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
McClish, Richard R. and Debra Endowed Scholarship
The Richard R. and Debra McClish Endowed Scholarship was established by Richard R. and Debra McClish in October 2018 and revised in 2022 to support students in Ohio.
Mr. McClish grew up in west Akron and attended Buchtel High School. He then went to The University of Akron, where he graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, he was employed by E. I. du Pont in Charleston, WV. In 1972, Mr. McClish joined General Electric's plastics business in Mt. Vernon, Indiana. He worked for GE, in management, for 25 years in several locations, rising to the rank of general manager in the company's manufacturing division. He left GE to work for RR Donnelley & Sons in Chicago, the world's largest commercial printer. There, he served as senior vice president and chief manufacturing officer for seven years. Mr. McClish's principal focus was working with operations to improve the productivity and efficiency of their presses and finishing equipment. He left RR Donnelley & Sons to work for Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, NE as Vice President of Continuous Improvement, where he worked with the operating department improving the efficiency of their infrastructure and equipment.
Mr. and Mrs. McClish want to help mechanical and aerospace engineering students at The University of Akron attain their career goals and dreams.
The Richard R. and Debra McClish Endowed Scholarship shall be awarded to mechanical and/or aerospace engineering student(s) at The University of Akron. First consideration will be given to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are graduates of a high school in Ohio. Selection of the recipient(s) will be made 国产伦理 Scholarship Committee.
Applicants must also:
- Possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or greater
- Have attended at least one year (two semesters} of full-time study at The University of Akron
- Have financial need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid