while attending law school and demonstrate financial need.

The George M. and Connie R. Boyd Scholarship Fund was established by George M. Boyd (’77).  Mr. Boyd was employed by the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Akron while attending law school in the evening. After graduation, he accepted a position with Squire, Sanders &Dempsey L.L.P., focusing on work in securities and mutual funds. In 1991, he and his wife, Connie, moved to Massachusetts. At the time the scholarship was established, Mr. Boyd was senior counsel, U.S. Wealth Management for John Hancock Financial Services Inc. in Boston. This scholarship is designated to scholarships for law students enrolled in the day or evening division of The University of Akron School of Law.

The income from an endowment fund established in 1978 by Attorney Evan B. Brewster is awarded to law students as determined by the Dean of the School of Law.

The funds from this scholarship are to be awarded to law students as determined by the dean of the School of Law.

Requirement:  °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ finance or accounting graduate

Awarded to 1L full time students

Awarded annually on the basis of merit to the outstanding graduate from the finance or accounting departments of The University of Akron College of Business Administration who applies and is admitted to the School of Law. The award is based on recommendations submitted by the dean of the College of Business Administration. The scholarship is awarded to a first-year full-time student of the School of Law and is not renewable.

The Colonial Felicisimo N. Buenafe M.D., J.D., Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established in 2012 by Dr. Buenafe's wife and children. This scholarship shall be awarded to part-time evening students enrolled at The University of Akron School of Law based on financial need and accumulative GPA of 3.0 and above. History of military service will be given special consideration when awarding this scholars.

This scholarship was established in honor of Judge Mary Cacioppo (’45), a retired judge from the 9th District Court of Appeals, to provide scholarship support for a law student.

The Professor Malina Coleman Memorial Award in Law

This scholarship attempts to capture some of the many rich facets of her life, along with her love of the legal profession and students. Preference and consideration may include but not be limited to:         

• Excellence in Contracts I and II evidenced by a GPA of 3.0 and above
• Ability to overcome personal obstacles and adversity (disadvantaged background)
• Need and/or merit
• Evidence of a commitment to Akron/Summit County area

Interested students should submit a resume and an essay (not to exceed two pages) describing their qualifications to be considered for this award. The award will be determined upon recommendation of professors who currently teach Contracts.

The Honorable Leroy J. Conti Jr. Scholarship

The purpose is to provide a scholarship to a law student attending The University of Akron School of Law who most exemplifies the characteristics and qualities of Judge Leroy J. Contie Jr. Consideration for The Honorable Leroy J. Contie Jr. Scholarship will be afforded to second- and third-year law students who submit an essay on the topic of public service and the role of the judiciary in deciding cases.

The Honorable Leroy J. Contie Jr. scholar will be selected by the dean of The University of Akron School of Law, upon the recommendation of a scholarship committee. The Honorable Leroy J. Contie, Jr. Scholarship committee will be comprised of a representative from The Timken Foundation, a member of the School of Law faculty, a representative of The Raymond C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, the Honorable Leroy J. Contie Jr., Janice Contie, Leroy J. Contie III, Ann Contie Benson, and the School of Law’s director of Admissions and Financial Assistance, who will chair the committee. If due to future unforeseen circumstances The Honorable Leroy J. Contie, Jr. Scholarship committee is unable to participate in the selection process, the responsibility for recommending a candidate to the dean of the School of Law will be assumed by The University of Akron School of Law Scholarship Committee.

The John D. Emanuel Endowed Scholarship Award

The John D. Emanuel Endowed Scholarship/Award will provide scholarship assistance directly to student accounts to cover expenses such as tuition and fees. Other funding not applied to a student’s account may be used for students’ study abroad awards. Study abroad awards may cover the cost of travel expenses, room and board and other program costs.

