The Anthropology Endowed ProfessorshipThe Anthropology Endowed Professorship was established in 2001 by an anonymous donor in recognition of the importance of Anthropology in the contemporary world. The goal of this professorship is to provide funding for a faculty position and to further enhance the strong, vital program offered at The University of Akron. The endowment will initially support an assistant professor in the Department of Classical Studies, Anthropology and Archaeology in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences. Appointment for the Endowed Professorship is to be made by the President and the Board of Trustees on the recommendation of the Dean of the College and the Department Chair. Once the position is established, the endowment will continue to provide funding for future faculty appointees.
The David L. Brennan Chair of Law
The David L. Brennan Chair of Law was established in 1984. David L. Brennan is a partner in one of Akron’s leading law firms, Amer Cunningham and Brennan Co., L.P.A. The Brennan chair funds visiting legal scholars of the School of Law for academic and community interaction. Previous Brennan chair holders have included former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg and historian Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
The Lester E. and Kathleen A. Coleman Chair
Dr. Lester E. Coleman graduated from The University of Akron in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He proceeded to obtain a master’s degree and Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Illinois. Dr. Coleman joined Lubrizol Corporation in 1955 as a research chemist and eventually ascended to be their Chairman and CEO. He held more than 30 U.S. patents and 85 foreign patents and authored 50 magazine articles and magazine publications. Mrs. Coleman has served as a trustee for Hiram College and has been very involved in the Cleveland community.
The Lester E. and Kathleen A. Coleman Chair was created in 2002 by The Lester E. and Kathleen A. Coleman Foundation and a matching contribution from The GAR Foundation. The endowment provides the University with annual financial support for the recruitment and retention of a senior scientist of recognized stature and national reputation in the field of chemistry with preference given to those concentrating their work in the synthesis or spectroscopic characterization of macromolecular materials. The endowment will fortify interdisciplinary research within the University and will promote interactions between regional and national colleges and universities, government agencies, and other organizations involved in chemistry and polymer science.
The Paul A. Daum Professorship in Theatre Arts
Created in 1995 by Dr. Daum, The Paul A. Daum Professorship in Theatre Arts is the first endowed professorship to be established in the College of Fine and Applied Arts. Dr. Daum joined the theatre faculty at The University of Akron in 1964 after earning his UA master of arts degree in theatre arts and joined the faculty. As Professor of Theatre Arts, Dr. Daum has helped direct the theatre department’s academic program, which has become part of the School of Dance, Theatre and Arts Administration. He provided valuable off-stage technical expertise for all of the University’s theatres. Theatre arts students have benefited from his roles as teacher, technical director, administrator, and adviser. The Professorship reflects his life-long commitment to the theatre and to The University of Akron’s theatre program that he helped nurture.
The Margaret F. Donovan Chair for Women in Engineering
An educator by profession, Margaret F. Donovan holds a strong belief that education is the pathway to betterment and success. A staunch advocate for the recognition of hard work, dedication, and persistence, this viewpoint, combined with a unique window into the challenges facing women in the engineering field, motivated Mrs. Donovan to take a decisive move to instigate change in the United States. Her goal is nothing less than to effect gender equity in engineering education and careers.
One of five daughters in a family of modest means, Mrs. Donovan came to realize that the difference between those that succeeded in life and those facing continual challenges is education. Thus, she was the first member of her family to undertake and complete a college education.
Following graduation, Mrs. Donovan taught for three years before the birth of her children then on and off to total about ten years in teaching and counseling. Then, together with her husband, the late Robert E. Donovan, continued to make education a priority in raising her children. Reflecting the Donovan’s long held faith in the power of education, upon Mr. Donovan’s death, Mrs. Donovan created The Robert E. Donovan Scholarship Fund at The University of Akron. The Donovan Scholarship supports women in engineering, business and law. The emphasis of the Scholarship recognizes the Donovan’s belief not only in education, but that, in some fields, females are not equally represented members of the profession.
Awarding the Donovan Scholarship afforded Mrs. Donovan the opportunity to witness the particular challenges faced by women pursuing engineering careers. This led to the creation of The Margaret F. Donovan Chair for Women in Engineering.
Established in 2001, the endowment creates a permanent chairship designed to encourage women to achieve equity in engineering careers and education. The Margaret F. Donovan Chair for Women in Engineering is the first of its kind to be established in the U.S.
It is intended that the holder of the Chair will encourage women enrolled in undergraduate and graduate engineering programs at The University of Akron to undertake and complete degrees in engineering. It is further expected that the Chair will work to generate interest in studying math and science among female elementary and high school students as well as supporting programs to achieve this end. Mrs. Donovan and The University of Akron’s College of Engineering believe that the establishment of
the permanent Donovan Chair will level the playing field and make engineering education more accessible for women.
The Donovan Chair will:
• Be a top-flight professor in the College. Candidate would be a tenured faculty member in most likely, the Department of Electrical and Computer or Mechanical Engineering;
• Be a lightening rod for change; and
• Be national, not just regional.
Beyond the Chair’s considerable contributions as a role model, objectives would be to:
• Generate interest in studying math and science from the elementary grades through high school;
• Encourage choice by helping high school girls see college/program choices as clear links to their careers; and,
• Sustain women enrolled in the College on their path to completing engineering degrees.
In addition, the Chair holder shall be an academician with a strong and demonstrated history of active support of women in engineering programs.
The James L. and Martha J. Foght Professorship in Chemistry
The James L. Foght graduated from The University of Akron in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He proceeded to earn his master’s degree and Ph.D. in organic chemistry, with minors in biochemistry and microbiology, from the University of Illinois. Dr. Foght’s professional career began at E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co., and he also served in two positions at Kidder Peabody. Dr. Foght founded and served as president of Vector Securities International, which specialized in banking services for the life sciences and healthcare industries.
The James L. and Martha L. Foght Professorship in Chemistry was created in 2001 by a donation from Dr. and Mrs. Foght and a matching contribution from the GAR Foundation. The University of Akron’s Department of Chemistry will fill the position with a scientist of recognized stature and reputation in the fields of biochemistry and polymer science intersect. The Foght Professor will interact with research groups in both the Department of Chemistry and the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering.
The Mary E. Glenny and Dr. Fred H. Glenny Professorship in Biology
Dr. Fred H. Glenny was a native of Akron, Ohio. He graduated from Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio in 1931. He received his B.A. in 1936 and his M.S. in 1940 from The University of Akron. Dr. Glenny served in World War II in the United States Army. He then returned to school and achieved his Ph.D. in 1953 from Ohio State University. Mary Glenny was a graduate of the College of Wooster.
Dr. Glenny, an ornithologist, conducted research on the "Aortic Arch Systems in Birds." He studied over 800 species and subspecies of birds, representing 120 families. He published many articles on his detailed studies on the main arteries of the neck and thorax. Supported by several National Science Foundation grants, he conducted research in London and the South Pacific. His wife, Mary, accompanied him on many of these trips and assisted with library research. Dr. Glenny was a founding member of the Ohio Academy of Science, a member of the Florida Academy of Science, The Wilson Ornithological Society, American Society of Zoologists, and a member of the Zoological Society of England. Mary Glenny helped make Dr. Glenny’s achievements possible. Through her willingness to travel, type, and provide support, she was the inspiration for his success.
Dr. and Mrs. Glenny were ecologists and enjoyed their summer home at Blue Sea Lake in Quebec, Canada. They later spent summers in a home on Brushy Mountain in North Carolina. They both enjoyed many outdoor activities. Dr. Glenny was an educator and an inspiring teacher who had a great sense of humor. He and his wife went out of their way to help students who needed assistance. After their passing, they continued to receive notes and cards from former students. Mary Glenny was loved by friends, family, and all who knew her.
Dr. Glenny taught at Youngstown University before joining the faculty at Fairleigh-Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey where he taught anatomy. After his early retirement, he and his wife moved to Winter Park, Florida. Dr. Glenny passed away on December 28, 1992 at the age of 79; and Mrs. Glenny passed away on May 10, 2000 at the age of 83.
It was the decision and wish of Mary Glenny to create The Mary E. Glenny and Dr. Fred H. Glenny Professorship in Biology. It was established through a bequest by Mary Glenny in honor of Fred Glenny’s career and their life-long dedication to education. The Professorship is to provide support for a position in the Biology Department.
The Benjamin Franklin Goodrich Endowed Professorship in Polymer Engineering
The Benjamin Franklin Goodrich Endowed Professorship in Polymer Engineering was established in 1990 to augment, through endowment, an existing full professorship in the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. The Goodrich professorship supports the work of a distinguished faculty member. Benjamin Franklin Goodrich, founder of The BFGoodrich Company, is recognized as a pioneer in the area of rubber and polymer development. The Goodrich professorship is a lasting tribute to his leadership and vision.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Chair in Chemistry
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Chair in Chemistry provides financial support for the recruitment of a senior scientist of recognized stature and international reputation in chemistry. The Goodyear professor will add to the University’s developing reputation as a scientific research center. The professor will stimulate faculty colleagues, challenge students, and promote interactions between the University and Goodyear’s scientific research center.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Chair in Intellectual Property Law
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Chair in Intellectual Property Law was established in 1997 to provide on-going financial support for an internationally renowned professor of intellectual property law within The University of Akron School of Law. The stature of the Goodyear professor of intellectual property law will enhance one of the strongest Intellectual Property Law programs in the United States of America. The Goodyear professor will serve an important role in advancing critical thinking in the intellectual property law field in academia, the legal community, business and industry.
