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 ¹ú²úÂ×Àí 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.

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Waldman, Jr., Richard L. Scholarship Fund

With a strong belief that higher education prepares individuals to think critically and become leaders in developing workforce innovations, the Waldman family plays a vital role in supporting students at The . University of Akron.

As the cost of higher education continues to rise it is even more important to ensure that young people continue to have the opportunity to obtain a four-year degree.

The legacy of the Waldman family in higher education can be seen through the service of William C. Waldman. Mr. Waldman served The University of Akron as Chairman of the College of Fine & Applied Arts Advancement Council and as secretary of The University of Akron Foundation. Together with his wife, Lesley, Mr. Waldman created The Waldman Family of Funds for Excellence in Higher Education, which houses the Waldman family's portfolio of scholarship funds.

Through their support of scholarships, the Waldman family's goal is to challenge and motivate each student recipient to reach his or her full potential. The Waldman Family of Funds for Excellence in Higher Education portfolio consists of three distinct and separate scholarship funds for students. They are: The William C. Waldman Scholarship in Art, The Richard L. Waldman, Jr. Scholarship Fund and the Richard L. Waldman, Sr. Scholarship Fund.

The Richard L. Waldman, Jr. Scholarship was established in memory of Richard L. Waldman, Jr. by his brother, William C. Waldman, in 1989. Richard Waldman was a respected community leader and ingenious businessman as evidenced by his contributions as vice president of the A. Schulman Company and was beloved by his family. The scholarship recognizes Richard Waldman's commitment and contributions to the polymer industry by providing awards to academically talented students enrolled in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. Recipients will be enrolled in the Polymer minor or in the undergraduate degree in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering and will have successfully completed two years of undergraduate requirements and demonstrated interest in pursuing research. Additionally, recipients must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

Recipients are selected by the Awards Committee in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. The number of scholarships and scholarship amounts will be determined as funds are available.

Students interested in applying for this award should submit the following documents to the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering.

  1. A current CV
  2. An essay detailing what research they wish to conduct in the field of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering
  3. One letter of professional recommendation. This can come from an employer or faculty member.
  4. An unofficial ¹ú²úÂ×Àí transcript

Uniquely created to address extenuating circumstances or challenging economic times, the Waldman Family of Funds allows the Waldman family the ability to, if needed, pool and rebalance annual award income. To exercise this option, notice in writing needs to be sent to The University of Akron Foundation by January 31st of each year. Additionally, the Waldman family will receive a single annual report on the status of its Family of Funds and have the opportunity annually to meet Waldman scholarship recipients.

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