Consideration for the scholarship/award will be given to one or more Akron Law students demonstrating an interest in international law. The scholarship may be awarded to U.S. students intending to work in international law. It shall be distributed to students who are from the following geographic areas, in order of preference: (1) Trumbull County, Ohio; (2) Northeast Ohio; (3) Ohio; (4) United States.

Recipient selection and scholarship/award amounts will be determined annually by the dean of the School of Law and approved by Mr. Emanuel, or his designee.   Strong consideration will be given to students who have demonstrated financial need, strong academic merit and a commitment to community service.

Requirements: Merit based, need based

This fund was established through a bequest from the estate of Celia S. Evans. Charles D. Evans was a prominent Akron attorney who devoted part of his career to representing the Akron Public School Board. Celia S. Evans was a lifelong educator. This scholarship shall be awarded to students who have demonstrated high satisfactory scholarship and have an established need for financial assistance.

The Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Scholarship for Law

This scholarship was established in 2017 by Robert W. Buck on behalf of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar to provide scholarship assistance for deserving University of Akron School of Law students.

The Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Scholarship for Law will be awarded annually to one or more students enrolled at The University of Akron School of Law. The scholarship is restricted to supporting Akron law students from the greater Akron area. The School of Law’s scholarship committee will select the scholarship recipient(s) and determine the award amount.

Requirements: full time law student, demonstrated financial need

The Judge James G. France Scholarship was established by Mrs. France in memory of her husband. The scholarship fund was also supported as a class gift project by the Class of 1980. This scholarship honors Professor Emeritus of Law James G. France and is awarded to a full-time law student of demonstrated scholarship and need.

The Frank J. and Alice M. Gaffney Scholarship

The purpose of The Frank J. and Alice M. Gaffney Scholarship is to provide one or two academic scholarships to students attending The University of Akron School of Law. Selection of The Frank J. and Alice M. Gaffney Scholarship recipient(s) will be the responsibility of the School of Law Scholarship Committee, in coordination with The University of Akron’s Office of Student Financial Aid.

Requirement: BLSA Member

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide academic and/or book scholarship assistance, based on merit and need, to one or more members of The University of Akron School of Law’s Black Law Students Association.

The James J. Gill Scholarship in Law

The James J Gill Memorial Scholarship in Law was established to support students enrolled in The University of Akron School of Law. Recipients will be selected on the basis of academic merit and financial need determined by the Scholarship Committee at The University of Akron School of Law. Preference will be given to graduates of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.

Requirements: financial need, leadership, academic merit

This scholarship honoring Judge Oscar A. Hunsicker is awarded to law students on the basis of financial need, leadership capability, academic achievement, and professionalism.

Requirements: military service

This scholarship, which was established to honor retired School of Law Dean Donald M. Jenkins, provides scholarship assistance to a military veteran or to a student currently enlisted in the Reserves or National Guard.

Requirement: 2L student

This fund was established to provide awards to first-year law students in recognition of academic achievements. The award consists of a deluxe edition of Black’s Law Dictionary.

Requirements: merit and need based consideration

This scholarship was established by Harley ('73) and Carol Kastner. The scholarship will be given in honor of Francis and Dorothy Kastner. The award(s) will be made on the basis of academic merit and financial need.

Requirements: merit and demonstrated financial need

This scholarship was established in memory of Bruce David Kelley ('92) by Carolyn Kelley, David Kelley, and Lori Kelley. As a living legacy in remembrance of Bruce's life, this scholarship will be awarded to a law student employed full-time and attending evening classes. The award(s) will be made on the basis of merit and need.

Requirements: evening student, works full time

Preference: students from Youngstown, Boardman or Canton

The Michael and Mary Ellen Kilanowski Scholarship Fund is designated to scholarships for evening division students of The University of Akron School of Law who work full time (at least 40 hours per week), with a preference for applicants from Youngstown, Boardman, or Canton.