The F. Theodore Harrington Engineering Professorship
Established in 1987 through a gift by F. Theodore Harrington, a 1925 mechanical engineering graduate, and his wife, Madge, Class of 1926, the professorship supports an outstanding faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Funds assist with research, teaching, and scholarly pursuits.
The Madge W. Harrington Education Professorship
The Madge W. Harrington Education Professorship was created in 1987 in memory of Madge Harrington, a 1926 alumna. The professorship supports an outstanding faculty member in the College of Education with funds for research, teaching, and academic exploration.
The Robert F. and Lucille S. Harris Endowed Chair/Fellowship in History
The Robert F. and Lucille S. Harris Endowed Chair/Fellowship in History was established through a life income gift from Monica M. Scott, mother of Lucille Scott Harris. This gift will provide benefits for students and faculty in perpetuity. The endowed fund will provide support for a graduate fellowship or an academic chair in the Department of History.
Robert F. Harris was born in Mass City, Michigan on November 25, 1903 and was a resident of Akron since 1919. By working as a movie theater usher seven days a week and working on the Erie Railroad, Mr. Harris financed his own education at The University of Akron. He received a bachelor’s degree in English in 1928, followed by a master’s degree in history in 1941. During his years in college, Mr. Harris was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and dedicated his life to teaching American History. Mr. Harris taught American History for 19 years at the former West High School and for 17 years at Buchtel High School.
Robert F. and Lucille Scott Harris generously provided for The University of Akron for 39 years. Through their love for the University and their firm belief in the value of education, the couple invested in their future and the future of the University with life-income gifts designated to support their first love, history.
Mr. and Mrs. Harris also established The Robert F. and Lucille S. Harris Scholarship in History in 1985 to provide tuition assistance for deserving undergraduate students in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences who are majoring in history. The endowed history scholarship provides annual undergraduate tuition support.
Mr. and Mrs. Harris created two other scholarships: The Mary Louis Beverly Scholarship Fund, established in 1967 in honor of Mr. Harris’ sister, to benefit the College of Education; and The Robert F. Harris and Lucille S. Harris Scholarship Fund in Art Studies, established in 1982 to benefit undergraduate students majoring in art studies.
The Charles G. Herberich Professorship in Real Estate
The Charles G. Herberich Professorship in Real Estate, the first endowed professorship in the College of Business Administration, is within the college’s finance department. The professorship is the result of gifts from Charles Herberich, the Ohio Real Estate Commission, and other local individuals interested in real estate. The professorship funds an outstanding real estate scholar in the College of Business Administration and supports teaching, research, and community service.
The Robert Iredell Chair in Chemical Engineering
Robert Iredell, 1909 University of Akron alumnus and cofounder of The General Tire & Rubber Company, endowed this chemical engineering chair in 1964. The Iredell chair funds an outstanding faculty member in the College of Engineering and provides support for research.
Thomas A. Knowles Professorship in Polymer Science
The Thomas A. Knowles Professorship in Polymer Science was established in 2000 with a gift from Mr. Thomas Knowles and a matching contribution from the GAR Foundation. The professorship recognizes Mr. Knowles leadership as President of the Goodyear Aerospace Corporation.
Dr. Harry H. Leuchtag Professorship in BiologyThe Dr. Harry H. Leuchtag Professorship in Biology was established in 2001 by a gift from Dr. Harry H. Leuchtag and a matching contribution from the GAR Foundation. The professorship memorializes Dr. Leuchtag's commitment to education and recognizes his accomplishments as a medical doctor.
The Paul E. Martin Chair in Biological Field Studies
Established through the charitable support of Dr. Paul E. Martin '35, The Dr. Paul E. Martin Chair in Biological Field Studies provides annual financial support for the recruitment and retention of a senior scientist of recognized stature and national reputation in biological field studies. The Dr. Paul E. Martin Professor will advance The University of Akron's scientific research endeavors directed to the preservation and study of biodiversity at the Bath Nature Preserve and other environmental sites of scientific and educational interest. The endowment will fortify interdisciplinary research within the University and will promote interactions between regional and national colleges and universities, government agencies, and other organizations involved in ecological studies and activities. (Funding held in trust)
The Dr. Paul E. Martin Endowed Chair for Conflict Management
The Dr. Paul E. Martin Chair for Conflict Management was created to assist The University of Akron's initiative for peace and harmony in all spheres of human activity. Dr. Martin '35, embodied a long-standing commitment to peace and strongly believed the study of conflict management could make the most valuable contribution to this end.
