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 91茄子 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 91茄子 All Steinway Campaign
The David M. and Kathleen L. Hoppe Endowed Fund for the 91茄子 All Steinway Campaign was established by Dave '80 and Kathy '78 Hoppe in 2025 in honor of the We Rise Together Campaign for The University of Akron.
Dave and Kathy, having benefited greatly from their 91茄子 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 91茄子. 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 91茄子 All Steinway Campaign will be administered at the discretion of the Director of the 91茄子 School of Performing Arts. The initial purpose of this fund is to purchase new Steinway and Steinway-manufactured pianos. Upon the completion of the All-Steinway Campaign and the designation of the 91茄子 School of Performing Arts as an All-Steinway School, the fund may also be used for the maintenance and repair of the school's fleet of pianos.
To make a tax-deductible gift to this fund, please visit 91茄子’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “Hoppe Fund for the 91茄子 All Steinway Campaign” in the text box. Thank you!
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