The Edward I. Abramson Scholarship
This scholarship fund was established in 1982 by devoted alumnus Edward I. Abramson, Class of 1933, to provide assistance to deserving and qualified students, preferably of the Jewish faith, who are attending or wish to attend The University of Akron School of Law.

The Akron Bar Association Auxiliary Scholarship
These funds, awarded by the Akron Bar Association Auxiliary each year, provide law school scholarships based on both academic merit and need. The Scholarship Committee, on the basis of scholarship, legal aptitude, character, and need, with the advice of the Dean of the School of Law, makes the selection, giving the first preference to a resident of Summit County, Ohio. A recipient may apply for an annual renewal of the scholarship.

The Akron Bar Association Foundation Scholarship Fund
These scholarship funds, competitively awarded by the Akron Bar Association Foundation, provide support for law school students from Summit County who are in need of financial assistance to continue their education.

The Class of 1980 Professor Hollis Allan Memorial Book Fund
The Professor Hollis P. Allan Memorial Book Fund was established as a class gift by the School of Law’s Class of 1980 in memory of beloved School of Law professor, Hollis P. Allan. The purpose of the Hollis P. Allan Memorial Book Fund is to support the purchase of library books and other material for the School of Law’s library in Professor Hollis P. Allan’s memory, as determined by the Dean of The University of Akron School of Law.

The Nickolas P. and Marilyn M. Andreeff Scholarship Fund
Two of the most beautiful verbs in the world are “to love” and “to help.” With love and appreciation for her parents, Nickolas P. and Marilyn M. Andreeff, Margaret E. Andreeff Matejkovic has established The Nickolas P. and Marilyn M. Andreeff Scholarship to help students at The University of Akron School of Law.

The values upon which Nickolas and Marilyn Andreeff live their life and the pillars upon which they raised their three daughters, Margaret E. Andreeff Matejkovic, Karen Andreeff Martin and Laura Andreeff Ephlin, are family, faith and service to others. Nick and Marilyn are active in the community serving Edwin Shaw Hospital, Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ, Bath United Church of Christ, Akron Regional Development Board, Akron and Ohio State Bar Associations, Witan and Akron City Hospital Women’s Board in key leadership positions. Nick, a 1952 alumnus of The University of Akron and a 1960 alumnus of The University of Akron School of Law, is Business Corporate Counsel with the Akron, Ohio, law firm of Brennan, Manna & Diamond, LLC. Marilyn, a teacher, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from The University of Akron in 1956. In obtaining their degrees, both Nick and Marilyn worked full-time while attending classes. They are the very proud grandparents of six grandchildren: Nickolas, Allison, Thomas and Jill Martin and Catherine and Andrew Ephlin.

The purpose of The Nickolas P. and Marilyn M. Andreeff Scholarship is to provide assistance for an evening student attending classes at The University of Akron School of Law. It will be awarded annually by the dean of the School of Law to a deserving individual. If for some unforeseen reason the School of Law is unable to make this award, The Nickolas P. and Marilyn M. Andreeff Scholarship will provide support for an undergraduate evening student at The University of Akron majoring in history, English, education, political science or public administration.

The Norman P. Auburn Scholarship in Legal Studies
This endowed scholarship was created by University of Akron President Emeritus Dr. Norman P. Auburn who with C. Blake McDowell, Sr., was responsible for bringing the School of Law to The University of Akron in 1959. The annual award or awards are to be made upon the recommendation of the Dean of the School of Law.

The Richard L. Aynes Writing Competition Award Endowment
The Richard L. Aynes Writing Competition Award Endowment was established by The University of Akron School of Law Intellectual Property Advisory Council in 2007 in honor of Dean Aynes on the occasion of his retirement as Dean and return to the faculty. Dean Aynes served as Dean of the School of Law for 12 years. One of his greatest legacies is the establishment of the Center for Intellectual Property Law and Technology. His vision to build and foster partnerships with alumni, friends and the greater IP legal community forever influenced the future growth of the field of IP law in Akron and beyond.

In honor of his transformational vision for the Center and his keen interest in constitutional law, The Richard L. Aynes Writing Competition Award is established to support an annual award to a UA law student who authors the best paper on some constitutional aspect of intellectual property law. Paper requirements will be set forth by the Director of the Center for Intellectual Property Law and Technology and Richard L. Aynes. The award will be given in the spring semester.

The award recipient shall be selected by the Director of the Center for Intellectual Property Law and Technology and Richard L. Aynes, or their designees. The award amount will be determined as per the guidelines of the fund as established with The University of Akron Foundation.

The Dean and Professor Richard L. and Attorney Kathleen S. Aynes Clinic Scholarship Fund
Established in 1999, and fully endowed in 2007, The Dean and Professor Richard L. and Attorney Kathleen S. Aynes Clinic Scholarship Fund stems from the high regard in which they hold clinical education. As law students, they both participated in legal clinics, with Richard having served with the Cleveland Legal Aid Society and Kathleen having served in a Title VII clinical program at The Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Richard was later employed as a legal intern in the Tremont Office of Cleveland Legal Aid and served for three years as the Coordinator of the Appellate Review Office at The University of Akron. Kathleen later served in a volunteer internship at the Eighth District Ohio Court of Appeals.

This scholarship is designed for an upper-class student who has participated in one of The University of Akron School of Law clinical programs and who, in the judgment of the Director of the Clinic, has both served the Clinic’s clients well and also significantly improved his/her skills in a way which will help make him/her a better lawyer. The creators of this fund envision that an annual award would be made to a clinic student.1 If, however, the Director of the Clinic determines that there is no suitable recipient in a given year, the award can be rolled over into a later year in which either multiple scholarships can be given or a larger scholarship can be given to a single individual.

The Judge William and Patricia Baird Endowed Scholarship Fund
The Judge William and Patricia Baird Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in July 2004 in celebration of Judge William Baird’s lifelong career and retirement as judge of the Ninth District Court of Appeals. Together with his wife, Patricia Hummel Baird, the scholarship was established to assist students in the School of Law at The University of Akron. Because of his affiliations in the Akron area and the couple’s friendships and acquaintances, they share a passion for the School of Law and, therefore, wanted to contribute their support in this manner.

Judge William Baird and Patricia Hummel Baird attended Buchtel High School. Judge Baird received a bachelor’s degree from Amherst College, Massachusetts in 1956. Mrs. Baird received a bachelor’s degree in 1958 from the College of Business Administration at The University of Akron. She worked for the County Prosecutor’s Office, which is where the two met and began their life together.

Judge Baird graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a Juris Doctorate in 1959 and began his career in private practice. Soon thereafter in 1960, he joined the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office and in 1966 became the law director for the city of Akron. On January 1, 1977, he took a seat as Common Pleas judge after winning the 1976 election. His devotion to public service continued and reached a milestone when on January 3, 1983, he became a judge on the Ninth District Court of Appeals for the state of Ohio. The Judge also served a term as councilman for then Fairlawn Village from 1960-65.

Judge Baird’s 2004 retirement marked an end to a successful career. Yet, his retirement has very little to do with rest and relaxation. In 1997, Judge and Mrs. Baird began breeding and raising alpacas at their property in Copley, Ohio. With the establishment of Wolf Creek Alpacas, the couple has devoted their free time and love to the care of as many as 25 alpacas at one time. The fleece from their alpacas yields uniquely soft yarn and is in growing demand in the world-wide fiber market because of its natural beauty.

The Judge William and Patricia Baird Endowed Scholarship Fund shall be awarded by the Scholarship Committee and the Dean of The School of Law. Scholarship awards can be used for tuition, books or other expenses. Judge and Mrs. Baird are pleased to be in a position to assist law students who are pursing their dream of practicing law.

The Judge Randolph Baxter Scholarship
This scholarship is established in honor of Judge Randolph Baxter of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Ohio. The Honorable Randolph Baxter received his law degree in 1974 from The University of Akron School of Law. The Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati appointed him to the bankruptcy bench in December 1985. Judge Baxter taught Bankruptcy and Advanced Bankruptcy at the School of Law. He was the recipient of the John R. Quine Award as an outstanding Adjunct Professor for the academic year 1992-93. In 1999 he received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Law Alumni Association.

This annual award is to be presented to a University of Akron law student, selected by the Dean, who has demonstrated substantial academic achievement in a prescribed course(s) of legal study.

The William C. Becker Memorial Scholarship
The William C. Becker Memorial Scholarship fund was established in remembrance of William C. Becker, September 1, 1929 – July 14, 2003, by his wife, Judy.

After his family, University of Akron School of Law Professor Emeritus Bill Becker loved his country, the legal profession and teaching. He was a generous and selfless man who put the interests of the community and others ahead of his own. Professor Becker’s sense of duty, work ethic and desire to give to the community was high and strong; as evidenced by his receipt of the Sir Thomas More Award in 2000, the Ohio State Bar Foundation Honorary Life Fellowship Award in 1999 and the United Way Person of the Year Award in 1983.
Following a career that encompassed service in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, twenty-years in the naval reserves, three-years in private practice at the law firm of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, twenty-six years with the BFGoodrich Company in the Law Department and numerous volunteer activities including Bar Counsel for the Akron Bar Association, Vice Chair of the State Bar Ethics Committee and a member of the Supreme Court of Ohio Task Force to consider revisions in the code of responsibility for the State of Ohio, Bill Becker embarked upon a second career, devoting his time, wisdom and knowledge to law students at The University of Akron School of Law. Professor Becker taught Products Liability, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Lawyer as Negotiator classes; held the position of Associate Dean of Students and served as chair of the School of Law Admissions Committee. He was best known, however, for his work in the field of ethics and professional responsibility. He co-founded The Joseph G. Miller and William C. Becker Institute for Professional Responsibility and served as its first director.

