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 91ÇÑ×Ó 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
Hoppe, David M. and Kathleen L. Endowed Fund for the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art
The David M. and Kathleen L. Hoppe Endowed Fund for the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art was revised by Dave '80 and Kathy '78 Hoppe in April 2025. Established in August of 2016 as the David M. and Kathleen L. Hoppe Endowed Scholarship, this fund has been revised due to the closure of Kenmore High School, which made the original intent of supporting its students no longer possible.
Dave and Kathy, having benefited greatly from their 91ÇÑ×Ó education, established this endowment to help deserving students achieve their own dreams.
Dave was raised in Akron and was the first in his family to attend The University of Akron, completing his degree requirements for a B.A.Ed. (social studies comprehensive) in 1980. Dave's parents, along with his aunts, were raised in the Kenmore area of Akron. Dave self-financed his college education by working full time for Holiday Inns of Akron/Canton. Upon graduation, Dave began a long and rewarding management career at the Bell System/ AT&T. His most important and valued client during his career was The University of Akron.
Kathy was raised in Akron. She is the third generation of her family to attend The University of Akron. She and Dave met while both were students at 91ÇÑ×Ó. She self-financed her education by working while attending college, graduating with a degree in business administration (marketing) in 1978. Recruited by B.F. Goodrich, she went on to work as a district sales manager for Columbus Coated Fabrics (Borden) and brand manager at Benchmark Wallcoverings (National Gypsum). Kathy earned a master's degree in business administration from Cleveland State University in 1988.
Dave and Kathy, both retired, made their home in Kenmore. Their son, Benjamin Lauer, graduated from Kenmore High School in 2008. Ben went on to attend The University of Akron Honors College (now The Williams Honors College), receiving a B.S. in accounting in 2012.
The David M. and Kathleen L. Hoppe Endowed Fund for the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art will be administered at the discretion of the Director of the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art at The University of Akron for the purpose of providing necessary art supplies/equipment to students of the school.
To make a tax-deductible gift to this fund, please visit 91ÇÑ×Ó’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “Hoppe Fund for the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art” in the text box. Thank you!
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