Requirements: Single parent, part-time student

Linda Klein (’89) raised her two sons as a single parent while attending Akron Law as a part-time evening student. This scholarship is designated for a single parent (male or female) in the part-time program who is in good academic standing at the law school.

The Law Enforcement Memorial

The purpose of The Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship is to provide financial assistance for the children of United States of America law enforcement officers – local, state, or federal - who were killed in the line of duty as a direct result of adversarial action. In awarding The Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship, financial assistance will cover tuition for attendance at The University of Akron School of Law, and preference will be given to students based on need and academic merit. The dean of The University of Akron School of Law, upon the recommendation of the School of Law Scholarship Committee, will select the annual recipient of The Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship.

Requirements: Joint Degree student, demonstrated financial need, commitment to community and servanthood

This scholarship was established by University of Akron alumni, Judith Macro and Richmond Davis. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist deserving students who are receiving a joint degree from the College of Business Administration (CBA) and the School of Law. Candidates must be of sound character and will be required to demonstrate financial need, community involvement and servanthood. The Director of Graduate Programs in the CBA will have the first opportunity to determine the recipients, in consultation with Judith Macro and Richmond Davis. The second opportunity will be designated to the Assistant Dean of the School of Law. The selection of recipients will be handled by the CBA Graduate Programs office in the first year, then rotated to the School of Law. Available to the Law School each Fall: 2006/07; 2008/09; 2010/11; 2012/13; 2014/15; 2016/17; 2018/19.

Requirement: must be recognized as a nun by the Roman Catholic Church

This scholarship was established to provide scholarship assistance for nuns enrolled at The University of Akron  School of Law or in a College of Business Administration graduate program.

The Craig M. McCarthy, Esquire, Memorial Scholarship

As a living legacy in celebration and remembrance of Craig's life, The Craig M. McCarthy, Esquire, Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established. The purpose of the scholarship fund is to provide an annual academic scholarship in the area of public interest law to a law student attending classes at The University of Akron School of Law. Preference in awarding the scholarship will be based on merit, demonstrated financial need, the geographic location of Tuscarawas and Stark counties, and a short personal statement that conveys why the student is interested in pursuing a career in public interest law.

Selection of the annual Craig M. McCarthy, Esquire, Memorial Scholar will be determined by a two-step process, until such time Craig's mother, father, widow, and other immediate family members are unable to participate. The process will begin with The University of Akron School of Law Scholarship Committee initiating a call for nominations and selecting the top candidates for final consideration by Timothy McCarthy, Cristene McCarthy, Kelly McCarthy, Jeffrey Timmons, and others they choose to serve on the McCarthy family award committee.

This scholarship was established to offer scholarship support to an Akron Law student who is in need of assistance.

Awarded to 1L day student in the spring semester

The purpose of this fund is to provide scholarship assistance to a student in the first-year day class. The award is distributed each spring.

The W. Paul (’30) and Thora J. Mills Scholarship Fund was established through the generosity of The W. Paul and Thora J. Mills Foundation. The trustees of the Foundation seek to assist students who demonstrate the values of hard work and dedication to their academic careers, with consideration of financial need.

Requirement: academic merit

This scholarship was established by Jack Morrison, Jr. (’81) and Victoria Lynn Morrison. Through the generous support of The Morrison Family Foundation, this scholarship will be awarded to a day or evening student with demonstrated academic achievement.

Requirements: full-time second-year African American student

The purpose of this award is to provide awards to full-time second-year African-American students at the School of Law on the basis of both academic merit and financial need.

Requirement: BLSA or ALSA Member

Former managing partner of Roetzel & Andress, Tim Ochsenhirt was serving as chairman of the Akron Bar Association’s Diversity Committee at the time this scholarship was established. The School of Law is proud to honor Ochsenhirt for his commitment to Akron Law, the community, and the legal profession through the establishment of this scholarship fund. This scholarship is designated to law students who are members of the Black Law Students' Association or the Asian/Latino Student Association.  The scholarship should be awarded to a student who has worked to foster diversity and demonstrates academic excellence and leadership.