Professor Becker loved the School of Law and he loved the law students. The subject of legal ethics and professional responsibility was a “big deal” to Professor Becker. His simple and direct telephone greeting of “Becker!” or “Becker, here!” mirrored the way in which he considered, analyzed and discussed issues of importance. Perhaps because his own education was interrupted by the War, Professor Becker had a special concern for evening law students and others who followed a non-traditional path to law school. The William C. Becker Memorial Scholarship pays tribute to the many ways Bill Becker, ... husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague, teacher, Naval Officer, business executive, author, volunteer, community citizen ... made a difference.

The purpose of the William C. Becker Memorial Scholarship is to provide assistance for a second year evening law student enrolled in Professional Responsibility at The University of Akron School of Law. In awarding the scholarship the faculty responsible for teaching Professional Responsibility will provide the School of Law Scholarship Committee three to five students who best exemplify the qualities and characteristics of Professor Becker, as noted above, and have a demonstrated interest/achievement in the field of ethics and professional responsibility. The School of Law Scholarship Committee will select the William C. Becker Memorial Scholar from the list of candidates based on financial need, with approval from the Dean of The University of Akron School of Law.

Kathryn A. Belfance Scholarship Fund
The Kathryn A. Belfance Scholarship Fund was established in September 2007 by her family in honor of her seventieth birthday. Kathryn (Kay) received her B.A. in English from The University of Akron (1974) and completed her Juris Doctorate in 1977, attending the School of Law as an evening student. During her studies, Kay worked full time as a legal secretary and was a single mother raising three children. While balancing work, family, and her studies, Kay achieved academic excellence and was an associate editor on The University of Akron Law Review.

Upon graduation, Kay entered the law profession and formed a practice with the Honorable Judge Judith Nicely. Kay went into private practice, specializing in bankruptcy and family law. An active member of the Akron Bar Association, Kay has served on numerous committees during her many years of service.

Kay is a role model for all women who aspire to serve the public as attorneys at law. A person of high moral and ethical character, Kay embodies the values of the legal profession and possesses a generosity of spirit toward her colleagues that is a rare encounter. Kay has impacted the lives of her clients and has mentored numerous young attorneys during her first thirty years of practice in Northern Ohio.

The Kathryn A. Belfance Scholarship Fund is designated for women who are members of the editorial staff of the Akron Law review. Specifically, the award is for women who exhibit financial need, with preference to those who are mothers, balancing the demands of home life and academic success. The Scholarship Committee at The University of Akron School of Law will select the recipient or recipients. Scholarship awards may cover tuition, fees, and books, all or in part.

Black Law Students Association (BLSA) Scholarship Fund
Launched to honor Dean Isaac C. Hunt, Jr. upon his retirement as Dean of The University of Akron School of Law, income from this fund will be used annually for tuition assistance, with an expressed preference for a member of BLSA. While BLSA's primary purpose is to provide academic, professional and cultural support to minority law students, its membership and activities are open to the general student body.

The Sharon L. Black Law Student Family Scholarship Fund
The Sharon L. Black Law Student Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 by Sharon L. Black and her husband, Dr. Bradford Black. Sharon, from The University of Akron School of Law class of 2001, practices law as a trial attorney with Perantinides and Nolan Co., L.P.A.

The Sharon L. Black Law Student Family Scholarship Fund is designated for day students in good academic standing who are raising a family while attending law school and demonstrate financial need. Sharon is sensitive to the plight of law students who balance managing a family life while maintaining a focus on academic success.

Scholarship awards may cover tuition, fees, books, and room and board, all or in part. The Scholarship Committee of The University of Akron School of Law will select the recipient or recipients.

Board of Trustees Scholarship
Funded by The University of Akron, this scholarship is based on academic merit and/or need.

The George M. and Connie R. Boyd Scholarship Fund
The George M. and Connie R. Boyd Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 by George M. Boyd, a 1977 graduate of The University of Akron School of Law. Mr. Boyd was employed by the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Akron while attending law school in the evening. After graduation, he accepted a position with Squire Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P. focusing on work in securities and mutual funds. In 1991, he and his wife Connie moved to Massachusetts. At the time the scholarship was established, Mr. Boyd was Senior Counsel, U.S. Wealth Management for John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. in Boston. George and Connie have six grown children.

The George M. and Connie R. Boyd Scholarship Fund is designated to scholarships for law students enrolled in the day or evening division of The University of Akron School of Law. Scholarship awards may cover tuition, fees, books, and room and board, all or in part.

The Attorney Evan B. Brewster Book and Scholarship Fund
The income from this endowment fund, established by attorney Evan B. Brewster in 1978, will be awarded to law students as determined by the Dean of the School of Law.

The Attorney Evan B. Brewster School of Law Scholarship Fund
The annual income from this fund, established in 1981, is awarded to law students for whatever reason, in whatever amount, as determined by the Dean of the School of Law.

The Briner, Catanzarite & Rakas School of Law Taxation Scholarship
This scholarship, established in 1978, is awarded annually on the basis of merit to the outstanding graduate from the finance or accounting departments of The University of Akron College of Business Administration who applies and is admitted to the School of Law. The award is based on recommendations submitted by the Dean of the College of Business Administration. The scholarship is awarded to a first year full time student of the School of Law and is not renewable.

The Thomas G. Byers Memorial Fund
The Thomas G. Byers Memorial Fund was established in 2005 by University of Akron School of Law alumnus Thomas R. Pitts, Class of 1979, in memory of his brother-in-law Thomas G. Byers. The Thomas G. Byers Memorial Fund is designated in support of the Faculty and Alumni Publication Award presented by The University of Akron Law Alumni Association on an annual basis. This award promotes scholarship and recognizes professional achievement of both faculty and alumni of the School of Law. The award is presented at the Law Alumni Dinner and recipients are selected based on criteria set the by Law Alumni Association.

Thomas R. Pitts is a dedicated volunteer and serves as President of the Law Alumni Association for the 2005-06 academic year. Tom is a respected member of the legal community and contributes generously of his time and resources for the good of the School of Law.

This fund is in memory of Tom’s brother-in-law and good friend, Thomas G. Byers. Mr. Byers was a 1964 graduate of The University of Akron College of Business and was married to Dr. Catherine (Pitts) Byers, a 1964 graduate of the University’s Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences. While attending The University of Akron, Mr. Byers played varsity sports including baseball and basketball. He remained an athlete and avid runner throughout his life. Mr. Byers was a successful businessman, last working for Delphi as a corporate planner on a worldwide level. He was known for his expertise and success investing in the stock markets, which he enjoyed as an avocation. He passed away on January 25, 2004, after a sudden illness, and is greatly missed by his family and friends.

The Honorable Mary Cacioppo Scholarship
It is with great admiration and respect that this scholarship was established in recognition of The Honorable Mary Cacioppo at her retirement from the Ninth District Court of Appeals in 1993.

Judge Mary Cacioppo, an alumna of The University of Akron School of Law, is a woman of high personal and professional stature. She is a patriotic public servant whose career has spanned more than four decades. Judge Cacioppo is a woman of numerous accomplishments, awards and recognition. Many “firsts” are associated with her name and her career. Judge Cacioppo was the first woman appointed law director for the City of Akron (1954), the first woman appointed as Akron’s chief police prosecutor (1964), the first woman appointed referee in the Summit County Domestic Relations Court (1974), the first woman to serve on the Akron Board of Zoning Appeals, the first woman to be honored as an outstanding alumna of the School of Law (1987), and the first woman to receive the prestigious Sir Thomas More Award (1993).

In 1986 when she was appointed to the Ninth District Court of Appeals, Judge Cacioppo realized a lifelong goal. While serving on the Court of Appeals, Judge Cacioppo also sat, by assignment, on many cases for the Ohio Supreme Court. Even in retirement, Judge Cacioppo continues to serve the public interest, sitting by special assignment on cases throughout the State of Ohio. A personal goal is to have heard cases in every single one of Ohio’s eighty-eight counties.

Judge Cacioppo is a role model for all men and women who aspire to public service and the legal profession. She is a person of high moral and ethical character. An avid volunteer, Judge Cacioppo also serves her community vis-à-vis her active involvement on the boards of many civic organizations, including Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital, East Akron Community House, Senior Workers Action Program and Summit County Mental Health and Retardation and Child Guidance Foundation.

The purpose of The Honorable Mary Cacioppo Scholarship is to provide scholarship support to a law student attending The University of Akron School of Law. The Honorable Mary Cacioppo Scholar will be selected by the Dean of The University of Akron School of Law, upon the recommendation of the Law School’s scholarship committee.

The Professor Dana F. Castle Award Fund
With love, respect and great admiration, Sarah Castle Rossi and Gregory T. Rossi established this academic award in honor of Dana F. Castle and in celebration of her 70th birthday. A 1973 graduate of The University of Akron School of Law, Dana F. Castle launched her legal career and tenure with The University of Akron School of Law in 1974 as Clinical Program Director and Lecturer at Law. Over the course of the next twenty-six years, Professor Castle’s career and reputation as a professional, fair and demanding teacher advanced steadily. Students, faculty and administrators always held her in high regard. At her retirement in 2000, Professor Castle had served The University of Akron School of Law in a variety of leadership positions. Most notably, Professor Castle was Assistant to the Dean in charge of Placement, Alumni, and Continuing Legal Education, Assistant Professor of Law, Associate Professor of Law, Exchange Professor of Law at The Polytechnic Wolverhampton, England and Professor of Law. She was also active on numerous University and Law School committees, as well as in many civic and professional associations. Her record of membership in the Akron Bar Association and the Law School Alumni Association since 1974 and as a charter member of the Dean’s Club since 1981 has been uninterrupted.

