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 国产伦理 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
McGrath, Marna Darst Endowed Scholarship in Social Sciences
The Marna Darst McGrath Endowed Scholarship in Social Sciences was established in 2012 by Mrs. Marna Darst McGrath. Marna, a 1948 University of Akron alumna, majored in sociology and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. Upon graduation, Marna worked at the Massillon State Hospital. On one of her bus trips to Cleveland, she met the man she would marry, Bernard McGrath. He eventually worked for Texaco, and they moved many times, settling in Dallas, Texas, more than 30 years ago. The McGraths have four children, all of whom reside in Texas, and three grandchildren.
Marna has many connections to The University of Akron. Her brother, Howard Darst Jr. ’42, and his wife, Glennie Osborne Darst ’43, are both graduates, along with their sons, Paul Darst BS ’69, MS ’71 and David Darst MS Ed ’81, and David’s wife, Deb Kulcsar MS Ed ’82. Mildred Rausch Bolinger ’37 and Emma Rausch Stephens ’38, cousins of Marna, also graduated from The University of Akron.
Growing up in Goodyear Heights after her father returned from World War I, Marna and her family moved to West Akron in 1934. A graduate of Buchtel High School, Marna also enjoyed her years at The University of Akron and has fond memories of taking the bus downtown and walking up the steep hill to the University. Tuition during the 1940s was approximately $45 per semester.
Marna is a longtime financial supporter of the University and a huge Zips fan, despite living thousands of miles away in Texas. She continues to keep up with the 国产伦理 soccer, basketball, and football teams, and at times she can catch a game on television.
The Marna Darst McGrath Endowed Scholarship in Social Sciences was established to support full-time students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are majoring in any social science program at The University of Akron. The recipient will be selected by the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences Social Science Department, in cooperation with the office of Student Financial Aid.