The William M. Oldham Endowed Scholarship

The William M. Oldham Endowed Scholarship will provide scholarship assistance to deserving students enrolled at The University of Akron School of Law.

The William M. Oldham Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving student(s) at The University of Akron School of Law, as determined by The University of Akron School of Law’s scholarship committee in consultation with members of the Oldham family. The scholarship is to be used toward the cost of tuition and fees.

Requirement: Full-time day student, merit based

This scholarship was established in 1965, in memory of Judge and Mrs. W. E. Pardee. Judge Pardee served on the original Ninth District Court of Appeals of Ohio. This scholarship is awarded to full-time, day students based on academic merit.

Requirement: Merit based scholarship

Preference: Passion for public sector work

The purpose of this merit scholarship is to attract and retain top flight students. Individuals whose entering law school or upper division scholarship application embodies a demonstrated passion for public sector work will be considered most favorably.

Requirement: 3rd or 4th year law student; IP Focus; 3.0 or higher GPA

This fund was established by Robert M. Phipps (’59) in memory of his late wife Darleen. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide a scholarship to a third or fourth year evening law student pursuing a career in intellectual property law. Preference will be given to students with a 3.0 accumulative grade point average.

The Russell M. Pry Endowed Memorial Fund

Requirement: Graduate of Summit County School District and demonstrated commitment to community service

The Russell M. Pry (’84) Endowed Memorial Scholarship was established in 2017 through the leadership of the City of Akron Mayor Daniel Horrigan and Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro, along with the support of family and friends and members of the City of Akron and Summit County communities. It honors the memory of a brother, great friend, loyal Democrat, incredibly smart man and genuine good guy who worked hard to make his community a better place, Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry.

Preference: students who have lost a parent

"Harley John Queen never attended college, yet the Akron window washer valued higher education. Queen wanted others to benefit from the college education he never had. Queen particularly wanted to help young people who, like himself, had lost both their parents." (Source: °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ news release, 1/30/86.)

Requirements: evening student; demonstrated financial need

This fund was established by Margaret Rakas in memory of her husband, Associate Dean and Professor Albert S. Rakas. Because of his outstanding contributions to the School, the title of Professor of Law Emeritus was bestowed on Dean Rakas at the time of his retirement. Scholarships are for evening law students and will be distributed on the basis of demonstrated financial need.

This fund was established in honor of Judge and Mrs. Charles Sacks by their children, Robert and Naomi Christman, Sy and Laurel Fischer, and Harvey and Shirley Friedman. Scholarships are based on academic merit. Income from the fund is used to provide scholarships to deserving students in the School of Law.

The Stanley A. Samad Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Samad scholarship was designed to carry on Dean Samad’s legacy of ensuring opportunities for individuals to pursue law degrees leading to successful careers and his portrait, which hangs alongside other deans of the Law School, commemorates his tenure as dean.

The purpose of The Stanley A. Samad Memorial Scholarship Fund is to help The University of Akron School of Law recruit bright and promising law students by providing an annual scholarship to a first-year day or evening law student. The dean of The University of Akron School of Law will select The Stanley A. Samad Memorial Scholarship recipient, upon the recommendation of the Law School’s scholarship committee.

The Jeffery and Rene Savarise Endowed Scholarship

The Jeffrey and Rene Savarise Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually to one or more students enrolled at The University of Akron School of Law.  Scholarship award decisions will be determined by The University of Akron School of Law’s Scholarship Committee.

The School of Law Alumni Association Endowed Fund is designated to provide general support for the Law Alumni Association, including but not limited to scholarships for law students.

Requirements: interest in corporate finance or securities law; merit and need considered

This scholarship is to be awarded annually to a student with a demonstrated interest in corporate finance or securities law.  Merit and need will be considered equally.  Applicants should be in the upper half of their class. Full- and part-time students are welcome to apply.

