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.
Search for a Named Scholarship
Swagelok Engineering Scholarship
The Swagelok Engineering Scholarship at The University of Akron is funded with support from The Fred A. Lennon Charitable Trust.
Swagelok Company is based in Solon, Ohio, U.S.A. Founded in 1947 by Fred A. Lennon, the company is a major developer and provider of fluid system solutions, including products, assemblies, and services for the research, instrumentation, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, power, petrochemical, alternative fuels, and semiconductor industries. Its manufacturing, research, technical support, and distribution facilities support a global network of more than 200 authorized sales and service centers in 57 countries.
Mr. Lennon’s hallmark in business, “pride of perfection,” is still central to the company’s business practices today. Swagelok anchors its reputation for quality to meritorious standards throughout the firm and its distribution network. The guiding principal that leads to excellence in products and service is to constantly strive for excellence in people as the first step. The Fred A. Lennon Charitable Trust honors this philosophy.
Recognizing that exceptional engineering students are competitively recruited by universities, The Swagelok Engineering Scholarship was established in November 2014 and revised in April 2015 to help The University of Akron attract and retain an elite caliber of talented engineering students.
Students will be considered for The Swagelok Engineering Scholarship if they are incoming, first-year students (freshmen) at The University of Akron or they currently are enrolled and in their first year at the University.
For incoming, first-year (freshmen) students, the following eligibility requirements exist:
- High school GPA of 3.7 or higher
- ACT Math score of 28 or higher
- ACT Composite score of 28 or higher
- Honors College eligible
- Pursuit of a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Corrosion Engineering
The scholarship is renewable for two additional years provided the student stays in a qualifying engineering major AND maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. Students also will be given the opportunity to interview for a co-operative education or internship experience with Swagelok Company.
For currently enrolled first-year students, the following eligibility requirements exist:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher after completion of at least 24 credit hours at The University of Akron
- At least an A- in all math courses (3450)
- Completion of Calculus I by the end of the second semester at The University of Akron
- Pursuit of a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Corrosion Engineering
The scholarship is renewable for one additional year provided the student stays in a qualifying engineering major AND maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. Students also will be given the opportunity to interview for a co-operative education or internship experience with Swagelok Company.
In keeping with Fred A. Lennon’s philosophy of excellence, exceptional students also are identified through leadership activities that demonstrate a student’s motivation, discipline, time-management, and work ethic. Candidates for The Swagelok Engineering Scholarship should present examples of leadership, such as employment, charitable/community service, and extra-curricular activities. At least half of the students named Swagelok Scholars during the gift period will be pursuing degrees in Mechanical Engineering.
The Swagelok Engineering Scholarship award may be up to $2,000 per recipient per year, subject to scholarship cap requirements at The University of Akron. Students may apply the scholarship toward tuition and fees. Selection of the student(s) is made by the head of the Honors Program and the associate dean for undergraduate studies in the College of Engineering.
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