Conflict Management is a field that explores the methods by which conflict and change can be managed. It includes the study of economic, political and social systems at the family, local, national and global levels, while examining ideology, culture and technology as they relate to conflict and change. The Dr. Paul E. Martin Endowed Chair for Conflict Management will support faculty members focused specifically in this area of study. Also, the endowment will fortify the University's objective for fostering resilient social, institutional and global relationships to resolve routine conflicts, which in turn, will enable individuals and organizations to weather serious conflicts. (Funding held in trust)
C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Professorship (Civil Procedure)
The C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Professorship Fund was established in 1999 through a magnanimous bequest from the estate of C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Mr. McDowell’s bequest to the School of Law was given without restrictions. The largest gift to be received in the history of the School of Law, Mr. McDowell’s gift was transformational in nature for the School of Law and the law center that bears the McDowell Family name. Today, a portion of Mr. McDowell’s gift is being used to recognize academic excellence and retain high quality faculty members and to provide for the recruitment of new high quality faculty members at The University of Akron School of Law.
C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Professorship (Constitutional Law)
The C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Professorship Fund was established in 1999 through a magnanimous bequest from the estate of C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Mr. McDowell’s bequest to the School of Law was given without restrictions. The largest gift to be received in the history of the School of Law, Mr. McDowell’s gift was transformational in nature for the School of Law and the law center that bears the McDowell Family name. Today, a portion of Mr. McDowell’s gift is being used to recognize academic excellence and retain high quality faculty members and to provide for the recruitment of new high quality faculty members at The University of Akron School of Law.
C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Professorship (Property and Environmental Law)
The C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Professorship Fund was established in 1999 through a magnanimous bequest from the estate of C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Mr. McDowell’s bequest to the School of Law was given without restrictions. The largest gift to be received in the history of the School of Law, Mr. McDowell’s gift was transformational in nature for the School of Law and the law center that bears the McDowell Family name. Today, a portion of Mr. McDowell’s gift is being used to recognize academic excellence and retain high quality faculty members and to provide for the recruitment of new high quality faculty members at The University of Akron School of Law.
C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Professorship (Tax)
The C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Professorship Fund was established in 1999 through a magnanimous bequest from the estate of C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Mr. McDowell’s bequest to the School of Law was given without restrictions. The largest gift to be received in the history of the School of Law, Mr. McDowell’s gift was transformational in nature for the School of Law and the law center that bears the McDowell Family name. Today, a portion of Mr. McDowell’s gift is being used to recognize academic excellence and retain high quality faculty members and to provide for the recruitment of new high quality faculty members at The University of Akron School of Law.
C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Professorship (Torts)
The C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Professorship Fund was established in 1999 through a magnanimous bequest from the estate of C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Mr. McDowell’s bequest to the School of Law was given without restrictions. The largest gift to be received in the history of the School of Law, Mr. McDowell’s gift was transformational in nature for the School of Law and the law center that bears the McDowell Family name. Today, a portion of Mr. McDowell’s gift is being used to recognize academic excellence and retain high quality faculty members and to provide for the recruitment of new high quality faculty members at The University of Akron School of Law.
The Joseph G. and Sally A. Miller Endowed Fund
The fund will be used to establish the Joseph G. Miller Institute for Professional Responsibility as well as the Joseph G. Miller Professorship in order to: pursue appropriate academic activity to enhance ethical awareness and performance of students, attorneys and judges; enhance the professionalism of those who study, practice or adjudicate the law; and examine, report on and suggest improvements in the grievance and disciplinary procedure of the legal profession.
The Dr. Harold A. Morton Professorship in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering
The Dr. Harold A. Morton Professorship in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering was established in 1987 with a $1 million gift from Mrs. Harold A. Morton in memory of her husband. The professorship provides a permanent distinguished professorship as well as financial resources to bring visiting scholars to the University. The Morton professorship enables scientists to assume academic residencies with interaction among faculty, students, and members of the scientific and business communities. Through exposure to the research interests of the Morton professor, The University of Akron students and scientists are stimulated in their current research and challenged to consider other areas of potential scientific discovery.
The Dr. Frederick W. Moyer Chair in Finance
Mrs. Mary K. Moyer established this chair within The University of Akron College of Business Administration's Finance Department in honor of her husband and retired University faculty member, Frederick W. Moyer. This chair symbolizes Mr. Moyer's devotion to America and his faith in the future of business students and their University education.