Soft spoken, thoughtful in word, Professor Castle packed quite a punch in the classroom. Her former students will say she was a tough teacher who had high expectations of all of her students. They will also say that she was one of the best, if not the best, professor they had at The University of Akron School of Law. Her receipt of the BLSA Outstanding Professor Award in 1994 and the inclusion of a segment of her teaching techniques in a 1985 AALS Teaching Methods videotape provide professional validation of these opinions. Professor Castle’s research and scholarly publications focused on family law issues. Her personal interests include reading and traveling. She is the proud parent of two grown children and three grandchildren.

The purpose of The Professor Dana F. Castle Award is to recognize and reward outstanding academic achievement of University of Akron School of Law students who have completed Contracts I, Professor Castle’s favorite subject to teach. In this regard, the top student from each Contracts I class will be considered and the student with the highest grade will be selected to receive the award. In the case of a tie, the student having the highest overall grade point average will be selected to receive the recognition and the award. The Professor Dana F. Castle Award will be administered under the direction of the Dean of the School of Law.

The Class of 2004 Book Scholarship Fund
The Class of 2004 Book Scholarship Fund was established by The University of Akron School of Law Graduating Class of 2004. Class presidents Greta L. Johnson (day division) and Edwin A. Sisson (evening division) initiated the development of this Fund on behalf of the class.

The Class of 2004 Book Scholarship Fund will be awarded each semester to one day and one evening law student with awards of $200 each. The Fund is designed to assist as many law students as possible; therefore, each student is only eligible to receive this scholarship once. The Class of 2004 seeks to assist students who demonstrate values of hard work and dedication to their legal education with consideration of financial need. The scholarship recipients are selected by the School of Law Scholarship Committee.

The School of Law is grateful to the Class of 2004 for creating this Fund. Their generosity is a selfless and thoughtful act in celebration of their graduation from Law School and the commencement of their professional legal career.

The Honorable Leroy J. Contie, Jr. Scholarship
It is with great admiration and respect that this scholarship was established in recognition of the Honorable Leroy J. Contie, Jr. in celebration of his 80th birthday and in honor of his retirement.

Judge Leroy J. Contie, Jr., an honorary alumnus of The University of Akron School of Law, is a man of high personal and professional stature. He is a patriotic public servant whose career has spanned more than six decades. He is generous and thoughtful, an extraordinarily fair and impartial member of the judiciary, and one of the most productive federal judges in the 20th century. He is a man of many accomplishments, awards and recognition, yet he is humble in acknowledging these accolades. In discharging his judicial responsibilities, Judge Leroy J. Contie, Jr. finds great wisdom and guidance in the legacy our nation’s founders provided in the Constitution of the United States of America.

It would not be an understatement to say that Judge Contie loves his work. His career has included trial work as a private practicing attorney, law director for the city of Canton, Ohio, and public service as a state court judge, a federal district court judge, and, most recently, as a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Early on in his career, Judge Contie gained a reputation for hard work, meticulous reasoning, skillful draftsmanship and boundless intellectual energy. He holds the distinctive privilege of being both a lawyer’s lawyer and a judge’s judge. While Judge Contie has received great pleasure from his lifelong dedication to dispensing justice, it is his family—his wife Janice, his children and grandchildren—who provide the greatest joy to his life.

The purpose of The Honorable Leroy J. Contie, Jr. Scholarship is to provide a scholarship to a law student attending The University of Akron School of Law who most exemplifies the characteristics and qualities of Judge Leroy J. Contie, Jr. Consideration for The Honorable Leroy J. Contie, Jr. Scholarship will be afforded to second- and third-year law students who submit an essay on the topic of public service and the role of the judiciary in deciding cases.

The Honorable Leroy J. Contie, Jr. scholar will be selected by the dean of The University of Akron School of Law, upon the recommendation of a scholarship committee. The Honorable Leroy J. Contie, Jr. Scholarship committee will be comprised of a representative from The Timken Foundation; a member of the School of Law faculty; a representative of The Raymond C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics; the Honorable Leroy J. Contie, Jr.; Janice Contie; Leroy J. Contie, III; Ann Contie Benson; and the School of Law’s director of Admissions and Financial Assistance, who will chair the committee. If due to future unforeseen circumstances The Honorable Leroy J. Contie, Jr. Scholarship committee is unable to participate in the selection process, the responsibility for recommending a candidate to the dean of the School of Law will be assumed by The University of Akron School of Law Scholarship committee.

The William T. and Nicholas J. Creme School of Law Memorial Scholarship
The William T. and Nicholas J. Creme School of Law Memorial Scholarship was instituted by Christina L. Creme, widow of the late William Creme and mother of the late Nicholas Creme. Five scholarships will be awarded to students each year over a five year period based on need and merit. Each year, three of the five scholarships are awarded to students interested in tax law, on the recommendation of a tax professor. The remaining two scholarships are awarded to any deserving first-year law student. Nicholas Creme, an associate professor of law, served as the first director of UA’s joint Center for Taxation Studies until his death in 1988.

The Robert E. Donovan Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund was established in memory of Robert E. Donovan by family and friends in remembrance of Mr. Donovan's belief in the value of education. The fund provides at least one undergraduate and one graduate scholarship award annually. The amount of the undergraduate scholarships shall be equal to or more than 75 percent of annual tuition. The amount of the graduate fellowship shall be equal to or more than 30 percent of annual tuition. The recipients will be deserving women pursuing degrees in engineering, law or business. The undergraduate recipient will have an overall grade-point average of 2.5 or better, will have completed at least 32 credits and will have demonstrated financial need. The graduate recipient will have been accepted within one of The University of Akron's graduate programs in engineering, law or business and will have achieved an undergraduate grade-point average of 2.5 or better with demonstrated financial need.

The David D. Dowd, Sr. Memorial Award Fund
The purpose of the David D. Dowd, Sr. Memorial Award Fund is to encourage law students to consider a legal career emphasizing public service. The University of Akron School of Law is well known for the many graduates who have entered and maintained a legal career in public service in a variety of fields including working in municipal law departments, county prosecuting attorney’s offices, public defender’s offices, state and federal judicial positions.

The ever-increasing cost of obtaining a legal education compels graduating law school students to seek high paying entry-level jobs to help repay student loans and diminishes the likelihood that these students will opt for lower-paying jobs in the public sector.

Senior District Court Judge David D. Dowd, Jr., on the occasion of the recognition of his 25 years of service in the federal judiciary, has chosen to make the initial donation to the award program to honor the memory of his father, the late David D. Dowd, Sr. Judge Dowd practiced law with his father in Massillon. His father constantly encouraged Judge Dowd to engage in a career of public service which included one year on the Massillon City Council and 14 years in the Stark County Prosecuting Attorney’s office before he began his judicial career in 1975.

The Charles D. and Celia S. Evans Scholarship Fund
The Charles D. and Celia S. Evans Scholarship Fund was established through a bequest from the estate of Celia S. Evans. Charles D. Evans was a prominent Akron attorney who devoted part of his career to representing the Akron Public School Board. Celia S. Evans was a lifelong educator.

The bequest designated The Charles D. and Celia S. Evans Scholarship Fund to scholarships in Law and Education, evenly divided, to students who have demonstrated highly satisfactory scholarship and have an established need for financial assistance. Scholarship awards may cover tuition, fees, books, and room and board, all or in part.

The Evening Class of 1995 Book Scholarships
Under the leadership of Shirley Simon, an effort is underway to endow a book scholarship to benefit evening law students. The goal is to initially support a book scholarship each year by establishing a $5,000 endowment. An advisory committee composed of the fundraising team from the evening class and Professor Merlin Briner will work with the development and financial aid offices to engender meaningful support of this need for future evening students.

The Family Law Scholarship
The Family Law Scholarship at The University of Akron is made possible by an annual grant from the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers is the most exclusive organization of matrimonial lawyers in the country. Their philosophy is as follows:

To encourage the study, improve the practice and elevate the standards and advance the cause of matrimonial law, to the end that the welfare of the family and society be preserve.

This grant is to be designated to a student recipient with an interest in a career in the practice of family law and will be selected by The School of Law Scholarship Committee. Randal A. Lowry, a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and also 1976 graduate of The University of Akron School of Law, initiated the development of this scholarship in order to enable future student to achieve their goals.

Federal Bar Association Award for Constitutional Law
This endowed award, established in 1986 by the Federal Bar Association, Cleveland Chapter, provides an annual award to students excelling in Constitutional Law. The award is shared by each of the students receiving the highest grade in their respective sections of Constitutional Law I.

Lee Ferbstein Scholarship Fund
This scholarship was first awarded in 1979 by the Akron Education Association ("AEA") as a tribute to Lee Ferbstein, AEA legal counsel for more than 30 years and a former member of the University's Board of Trustees. AEA's support has endured over the years as a continuing tribute to Mr. Ferbstein. The scholarship covers tuition, books, fees and room and board, all or in part, for a student enrolled in the School of Law, with primary interest in the field of labor law.

John P. Finan Annual Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1999 by Kim C. Sethna and Farhad Sethna (’90), the John P. Finan Annual Memorial Scholarship recognizes second or third year students enrolled in Remedies. This scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the Remedies professor to a student who has demonstrated hard work and marked academic improvement.

