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Dove, Ray A. Endowed Scholarship in Chemistry

The Ray A. Dove Endowed Scholarship in Chemistry was established at The University of Akron in March 2024 by Alfred S. Mowdood '91 and Miriam Mowdood Kelly, children of the late Dr. Syed Mowdood. Through their gift, Alfred and Miriam wish to highlight the groundbreaking contributions of their father's colleague and friend, the late Mr. Ray A. Dove, a two-time University of Akron graduate who served as the rubber industry's first black research chemist. They also wish to honor every individual who graduated from The University of Akron or leveraged its renowned expertise in polymers to embark on a prosperous career.

Dr. Mowdood instilled within his children a deep respect and admiration for Mr. Dove, both for the quality of his work and the challenges he overcame. Inspired by Mr. Dove's personal story and his remarkable accomplishments, Alfred and Miriam hope this scholarship helps pave the way for future generations of aspiring students in the field of chemistry.

Born August 17, 1921, in Rockmart, Ga., Mr. Dove was just two (and the youngest of 14 children) when he moved with his family to Ohio. After graduating from East High School, he enrolled at The University of Akron, becoming the first in his family to attend college. He went on to earn - with stellar grades - a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1947 and a master's in chemistry in 1953.

Mr. Dove spent his entire career with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He began as the plant's freight-elevator operator, working from 6 p.m. to midnight while taking college courses during the day. Despite his belief that better employment would come after earning his undergraduate degree, no offer was made. Undeterred, Mr. Dove continued working the elevator while completing his master's degree. He landed a promising interview with another local manufacturer, but company leaders declined to hire him, believing white workers might react poorly to a black colleague. Ultimately, Mr. Dove's white principal at East High School called in a favor with connections at Goodyear, helping Mr. Dove earn a position that was commensurate with his education and skills.

In later interviews, Mr. Dove noted that despite his initial difficulties, he never encountered prejudice from coworkers during his four-decade career with Goodyear, which saw him rise from analytical chemist to senior research chemist to section head, before his retirement in 1986.

In addition to his pioneering role in the Akron rubber industry, Mr. Dove served with the Army in World War II and earned three Bronze Stars with the 483rd Aviation Squadron. He and his wife, Elvira, were married for more than seven decades and raised four children: Ray Jr., Rita, Rhonda, and Robin. Mr. Dove passed away at age 98 in Akron on May 26, 2020.

Mr. Dove's daughter, Rita, won a Pulitzer Prize in 1987 for "Thomas and Beulah," a book of poems based on the lives of her maternal grandparents. She was named U.S. Poet Laureate in 1993, and President Bill Clinton presented her with a National Humanities Medal in 1997.

The Ray A. Dove Endowed Scholarship in Chemistry was created as part of We Rise Together, the Campaign for The University of Akron.

To be eligible for The Ray A. Dove Endowed Scholarship in Chemistry, students must:

• Be accepted to or enrolled (full or part time) at The University of Akron;
• Have a declared major in chemistry;
• Be in good academic standing with the University or with their high school (if an incoming freshman), and
• Have demonstrated financial need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid.

The scholarship is renewable if the recipient continues to meet all qualifications. Funds may also be used for on-campus room and board, as well as meal plans. Funds used for purposes other than qualified educational expenses may be reportable and/or taxable to the recipient.

Recipients shall be selected ¹ú²úÂ×Àí Scholarship Committee in the Office of Student Financial Aid.

To make a tax-deductible gift to this scholarship, please visit ¹ú²úÂ×Àí’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “Ray Dove Scholarship” in the text box. Thank you!