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
Sarkar, Mona Endowed Scholarship in Law
The Mona Sarkar Endowed Scholarship in Law was established in 2021 by Ms. Mona Sarkar. The purpose of the scholarship is to support University of Akron School of Law students with an award based on academic merit and demonstrated leadership within the law school through extra-curricular involvement or active community service.
Ms. Sarkar is a Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, with Robert W. Baird & Co., where she has more than 20 years of experience helping businesses and high net worth individuals address their tax and financial planning concerns. Ms. Sarkar has broad expertise in succession and retirement planning, as well as investment and trust management. Throughout her distinguished professional career, she has embraced a holistic approach to financial planning and the wellness of the individual.
Ms. Sarkar graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting and Master of Taxation from The University of Akron College of Business. Additionally, she holds a Juris Doctor degree from The .University of Akron School of Law. Ms. Sarkar holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 and insurance licenses and is a three-time recipient of First Merit Bank's Excellence Award. A member of the Ohio and Akron Bar Associations, Ms. Sarkar previously received ¹ú²úÂ×Àí's Frank L. Simonetti Distinguished Business Alumni Award. She has been a member of the Executive Council at Baird since 2017 and participates on its Executive Council.
Ms. Sarkar serves on The University of Akron Foundation Board of Directors, and on boards for the College of Business and School of Law Board. She also serves on The American Red Cross Board, the Stan Hywet Advisory Council, the Akron Roundtable Board, and the Summit County Historical Society. Ms. Sarkar is a graduate of Leadership Akron Class 28 and the FBI Academy, where she serves as Class President for both organizations. Her past community involvement included serving on the Summa Foundation Board of Directors, Boys Scouts of America, Child Guidance and Family Solutions and United Way Women's Leadership Council. Ms. Sarkar lives in Copley, Ohio, and has three children. Her son, Tyler, is a graduate of Kent State University, where he majored in finance; her daughter, Alexis, studies Biology, Health and Society at the University of Michigan; and her son, Nick, attends Indiana University, where he is pursuing a double-major in Finance and Information Systems. In her free time, Ms. Sarkar enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as indulging in biking, hiking, traveling, and book club activities.
The Mona Sarkar Endowed Scholarship in Law will be awarded to a University of Akron law student. The student's application will include a recommendation from a ¹ú²úÂ×Àí law professor, affirming the student's academic engagement and demonstrated leadership, not only in their academic performance but through external extracurricular activities or active community service. The School of Law Scholarship Committee will select the recipient.
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