The Judge James G. France Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1979 by Mrs. France and friends in memory of the late Professor Emeritus of Law James G. France, this scholarship is awarded to deserving full time law students of demonstrated scholarship and need, as determined by the Dean of the School of Law. Professor France also served with distinction as an Ohio Court of Appeals Judge and Portage County Court of Common Pleas Judge.

The Frank J. and Alice M. Gaffney Scholarship for Law and Education
The Frank J. and Alice M. Gaffney Scholarship for Law and Education was established in 2004 by their daughter, Maureen Gaffney Katanic, and her husband, Nick Katanic. The purpose of The Frank J. and Alice M. Gaffney Scholarship for Law and Education is to provide an academic scholarship, on alternating years, to a law student attending The University of Akron School of Law and to an undergraduate student in The University of Akron’s College of Education.

A businessman, lawyer, politician and former F.B.I. agent, Frank J. Gaffney received high school diplomas from both St. Vincent High School and St. Mary High School. He is a graduate of St. Vincent College and Western Reserve University Law School. Two highlights of Mr. Gaffney’s career include serving as the first president of the Summit County Council and as a Bath Township trustee. Alice M. Gaffney graduated from St. Vincent High School and Trinity College. Mrs. Gaffney taught high school history. She also established a tutoring business to help students achieve higher levels of proficiency in the classroom called “Pathways to Success.” Mrs. Gaffney’s father was The Honorable Augustine F. O’Neil, whose career included service as an Akron Municipal Court judge and as Assistant U.S. Attorney General for the state of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Gaffney are the parents of four grown children and many grandchildren.

The Attorney Edward L. Gilbert Endowed Scholarship Fund
Edward L. Gilbert, a graduate of The University of Akron School of Law Class of 1976, established the Gilbert Book Scholarship that was endowed fund in 1984 to provide book scholarship assistance to black law students. In September of 2003, Attorney Gilbert changed the name of the endowment fund to The Attorney Edward L. Gilbert Endowed Scholarship Fund. He also expanded the purpose of the endowment fund in order to help law students, advance diversity and enhance the prestige of his alma mater.

The purpose of The Attorney Edward L. Gilbert Endowed Scholarship Fund is to provide academic and/or book scholarship assistance, based on merit and need, to one or more members of The University of Akron School of Law’s Black Law Students Association on an annual basis. The selection of The Attorney Edward L. Gilbert Endowed Scholarship recipients will be made by the dean of The University of Akron School of Law, based on the recommendation of the School of Law Scholarship Committee.

Attorney Edward L. Gilbert is a senior partner in the Akron, Ohio law firm of Slater, Zurz & Gilbert. Attorney Gilbert is a litigator who specializes in civil rights law. He and his wife, Delphenia Gilbert, have one son.

The Edward L. Gilbert, Esq. Jurist-In-Residence Program
The Edward L. Gilbert, Esq. Jurist-in-Residence program was established in September 2003 with the assistance of a gift by University of Akron School of Law alumnus, Edward L. Gilbert, Class of 1976, to help enhance the national and international prestige of the School of Law, to promote serious conversation and debate on minority issues in the United States and throughout the world, to promote faculty diversity and to advance teaching excellence at his alma mater.

The Edward L. Gilbert, Esq. Jurist-in-Residence Program will invite international jurists to The University of Akron School of Law to augment curriculum and career planning and placement offerings for law students and law alumni, to provide formal and informal professional development opportunities for faculty and members of the bar and, to contribute scholarly articles for publication in the Akron Law Review Journal.

The Edward L. Gilbert, Esq. Jurist-in-Residence program will be held on an annual basis, assuming funding allocations permit. The dean of The University of Akron School of Law will identify and select the Jurist-in-Residence. In selecting the Jurist-in-Residence, preference in the first five years of the program will be given to African jurists.

A Jurist-in-Residence program committee, appointed annually by the dean of the School of Law, shall determine the Jurist-in-Residence budget, program and other related expectations of the Jurist-in Residence. Members of the program committee will include academicians and administrators from The University of Akron School of Law, a member of the local judiciary and a member of the Akron Bar Association’s Minority Involvement Committee. The dean of the School of Law will serve as ex-officio member of the committee.

Edward L. Gilbert is a senior partner in the Akron, Ohio law firm of Slater, Zurz & Gilbert. Attorney Gilbert is a litigator who specializes in civil rights law. He and his wife, Delphenia Gilbert, have one son.

The Honorable Arthur J. Goldberg Memorial Prize in Constitutional Law
This endowed prize, established by Ann Amer Brennan ('82), recognized the late Justice Arthur Goldberg's continued interest in women's rights and support for the intellectual development of women lawyers. This prize is awarded annually to a graduating senior woman, as determined by the Dean, with consideration to: active interest and excellence in Constitutional Law and leadership in the School of Law, the community, or the legal profession.

The Judge Oscar A. Hunsicker Scholarship Fund
Established in 1981 in honor of Judge Oscar A. Hunsicker, Dean of the Akron School of Law from 1941 to 1959, this endowed scholarship provides full tuition assistance for deserving students enrolled in the School of Law. Selection is based on financial need, leadership capability, academic achievement, and professional bearing. Selection of recipients is determined by a committee composed of the president of the Student Bar Association, editor of the Akron Law Review, and the leader of one other law student organization selected by the Dean of the School of Law each year.

The Intellectual Property Advisory Council Founder’s Endowment
The Intellectual Property Advisory Council Founder’s Endowment was established in 2004 by the Intellectual Property Advisory Council of The University of Akron School of Law. The purpose of the fund is to support the growth and development of the Center for Intellectual Property Law and Technology at The University of Akron School of Law in its mission to achieve preeminence.

The Intellectual Property Advisory Council was formed in 2000 to alert the School of Law and its Center for Intellectual Property Law and Technology to developments in the rapidly evolving field of intellectual property. The Council is made up of members who are experts in the field from around the nation and around the world. It serves an important role in advancing the IP curriculum, as well as fostering relationships with businesses and law firms, assisting students with career planning issues, and matters related to program and resource development. It has had great success in its efforts to propel the School of Law to the forefront of intellectual property expertise.

A foundation of excellence for the Center for Intellectual Property Law and Technology has been assured by the past and present support of alumni, friends, corporations and associations. Their altruistic spirit has, in perpetuity, established a foundation of academic excellence in intellectual property at The University of Akron School of Law for students and the legal profession.

The Intellectual Property Advisory Council Founder’s Endowment was established to continue the momentum of private support for the Center. The goal of the fund is to create a lasting resource to assist the Center for Intellectual Property Law and Technology and the Intellectual Property Advisory Council in its work to identify student, curriculum or program-based opportunities. Distributions will be made after the fund reaches an endowed level of $10,000. At that time, the Director of the Center for Intellectual Property Law and the Dean of the School of Law will seek recommendations from the Officers of the Intellectual Property Advisory Council to identify the use of the funds.

The Donald M. Jenkins Award for Highest Scholastic Achievement
The Donald M. Jenkins Award for Highest Scholastic Achievement honors Donald Jenkins’ dedicated leadership toward academic excellence. Established at the 1987 law commencement by a longtime friend and supporter of the School of Law, this annual prize recognizes the law graduate with the highest cumulative average for work on this campus (May to May) culminating in the J.D. degree.

The Donald M. Jenkins Book Scholarship
The Donald M. Jenkins Book Scholarship was established by a member of the Class of 1984. This fund will provide a book award to a military veteran attending The University of Akron School of Law.

The Ernest Karam Endowed Fund
The Ernest Karam Endowed Fund was established to provide awards to first year students at The University of Akron School of Law in recognition of academic achievements. The book awards shall be the deluxe edition of Black’s Law Dictionary, purchased with income from the endowment. The Ernest Karam Awards are to be presented to qualified students during fall semester following the student’s first year. Mr. Karam is Chief Referee of Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations.

The Harley and Carol Kastner Fund
Established by Harley and Carol Kastner, the scholarship will be awarded in honor of Francis and Dorothy Kastner and given annually to a deserving student selected by the Scholarship Committee. Both merit and need will be considered in making the award. Harley Kastner, Class of 1973, is a member of Kastner, Westman & Wilkins.

The Bruce D. Kelley Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of Bruce David Kelley, beloved son of Carolyn Kelley and David Kelley and brother of Lori Kelley. Bruce Kelley was a very special and loving son, brother and friend. He will always be remembered for the love he had for his family, his caring enthusiasm for his friends, and his dedication to the promotion of justice, the protection of individual liberty and the rule of law. Bruce was a dedicated sports fan who loved traveling and the outdoors. He was handsome, intelligent, fun to be with, sensitive, kind, thoughtful, well read and a very giving person.

A 1992 magna cum laude graduate of The University of Akron School of Law, Bruce became the third generation in his family to become a lawyer. Bruce’s academic achievements are of note as he worked full-time as a locksmith while attending law school at night. Professionally, Bruce was employed as an assistant law director for the city of Akron, Ohio. He was also a member of the Akron Bar Association. Bruce’s respect and passion for the law was an important part of his life. He even named his beloved dog, Justitia.

As a living legacy in remembrance of Bruce’s life, The Bruce D. Kelley Endowed Scholarship Fund has been established to provide an annual academic scholarship based on merit and demonstrated financial need. This scholarship will be awarded to a law student employed full-time and attending evening classes at The University of Akron School of Law.