The Robert C. Musson Eminent Scholar Chair in Polymer Science
The Robert C. Musson Eminent Scholar Chair in Polymer Science attracts a world acclaimed polymer scientist to the University. Established in 1989 through the R.C. and Katharine Musson Charitable Foundation and an Ohio Eminent Scholar award, this chair carries the name of Robert Musson, the late founder of the Akron based R.C. Musson Rubber Company.
The James and Vanita Oelschlager Professor of Science & Technology
The James and Vanita Oelschlager Professor of Science & Technology was created in 2001 in recognition of Jim and Vanita Oelschlager's special support of the University of Akron and their boundless faith in the future of science and technology. The professorship is to be awarded to a faculty member working in the new frontiers of science and technology. (No private funding attached)
Giles Sutherland Rich Chair for Intellectual Property Law
The Giles Sutherland Rich Chair for Intellectual Property Law at the School of Law recognizes the life and accomplishments of The Honorable Giles Sutherland Rich. It was established in 2000. One of the principal authors of the Patent Act of 1956, Judge Rich served as a member of the U.S. Court of Customs and Patent Appeals and its successor court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, from 1956 until his death in June 1999. At the time of his death, Judge Rich was the oldest active federal judge in our nation’s history. He is credited with clarifying a large number of difficult concepts in the law of patents, authoring many landmark opinions. The Rich Chair for Intellectual Property Law serves to enhance the prestige and reputation of intellectual property law program at The University of Akron School of Law. (No private funding attached – University funded)
The Alex Schulman Eminent Scholar Chair in Polymer Science
The University of Akron established an endowed chair in polymer science through the award of an Ohio Eminent Scholars grant, and through the family and business associates of the late Alex Schulman. The initial endowment of $1 million provides permanent support for this position and honors the spirit of selfless leadership and community pride exemplified by Alex Schulman.
A scholar of exceptional accomplishments in teaching and research fills this post as the Alex Schulman Professor of Polymer Science. The Schulman Professor has achieved international recognition through publications and lectures, and interaction with a broad range of colleagues in academic and industrial laboratories. The incumbent participates in classroom and laboratory instruction and develops an active research program as a graduate research supervisor.
The John F. Seiberling Chair in Constitutional Law
The University of Akron School of Law is one of only four schools in the nation designated by Congress as a constitutional law resource center. Endowed in 1987, this chair is named for John F. Seiberling, a retired congressman and Akron native.
The Dr. Donald C. and Courtney F. Snyder Endowed Chair in Medical Education
The Dr. Donald C. and Courtney F. Snyder Endowed Chair in Medical Education was established in 2001 by a generous gift from Dr. and Mrs. Snyder. Dr. Snyder was always inspired and motivated by his mother Jennie Lynn Smedley Snyder and dedicates this gift to her memory. Dr. Snyder became one of the Akron area’s most well respected physician-surgeons, recognized by colleagues for his many years of professional service and contributions in the field of medicine, published in scientific journals and listed in Who’s Who in the Midwest. Originally from Medina and a graduate of Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Snyder did his four-year residency at University Hospitals in Cleveland, coming to Akron in 1940. He became the catalyst for developing the first training program for young doctors in obstetrics/gynecology in Akron, preparing hundreds of doctors who became Board-certified in that specialty. With the over-crowded hospitals of the early 1950’s, Dr. Snyder was the first doctor to perform same-day surgery.
Dr. and Mrs. Snyder’s lifetime objective of helping others and a strong belief in the value of higher education has guided their desire to leave an ongoing legacy. In recognition of Dr. Snyder’s leadership—both professionally and in his personal life—The Dr. Donald C. and Courtney F. Snyder Endowed Chair in Medical Education is to be used in support of an outstanding University of Akron faculty member in the University’s programs to prepare future physicians. Selection for the Endowed Chair is to be made by the President and Board of Trustees of The University of Akron.
Aileen McMurray Trusler Professorship
This Professorship was established in 2001 to honor the memory of Aileen McMurray Trusler. Taking advantage of the fact that The University of Akron School of Law was founded with a mission to serve both men and women, Aileen McMurray Trusler enrolled in the first entering class of the Akron Law School in 1921. She graduated with her class in 1925 and was admitted to the bar. Aileen McMurray Trusler was an active member of the Akron Bar Association and the first woman to serve in the Prosecutor’s Office in Summit County. This Professorship honors her by recognizing a School of Law faculty member who has made outstanding contributions in the area of public service. (Funded by income from School of Law CLE program)