The School of Law Development Fund is a private endowment established in 1986 by friends and alumni of the School of Law who have donated funds for the benefit of the School of Law but not have specified their use. The income from this endowment has been designated, in part, for use as scholarship assistance for qualified students.

Requirement: Day student

Applicants must submit a 1-2 page personal statement detailing their enthusiasm for Akron Law

This scholarship was established by Mary Seidel (’95), a prominent lobbyist in Washington, D.C. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial support for day students of The University of Akron School of Law, with preference to applicants who demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for their law school career and take pride in their academic experience at Akron, are resolute in pursuit of their future profession, and have a passion toward reaching their goals. Students who are interested in government and politics are encouraged to apply as well.

This scholarship was established by Philip D. Shepherd’s wife and sons for the benefit of students enrolled at The University of Akron School of Law.  Funds from this scholarship are used to assist hardworking students who are pursuing their dream of practicing law.

Preference: Coshocton County resident

The Skelton family, of which Joseph R. Skelton is a 1974 graduate of The University of Akron School of Law, established The Skelton Family Law Alumni Association Endowment Fund.  Among other things, the Skelton Family Law Alumni Association Endowment Fund is used to provide scholarship assistance to law students. In awarding scholarship support for law students, preference shall be given to Coshocton County residents.

Requirements: Evening student who works full time

The Harvey E. Smith ’39 Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund is designated to scholarships for School of Law students enrolled in the evening division who work full time and are in good academic standing. The ideal candidate should mirror Harvey’s example of hard work and dedication to education.

This scholarship was established by family and friends in memory of Fully R. Spain, Jr. (’73) and is awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or need.

Requirements: Youngstown State Graduate

This scholarship is awarded to qualified Youngstown State graduates who are enrolled at The University of Akron School of Law.

Requirement: From Stark County

Preference: GlenOak High School graduate; interest in public service

This scholarship will be awarded to a law student from Stark County, Ohio, with special consideration given to graduates of GlenOak High School. Students with a background or interest in public service are encouraged to apply.

This fund was established in 1976 by the Firestone Foundation in memory of Joseph Thomas, Esquire. It is used to assist financially deserving students of high academic potential and achievement.

Requirement: Need or merit based

This scholarship was established by retired Ninth District Court of Appeals Judge William H. Victor in memory of his parents. The scholarship is based on academic merit and/or need.

Requirement: from the metropolitan New York area

The Jay L. Vodofsky 1978 Scholarship Fund  is designated for law students at The University of Akron School of Law who are from the metropolitan New York area.

Requirement: Serve on the editorial board of the Akron Law Review

The purpose this scholarship is to provide an academic scholarship for a member of The University of Akron School of Law’s Akron Law Review. The Daniel Wallen Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually to a law student serving in a leadership position and holding a named Akron Law Review editorial board position.

Requirement: top 1/3 of class

Preference: Interest in Commercial Law

This scholarship is funded by income received from the presentation of seminars in the field of Bankruptcy Law prepared or presented by Judge Harold White ('52) and subsequent contributions by Judge and Mrs. White. Qualifications for this scholarship include: second, third, or fourth year students whose overall grade point average places them in the upper one-third of their class. An interest in Commercial Law is preferred.

Requirement: BLSA member

The purpose of The Honorable James R. and Catherine D. Williams Scholarship Fund is to reward academic achievement and a history of leadership at the School of Law or in the community by upper-division law students who are members of the Black Law Students Association.  Law students with financial need will receive favorable consideration.

Requirements: Enrolled in IP Class(es); 3.0 or better GPA

This scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a student who has undertaken study in the field of intellectual property law. Mr. Young's goal in establishing this scholarship is to challenge and prepare in the best possible manner students for the practice of intellectual property law. The recipient must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled in an intellectual property-oriented course during the year the scholarship is awarded.