The Michael and Mary Ellen Kilanowski Scholarship Fund
The Michael and Mary Ellen Kilanowski Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 by Michael and Mary Ellen Kilanowski of Slidell, Louisiana. Michael was raised in Youngstown and Boardman, Ohio and attended Kent State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in economics in 1970. He attended law school at The University of Akron in the evening division, graduating in 1975. During law school, he joined the Contracts-Legal Department in the Industrial & Marine Division (I&M) of the Babcock and Wilcox Company in Barberton and North Canton. After law school, Michael became an Attorney and then Manager of the Department. He earned a master of business administration degree from Ohio University in the first class of its executive program in 1979. He then became Manager of the Market Data & Forecasting Department in I&M. At that time, he also taught law during the evening in the College of Business Administration at Kent State University. In 1981 Michael joined McDermott International, Inc. in New Orleans, as a Corporate Attorney. In 1986 he joined Freeport-McMoRan in New Orleans as a Senior Attorney. He retired from there in 2000 after being a Corporate Legal Officer and Secretary of multiple publicly traded companies and subsidiaries. Michael then became a consultant to Freeport-McMoRan for one year. After retiring, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the following non-profit organizations: Children’s Wish Endowment, East St. Tammany Rainbow Child Care Center and St. Tammany Association for Retarded Citizens. In 2007, Michael was elected President and remains a member of the Board of Directors of Children’s Wish Endowment, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. He completed Leadership Slidell in 2007, a conscious-raising, nine-month program that provides a forum for participants to address a broad scope of community issues.

Mary Ellen Kilanowski was raised in Canton, Ohio and earned an associate’s degree in law enforcement and a bachelor’s degree in general studies with a major in criminal justice from Kent State University in 1974. Her professional career included being Director of Safety and Security for the Stern & Mann Company in Canton and Alliance. She also has devoted her time and energy to non-profit work. Mary Ellen completed Leadership Slidell in 2000 and received a national Distinguished Leadership Award for her vision and creativity in establishing the only Alzheimer’s adult day care center in Slidell. She has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Goodwill Rehabilitation Center of Stark County, Chair of the Slidell Symphony Society, Co-founder and President of the local chapter of the American Association of University Women and a member of the Board of Directors of the international Stencil Artisan League. She is a Certified Stenciler and Certified Stenciling Teacher. Currently, Mary Ellen is a member of the local chapter of the American Heart Association and the Slidell Memorial Hospital Women’s Health Alliance.

Michael and Mary Ellen Kilanowski have strong philanthropic views and choose to give back to help improve the lives of others and provide assistance to those attempting to reach their educational goals.

The Michael and Mary Ellen Kilanowski Scholarship Fund is designated to scholarships for evening division students of The University of Akron School of Law who work full-time (at least 40 hours per week), with a preference for applicants from Youngstown, Boardman or Canton. Scholarship awards may cover tuition, fees, books, and room and board, all or in part.

The Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship
A member of The University of Akron School of Law Class of 1980, established the Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship to commemorate the lives of law enforcement officers who, in the line of duty, gave the ultimate sacrifice to the communities they served – their life.

The purpose of the Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship is to provide financial assistance for the children of United States of America law enforcement officers – local, state or federal - who were killed in the line of duty as a direct result of adversarial action. In awarding The Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship, financial assistance will cover tuition for attendance at The University of Akron School of Law and preference will be given to students based on need and academic merit. The dean of The University of Akron School of Law, upon the recommendation of the School of Law Scholarship Committee will select the annual recipient of The Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship.

The School of Law Alumni Association Endowed Fund
The School of Law Alumni Association Endowed Fund was established in 2000 to support the mission of the Law Alumni Association which was established in 1973.

The School of Law Alumni Association Endowed Fund is designated to provide general support for the Law Alumni Association, including but not limited to scholarships for law students, lectures, alumni services, and special programs.

The School of Law Corporate Law Scholarship
Joseph E. Reece, Class of 1987, has made a multi-year commitment to provide personal support and to utilize his matching gift option through Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom to endow a scholarship in corporate finance and securities law. To be awarded annually to a student with a demonstrated interest in corporate finance or securities law, recipients will be selected on the basis of both merit and need, which will be given equal weight. While building toward an endowment, a portion of his support will be immediately directed to provide a present scholarship.

The School of Law Dean’s Club Scholarships
The Dean’s Club Scholarship Fund is a private endowment established by friends and alumni of the School of Law. The specific purpose of this fund is to attract highly qualified students and provide them with scholarship monies to complete their study of the law.

The School of Law Development Fund
The School of Law Development Fund is a private endowment established in 1986 by friends and alumni of the School of Law who have donated monies for the benefit of the School of Law but not have specified their use. The income from this endowment has been designated in part for use as scholarship monies for qualified students.

The Macro-Davis Joint Degree Endowed Scholarship Fund
The Macro-Davis Joint Degree Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2001 by University of Akron alumni, Judith A. Macro and Richmond L. Davis. Ms. Macro graduated from the School of Law in 1992 and Mr. Davis graduated from the College of Business Administration in 1975.

The purpose of the scholarship is to assist deserving students who are receiving a joint degree at the College of Business Administration and the School of Law. The Macro-Davis Joint Degree Endowed Scholarship Fund is an avenue for Mr. and Mrs. Davis to assist others while honoring those who have helped them on their journey. It is established in recognition of the blessings the Lord has provided through their academic accomplishments.

Their first preference for scholarship selection is, on a rotating basis, to have the Director of Graduate Programs at the College of Business Administration, determine the recipients in consultation with Judith Macro and Richmond Davis. The next year, the associate dean of the School of Law, in consultation with Judith Macro and Richmond Davis, will select the recipients. If Judith Macro and Richmond Davis are not available to participate in the selection process, the deans will determine the recipients.

The second preference for selection will be, on a rotating basis, a female student(s) in the School of Law working part-time, with a female student(s) in the College of Business Administration working part-time chosen the next year. All applicants will be required to demonstrate financial need, be of sound character, and demonstrate community involvement. Applicants should submit applications and fully completed resumes or vitas electronically.

The Matthew 25:31 46 Scholarship Fund
This endowed scholarship fund, established in 1981, provides assistance for nuns enrolled in the School of Law preparing for service as poverty lawyers. Selection of the recipients and amount of financial assistance is determined by the Dean of the School of Law.

The Craig M. McCarthy, Esquire, Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is established in memory of Craig M. McCarthy, Esquire. Craig was a very special husband, son and friend. He will always be remembered for his positive and caring attitude and his dedication to serving the legal needs of the poor and less fortunate. Graduating summa cum laude and second in his class from The University of Akron School of Law, Craig went on to work for the Akron City Prosecutor's Office and the Ninth District Court of Appeals in the State of Ohio.

As a living legacy in celebration and remembrance of Craig's life, The Craig M. McCarthy, Esquire, Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established. The purpose of the scholarship fund is to provide an annual academic scholarship, in the area of public interest law to a law student attending classes at The University of Akron School of Law. Preference in awarding the scholarship will be based on merit, demonstrated financial need, the geographic location of Tuscarawas and Stark Counties, and a short personal statement that conveys why the student is interested in pursuing a career in public interest law.

The selection of the annual Craig M. McCarthy, Esquire, Memorial Scholar, will be determined by a two step process, until such time Craig's mother, father, widow and other immediate family members are unable to participate. The process will begin with The University of Akron School of Law Scholarship Committee initiating a call for nominations and selecting the top candidates for final consideration by Timothy McCarthy, Cristene McCarthy, Kelly McCarthy, Jeffrey Timmons and others they choose to serve on the McCarthy family award committee.

Beatrice and C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Endowed Fund
Established in 1998 through the estate of C. Blake McDowell, Jr. this fund supports distinguished professorships and academic scholarships for the School of Law. The professorships are for the purpose of honoring academic excellence and to recruit and retain the very best and brightest students and professors to The University of Akron School of Law.

The Sanders J. Mestel Legal Scholarship Fund
The Sanders J. Mestel Legal Scholarship Fund was established in December, 1985, as a designated fund from The Stark County Foundation. The donors, Harry and Anne Mestel, wished to: assist deserving students to obtain a legal education; and perpetuate and honor the name of their son, Sanders J. Mestel, a trial attorney, who was particularly concerned about the financial ability of young people in Stark County to obtain an education for the legal profession, and specifically in trial advocacy.

The Kerry Migdal Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in May, 1987, in fond memory of Kerry A. Migdal who died February 13, 1987. The fund's purpose is to express the loss brought about by his death and perpetuate his most enduring qualities -- humor and compassion. At the time of his death Kerry Migdal was a first year, second-semester day student of the Class of 1989 at The University of Akron School of Law. It is the desire of those establishing this fund, that at the beginning of the spring semester, a student from the first year day class be selected as the recipient of this annual award. The selection process shall be coordinated through the Associate Dean's office.

The Ava Marie Miller Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is established in memory of Ava Marie Miller, daughter of Terri L. and Scott M. Miller, and sister of Matthew R. and Todd M. Miller. Ava Marie Miller was a very special person. Sincere and genuine, a woman of compassion, courage and conviction, Ava had the ability to change people’s lives; even those who didn’t know her were deeply and profoundly moved as a result of her life. Ava was a woman of faith. Her dream was to become a good lawyer and, someday, a good judge. Each day of her life she planned for her dream and, in the fall of 1997, began law school at The University of Akron School of Law. Ava passionately embraced the rigorous study of law, sharing her gifts of humor and friendship with her classmates. On March 16, 1998, Ava’s dream of becoming a lawyer was cut short.

As a living legacy in celebration and remembrance of Ava’s life and dream, The Ava Marie Miller Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established. The purpose OF The Ava Marie Miller Memorial Scholarship Fund is to provide an annual scholarship to a first-year, second-semester law student attending classes full-time at The University of Akron School of Law. The criteria for awarding The Ava Marie Miller Memorial Scholarship will include academic merit and financial need. Preference in awarding the scholarship will be given to someone who exemplifies Ava Marie Miller’s most enduring qualities—compassion, humor, friendship and faith.

The W. Paul and Thora J. Mills Endowed Scholarship Fund
The W. Paul and Thora J. Mills Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2004 at The University of Akron in memory of W. Paul Mills and Thora J. Mills through the generosity of The W. Paul and Thora J. Mills Foundation.

W. Paul Mills graduated from The University of Akron School of Law in 1930. In recognition of Mr. Mills’ legal career, the W. Paul and Thora Mills Endowed Scholarship Fund was established to provide vital support to students in law school who are striving to create a solid foundation on which to build their legal careers.

The W. Paul and Thora J. Mills Endowed Scholarship Fund will be awarded annually to day or evening law students. The trustees of the Foundation seek to assist students who demonstrate the values of hard work and dedication to their academic careers, with consideration of financial need. The scholarship recipients are selected by the School of Law Scholarship Committee.

The School of Law is grateful to W. Paul and Thora J. Mills and The W. Paul and Thora J. Mills Foundation trustees for creating The W. Paul and Thora J. Mills Endowed Scholarship Fund. This Fund is a legacy to Mr. and Mrs. Mills and will perpetuate their spirit of good will and generosity.

The Morrison Family Foundation Scholarship Fund
The Morrison Family Foundation was founded in the year 2000 by Jack Morrison, Jr. and Victoria Lynn Morrison. Jack Morrison, Jr. is a graduate of The University of Akron’s College of Business Administration (BS, BA 1977) and a graduate of The University of Akron’s School of Law (JD 1981). The Morrison Family Foundation is devoted to supporting charitable needs within the community including health, education, and the arts and basic human needs of those less fortunate. As a uniquely special scholarship award, The Morrison Family Foundation Scholarship Fund will first and foremost afford students the opportunity to learn and grow in their understanding and practice of the law. The Morrison Family Foundation strongly supports the legal profession and its role in promoting justice, preserving the rule of law, and protecting civil liberties, which are at the very foundation or our free society and form of democracy. Furthermore, this scholarship will enhance the quality of The University of Akron School of Law’s educational program and help serve to advance the status and reputation of the School of Law. Through the generous support of The Morrison Family Foundation, and upon the recommendation of the dean of the School of Law annually, a day or evening student with demonstrated academic achievement will be awarded The Morrison Family Foundation Scholarship.

The Judge and Mrs. W. E. Pardee Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1965 in memory of Judge and Mrs. W. E. Pardee, this endowed scholarship fund provides awards to full time students of demonstrated scholarship in The University of Akron School of Law day program.

The Judge W. E. Pardee Memorial Award
Established in 1963 in memory of the Honorable W. E. Pardee, Judge on the original Ninth District Court of Appeals of Ohio, this grant is awarded annually to the student team who best displays advocacy skill and professional decorum.

The William C. Pepple Scholarship
William C. Pepple, a 1982 graduate of The University of Akron School of Law, established The William C. Pepple Scholarship Fund in 2002. Mr. Pepple is a prominent labor law attorney in the State of Ohio and a partner in the Cleveland-based law firm of Pepple & Waggoner, Ltd. Through his legal practice, Mr. Pepple handles a broad assortment of school law matters for Ohio's boards of education.

From the time he was a young boy growing up on a farm near Waynesfield, Ohio, Bill Pepple knew he wanted to be a lawyer. He attended college at Bowling Green State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1971. Immediately after college, Mr. Pepple served as an officer in the Strategic Air Command of the United States Air Force. While on active duty, Mr. Pepple pursued and obtained a Masters in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota. Mr. Pepple completed his military assignment in 1975 with the rank of Captain. Immediately following his military commitment, he worked as a high school mathematics and economics teacher in the Hardin-Northern Local and Nordonia Hills City School Districts, and as the assistant treasurer of the Shaker Heights City School District. These experiences provided him with a solid foundation for his legal career.

Mr. Pepple co-founded the Pepple & Waggoner, Ltd. Law firm in 1989. His practice encompasses all areas of public school law. He is skilled in matters relating to contract negotiations, grievance arbitration, unfair labor practice defense, litigation and general school law representation. William C. Pepple is licensed to practice in all Ohio State Courts, in the Federal District Court and in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. He is married to Nancy L. Ryland, who is also a University of Akron alumnus having earned her Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts degrees from the College of Education.

The purpose of The William C. Pepple Scholarship Fund is to assist the School of Law in recruiting and retaining top-flight students vis-à-vis a merit-based scholarship endowment fund. In awarding The William C. Pepple Scholarship, individuals whose entering law school or upper-division scholarship application embodies a demonstrated passion for public sector work will be considered most favorably. The Dean of The University of Akron School of Law will select The William C. Pepple Scholarship recipient, upon the recommendation of the Law School’s scholarship committee.

Paul G. Perantinides Competition Team Fund
The Paul G. Perantinides Competition Team Fund was established in 1997 by Paul G. Perantinides, a graduate of The University of Akron School of Law Class of 1969. A prominent trial attorney in Akron, Ohio and partner in the law firm of Perantinides & Nolan Co., L.P.A., Paul Perantinides practices in the areas of medical malpractice, personal injury, defective products and wrongful death. The purpose of the Paul G. Perantinides Competition Team Fund is to provide a permanent source of revenue in support of various School of Law competition teams, with an emphasis upon trial advocacy competition teams. The income from the Paul G. Perantinides Competition Team Fund is dispersed on a yearly basis to support competition team programs at The University of Akron School of Law, as determined by the dean of the School of Law.

The Darleen Phipps Memorial Scholarship Fund
Two of the most beautiful verbs in the world are 'to love" and 'to help." With love and appreciation for his "bright star," Robert M. Phipps has established The Darleen Phipps Memorial Scholarship in memory of his wife, Darleen Marie Phipps.

A wife, mother, community-volunteer and professional artist, Darleen Phipps was a pillar of strength, courage and inspiration for her husband and children. Lee, as she was known by her family and friends, worked as a legal secretary but always dreamed of becoming an artist. She was a helpmate as well as a soul mate for her husband Bob, making it possible for him to work a full time job at The BFGoodrich Company and attend law school at night. Whenever Lee had a spare moment she would pursue her passion and talent for art. Over the years, her still life oil paintings received national and international acclaim, and today hang in many private and corporate collections throughout the United States and Canada. Her artwork depicts many aspects of her life and her feelings about the world we live in.

Darleen and her husband Robert were married for forty-seven wonderful years before she passed away of cancer in December 1999. Together, they were the proud parents of three grown children and the devoted grandparents of six grandchildren. For Bob, Lee's love and support was the reason for his success in law school and life.

As a living legacy in celebration and remembrance of Lee's life, The Darleen Phipps Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established. The purpose of the scholarship fund is to provide an award to a third or fourth year evening law student pursing a career in intellectual property law at The University of Akron School of Law. In awarding The Darleen Phipps Memorial Scholarship, the scholarship committee will give preference to students who have achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.0 during the previous academic year. Prior receipt of The Darleen Phipps Memorial Scholarship as a third year student will not bar the student from receiving the same award as a fourth year student.

The Dr. Marvin S. Platt Scholarship Fund in the School of Law
The Dr. Marvin S. Platt Scholarship Fund is envisioned to make possible a scholarship(s) for a University of Akron student(s) enrolled in the School of Law. The student(s) is to have evidence of financial need and to have a minimum 3.00 grade point average. The person should be a resident of the state of Ohio for at least six months. The Dr. Marvin S. Platt Scholarship(s) shall be awarded with no discrimination against any individual, in accordance with Ohio law.

The Harley John Queen Scholarship Fund
Established as a trust fund by the late Harley John Queen of Akron in 1982 and as an endowed scholarship in 1986, this fund generates earnings to be used annually to provide scholarships to deserving law students as determined by the Dean of the School of Law.

The Professor Emeritus Albert S. Rakas Scholarship
The Professor Emeritus Albert S. Rakas Scholarship is a fund established in 1989 by Margaret Rakas and friends in memory of her husband, Albert S. Rakas. Dean Rakas had a 28 year distinguished career in the United States Army. After retirement from the Army as a Colonel, Dean Rakas came to the School of Law in 1971 as Associate Professor and director of Clinical Education. In 1974 he became Associate Dean and in 1976 was promoted to Professor. He served as Interim Dean of the school from 1979-81 and then resumed his position as Associate Dean until his retirement in 1984. Because of his outstanding contributions to the School, the title of Professor of Law Emeritus was bestowed on Dean Rakas at the time of his retirement. This scholarship is to be awarded to an evening law student who demonstrates financial need, as determined by the Dean, School of Law.

The Carmen V. Roberto, Esq. Scholarship
Carmen V. Roberto, The University of Akron School of Law Class of 1973, established The Carmen V. Roberto, Esq. Scholarship to encourage excellence in trial advocacy and as a means of giving back to his Alma Mater.

The purpose of The Carmen V. Roberto, Esq. Scholarship is to reward an outstanding student advocate who is a member of one of The University of Akron School of Law’s Mock Trial Teams and/or to provide an academic scholarship. The selection of the Carmen V. Roberto, Esq. Outstanding Student Advocate and/or The Carmen V. Roberto, Esq. Scholarship recipient will be made by the dean of The University of Akron School of Law, upon the recommendation of the director of the Trial Team or Trial Advocacy Professor(s) and the School of Law Scholarship Committee.

In awarding the Carmen V. Roberto, Esq. Outstanding Student Advocate award, preference will be given to a top student on the Mock Trial Team with a law school grade point average of 3.2 or higher. Over time, a Carmen V. Roberto, Esq. Scholarship may also be awarded to one or more students who are not on the Mock Trial Team but who are enrolled in Trial Advocacy or an equivalent skills training class and have a law school grade point average of 3.2 or higher.

Carmen V. Roberto is a partner in the Akron law firm of Vasko, Roberto & Evans, L.P.A. and a 2002 recipient of The University of Akron School of Law’s Law Alumni Association’s Outstanding Alumni Award. After law school and military service, Roberto worked for the law firm of Miller & Morris and then as a sole practitioner. From 1976 until 1982, he served the City of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio as an Assistant Prosecutor, Assistant Law Director and Law Director. Roberto has lectured nationally on municipal law topics, written articles for national journals and written a trial handbook for municipal prosecutors. His community involvement includes serving as a past president of the Akron Bar Association, counsel for the All American Soap Box Derby Boosters’ Club, chair of the Attorneys United Way Campaign and committee membership on the Lake Township Zoning Board and the City of Green Planning Commission.

The Scott H. and Linda S. Ruport Business Litigation Scholarship Endowment Fund
The Scott H. and Linda S. Ruport Business Litigation Scholarship was established in 2006. Scott is a member of the School of Law class of 1974 and has more than 32 years of trial experience and is licensed to practice law in Ohio (1974), Pennsylvania (1984) and Florida (2002). He has been awarded Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating of AV and is a member of the Akron, Ohio State and American Bar Associations, The Florida Bar, Collier County Bar Association, Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Scott has been listed in various editions of Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Law, Who’s Who in the Midwest, Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in American, Who’s Who in Finance and Industry and also in Ohio Super Lawyers. He was a Captain in the Finance Corps of the U.S. Army Reserve.

Ruport Co., L.P.A. was formed in 1985 to provide experienced litigation service in the areas of business, partnership, employment, corporate, construction, real estate, eminent domain, stocks and securities. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a third year out-of-state student attending The University of Akron School of Law who has a demonstrated interest in business law and trial advocacy. Recipients are to be selected based on academic merit and financial need and must intend to pursue a career with a law firm focused in the legal areas of business, partnership, employment, corporate, construction, real estate, eminent domain or securities litigation. This scholarship is restricted to out-of-state students. The recipient shall be selected by The University of Akron School of Law Scholarship Selection Committee. Scholarship awards may cover tuition, fees, books, and room and board, all or in part for The University of Akron School of Law selected recipient.

The Judge and Mrs. Charles Sacks Scholarship
This scholarship fund was established in 1969 70, the centennial year of the University, in honor of Judge and Mrs. Charles Sacks, by their children. Income from the fund is used to provide scholarships to deserving students in the School of Law. Recipients of the scholarship are selected by the Dean of the School of Law.

The Stanley A. Samad Memorial Scholarship Fund
During his lifetime, Dean Stanley A. Samad touched and influenced the lives of many people – students, faculty, members of the legal community and others. He was the longest serving Dean in the history of the School of Law, from 1959 to 1979. To recognize the foundation Stan laid for today’s School of Law – merging the Akron Law School with The University of Akron and transforming it from a part-time evening law school to a full-time day and evening program; achieving ABA accreditation for the School of Law; achieving membership in the Association of American Law Schools; and construction and dedicating the McDowell Law Center – a group of his former students formed a committee to establish The Stanley A. Samad Memorial Scholarship and Portrait Fund in his memory.

The Samad scholarship was designed to carry on Dean Samad’s legacy of ensuring opportunities for individuals to pursue law degrees leading to successful careers and his portrait, which hangs alongside other Dean’s of the Law School, commemorates his tenure as Dean.

The purpose of The Stanley A. Samad Memorial Scholarship Fund is to help The University of Akron School of Law recruit bright and promising law students by providing an annual scholarship to a first year day or evening law student. The Dean of The University of Akron School of Law will select The Stanley A. Samad Memorial Scholarship recipient, upon the recommendation of the Law School’s scholarship committee.

The Rochelle K. Seide, Ph.D. Intellectual Property Moot Court Competition Team Endowment Fund
Rochelle Karen Seide has established this endowment in recognition that the legal world of the 21st century must produce new lawyers who are more than theoretically acquainted with the law. The Rochelle K. Seide, Ph.D. Intellectual Property Moot Court Competition Team Endowment Fund will ensure intellectual property law students the opportunity to gain practical and relevant experiences in preparation for their future careers.

A 1984 graduate of The University of Akron School of Law, Rochelle Seide attended night school while teaching at The Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine in Rootstown, Ohio. The combination of a full-time career in the health care industry, coupled with meeting a rigorous academic program, prepared her for a lifetime career in the legal profession and launched her into what would become one of the most important economic and cultural growth fields of the 21st century—intellectual property.

Rochelle Seide is a partner in the New York, NY office of BakerBotts, L.L.P. Her practice encompasses all phases of intellectual property law dealing with biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and chemistry. Dr. Seide has more than fifteen years of practice in the intellectual property field. Among other activities, she is active in the American Intellectual Property Association and served for six years, under the auspices of the Department of Commerce, on the committee that evaluates the nominations for the National Model of Technology.

The purpose of The Rochelle K. Seide, Ph.D. Intellectual Property Moot Court Competition Team Endowment Fund is to provide support for moot court patent competition teams at The University of Akron School of Law.

The Mary Z. Seidel ’95 Scholarship Fund
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” -- T.S. Elliot

"We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal and then leap in the dark to our success." -- Henry David Thoreau

Mary (Zetwick) Seidel, a 1995 graduate of The University of Akron School of Law, established The Mary Z. Seidel ’95 Scholarship Fund in 2006. Mrs. Seidel is a prominent lobbyist in Washington, D.C. and is vice president and director of federal affairs for the Reinsurance Association of America. Mrs. Seidel and her husband, Joe, reside in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

From the time she was an undergraduate student, Mrs. Seidel had a keen interest in politics, policy and government. She credits her success to her hard work and a willingness to take risks in pursuit of her professional career. Her fortitude and desire have shaped her life and defined the professional that she is today. Mrs. Seidel is originally from Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

The purpose of The Mary Z. Seidel ’95 Scholarship Fund is to provide financial support for day students of The University of Akron School of Law with preference to applicants who demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for their law school career, are resolute in pursuit of their future profession and have a passion toward reaching their goals. The candidates should be in good academic standing. Students who are interested in government and politics are encouraged to apply as well. The School of Law scholarship committee will select The Mary Z. Seidel Scholarship Fund recipient after reviewing the top candidates with Mrs. Seidel.

Fay Sharpe Intellectual Property Law Scholarship
Fay, Sharpe, Fagan, Minnich and McKee, LLP, is a Cleveland-based law firm focused on the practice of patent, trademark and copyright law. The firm established the Fay Sharpe Intellectual Property Law Scholarship with annual contributions at The University of Akron School of Law in May 2005, to encourage participation of talented students in the field of intellectual property law.

The selection of the recipient of the Fay Sharpe Intellectual Property Law Scholarship will be based on financial need and qualifications as determined by the dean of the School of Law. A recipient will be determined based on annual contributions from Fay, Sharpe, Fagan, Minnich and McKee, LLP. The recipient should be a student with a technical undergraduate degree (e.g., engineering, chemistry, biosciences, computer sciences, etc.) and one who shows an interest in pursuing a career in intellectual property law. The amount of the scholarship award at the time of inception is $2,500.

The Philip D. Shepherd Memorial Scholarship Fund in The University Of Akron School of Law
The Philip D. Shepherd Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Philip D. Shepherd by his loving wife, Sharon. Philip Shepherd was a 1976 graduate of The University of Akron School of Law. He passed away unexpectedly in April 2004. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends, yet his legacy will live on at The University of Akron School of Law through this scholarship fund.

Philip D. Shepherd was born in 1949 in Lima, Peru. His father, David Shepherd, worked for The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Philip and his family returned to Akron when he was four years old; he attended Firestone High School, which is where he met his future wife, Sharon Soloman.

Philip completed studies for a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and after graduation began working, like his father, for The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. He pursued an interest in law by enrolling in the Akron Law School, Evening Division, graduating in 1976. Both Philip and Sharon made many friends during his law school career. The two married and Philip graduated and passed the bar at which time the couple packed up and moved to Michigan for a promising career for Philip with Dow Chemical. Philip made a lifetime career at Dow as a patent attorney. He and Sharon traveled Europe extensively and made a home there—all three of their sons, Todd, Andrew and Stephen, were born abroad. Philip enjoyed a successful and rewarding career at Dow, serving among other positions as senior managing counsel in the patent office for Dow Europe. He was known by his colleagues as a true leader who contributed to the growth and success of the patent division by serving as a mentor to many of the younger lawyers in the office.

Sharon Shepherd established The Philip D. Shepherd Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor Philip’s memory and to acknowledge the excellent legal education Philip received at The University of Akron. Sharon is grateful for the many opportunities that Philip’s education and career afforded her and her family; the travel and exposure to Europe and other countries has enriched their lives.

The Philip D. Shepherd Memorial Scholarship shall be awarded to students enrolled in The University of Akron School of Law by the Scholarship Committee and the Dean of The School of Law. Scholarship awards can be used for tuition, books or other expenses and will be directed to assist dedicated and hardworking law students who are pursing their dream of practicing law.

The Skelton Family Law Alumni Association Endowment Fund
The Skelton Family, of which Joseph R. Skelton is a 1974 graduate of The University of Akron School of Law, established the The Skelton Family Law Alumni Association Endowment Fund in 2003. Skelton Family members include Joe Skelton’s wife Margaret and his parents, Richard and Marjorie Skelton.

The purpose of The Skelton Family Law Alumni Association Endowment Fund is to provide unrestricted support for the work of the Law Alumni Association in building and maintaining alumni relations with graduates of The University of Akron School of Law. This includes but is not limited to scholarships for law students, lectures, alumni services, special programs, awards and general operating support. In awarding scholarship support for law students, preference shall be given to Coshocton County residents.

Joseph R. Skelton is a named partner in the Coshocton, Ohio law firm of Pomerene, Burns & Skelton, a founding father of the Ohio Heritage Bank, and the elected law director of the City of Coshocton. He and his wife Margaret are both affiliated with the Ohio National Guard. Joe is an active duty JAG officer, holding the rank of Colonel. Margaret is retired from the Ohio National Guard. She holds the rank of Colonel and served as head of Family Support. They have two children, Richard and Mary.

The Harvey E. Smith ’39 Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund
The Harvey E. Smith ’39 Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 with gifts from his family. Harvey was a 1939 graduate of the Akron Law School, then a small private school that later merged with The University of Akron as the School of Law. Harvey graduated from Ohio University in 1933 and began working for the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Akron. He enrolled in the Akron Law School, working during the day and attending class at night, along with many others from Firestone and other local rubber companies at that time. Harvey dedicated his life to a career at Firestone and he and his wife, Ruth, raised their family in Akron. They had two children, Doug and Camille, and two grandsons, Colby and Brian, who later became lawyers, both graduating first in their class.

Harvey retired from Firestone and continued working as a mediator, helping people settle their differences outside of the rigors of the courtroom. Harvey was a lifelong learner, having attended many law classes in his retirement as allowed through the University’s 60+ program. He was a beloved member of the School of Law community and is missed by the many who knew him. Harvey was a true example of a dedicated family man who believed in the values of hard work and continual learning.

The Harvey E. Smith ’39 Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund is designated to scholarships for School of Law students enrolled in the evening division who work full-time and are in good academic standing. The ideal candidate should mirror Harvey’s example of hard work and dedication to education. Scholarship awards may cover tuition, fees, books, and room and board, all or in part.

The Oscar Smith Endowment Fund
Under terms of the will of Oscar Smith of Akron, an endowment fund was established in 1963 in support of the School of Law. Earnings are used at the discretion of the Dean for scholarship awards to worthy students.

The Fully R. Spain, Jr. Memorial Fund
Established in 1980 by family and friends in loving memory of Fully R. Spain, Jr., a 1973 graduate of the School of Law, this endowed scholarship is awarded annually to students enrolled in the School of Law. Selection of the recipient is determined by the Dean of the faculty of the School of Law.

The Thomas E. Stocker Memorial Scholarship
The Thomas E. Stocker Memorial Scholarship was endowed in 1991 in memory of Thomas E. Stocker, a 1979 graduate of the School of Law, by his parents, Homer E. and Doris V. Stocker, fellow alumni and friends. A scholarship will be awarded annually to a law student from Stark County, Ohio, with special consideration given to graduates of Glen Oak High School. Law students with public service backgrounds or with interests in pursuing a public service career may also apply and should be given special consideration in recognition of Thomas Stocker’s long tradition of service to his community.

The Student Bar Association Public Interest Law Fellowship Endowment Fund
The University of Akron School of Law Student Bar Association, under the leadership of the 2001-2002 Student Bar Association President, Eduardo Coronado, established the Student Bar Association Public Interest Law Fellowship Endowment Fund.

The Public Interest Law program at the School of Law offers law students, under the guidance and supervision of licensed attorneys, the opportunity to represent underserved populations. Participation in public interest law experiences prepares law students for the practice of law where they learn the substantive law and practical skills needed to effectively serve their clients. Venues where law students are often placed for their public interest law fellowship include prosecutors and legal defenders offices, the White House, Senator’s offices and legal aid offices, to name a few. Through these fellowship experiences, law students also learn the importance of making pro bono contributions to society.

The purpose of The Student Bar Association Public Interest Law Fellowship Endowment Fund is to provide financial assistance to law students who apply for and are selected to participate in, The University of Akron School of Law’s Public Interest Law Fellowship program. To qualify for a Student Bar Association Public Interest Law Fellowship grant, an applicant must be a member of The University of Akron School of Law’s Student Bar Association.

The Joseph Thomas Memorial Scholarship
This endowment scholarship was established in 1976 by the Firestone Foundation in memory of the late and revered Trustee Emeritus Joseph Thomas, Esq., founder and for many years executive director of the foundation. Mr. Thomas was also instrumental in the creation of the Akron Law School. This scholarship provides assistance for financially deserving law students of high academic potential and achievement residing in Summit County, on the recommendation of the School of Law.

The Anna M. Pfeifle Victor and Henry P. Victor Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established by retired Ninth District Court of Appeals Judge William H. Victor in memory of his mother, Anna M. Pfeifle Victor, and his father, Henry P. Victor. This scholarship is awarded to a law student or students based on either need, academic merit or both as determined by the Dean's Office.

The Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court Competition
Established in 2000 by Lisa A. Gualdini (’84), this fund provides general annual support for University of Akron School of Law moot court competition teams competing in the William C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court Competition in Vienna Austria.

The Daniel Wallen Endowed Scholarship Fund
The purpose of The Daniel Wallen Endowed Scholarship Fund is to provide an academic scholarship for a member of The University of Akron School of Law’s Akron Law Review. The Daniel Wallen Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually by the Dean of the School of Law, upon the recommendation of the School of Law Scholarship Committee, to a law student serving in a leadership position and holding a named Akron Law Review editorial board position.

The W. Mack and Corinne Webner Endowed Moot Court Competition Team Fund
W. Mack and Corinne Webner have established this endowment in recognition that the legal world of the 21st century must produce new lawyers who are more than theoretically acquainted with the law. The W. Mack and Corinne Webner Endowed Moot Court Competition Team Fund will ensure intellectual property law students the opportunity to gain practical and relevant experiences in preparation for their future careers.

A 1968 graduate of The University of Akron School of Law, Mack Webner attended night school while working a full-time job at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, in its international division. As a second-year law student, Mr. Webner secured a job in Goodyear’s patent law department as an assistant to the trademark lawyer. The combination of full-time employment, coupled with meeting a rigorous academic program, prepared him for a lifetime career in the legal profession and launched him into what would become one of the most important economic and cultural growth fields of the 21st century—intellectual property.

Mack Webner is a shareholder in the firm of Sughrue, Mion, Zinn, Macpeak & Seas, PLLC located in Washington, D.C. His practice encompasses all phases of trademark, unfair competition, trade secret and copyright law. Mr. Webner has more than thirty years of practice in the intellectual property field and has represented clients with such well-known brand names as HELLMAN’S®, KOA®, KNORR®, PRINCE®, SKIPPY®, ROLLERBLADE®, TROPICANA®, TRUMP®, TARKETT®, REXALL® and ELVIS PRESLEY®. Prior to his association with Sughrue, Mion, Zinn, Macpeak & Seas, PLLC, Mr. Webner was employed by several Fortune 500 companies and had his own private practice specializing in trademark and unfair competition law.

In May 1964, with an undergraduate degree in business from The University of Akron, Mack Webner married his college sweetheart, Corinne Palmer. In 1980, while raising their children, Corinne went to law school and, upon graduation, practiced trademark law with Mack for several years until retiring to devote her energies full-time to the more demanding role of child rearing. Mack and Corinne are the proud parents of three grown children. In addition to his success and skill as an intellectual property lawyer, Mack Webner is known for his subtle wit, devotion to family, and his compassion for others.

The purpose of The W. Mack and Corinne Webner Endowed Moot Court Competition Team Fund is to provide support for moot court trademark competition teams at The University of Akron School of Law.

The W. Mack Webner Intellectual Property Adjunct Professorship Fund
The W. Mack Webner Intellectual Property Adjunct Professorship Fund was established with an initial gift from W. Mack Webner in 2003. Teaching excellence has always been a strong suit at The University of Akron School of Law. Advancing teaching excellence is, therefore, of great importance and a continual challenge. Through the generosity of W. Mack Webner, this fund will provide a financial resource for the director of the Center of Intellectual Property Law and Technology at The University of Akron School of Law to enhance the educational experience, providing students with unique opportunities to hear and learn different points of view from practicing attorneys.

W. Mack Webner holds two degrees from The University of Akron, a B.S. in Business Administration '64 and a JD '68. Mr. Webner was a member of Phi Kappa Epsilon (Lone Star) fraternity and Phi Alpha Delta (law) honorary society. He also holds a L.L.M. degree from New York University Law School.

Mr. Webner has served as partner with Sughrue Mion, PLLC (formerly known as Sughrue, Mion, Zinn, MacPeak & Seas, PLLC) since joining the firm in 1996. His areas of expertise include trademarks, unfair competition, copyrights, publicity right protection, and intellectual property, among others. He is a member of AIPLA and International Trademark Association.

Mack Webner began his legal career in 1964 as a trademark assistant and trademark attorney for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He left Goodyear in 1969 to become trademark counsel for International Harvester Company. From there, he served as trademark counsel and assistant patent counsel for GAF Corporation (1972-76); partner, Littlepage & Webner/Nies, Webner, Kurz & Bergert (1976-89); partner, Baker & Hostetler (1989-91); partner, Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease (1991-96). During his career, Mr. Webner has represented the estates of such famed individuals as Elvis Presley, James Dean, Babe Ruth and Charlie Chaplin.

Mr. Webner served as Chair of the Intellectual Property Advisory Council of The University of Akron School of Law from its inception in 2000 until 2007. He is responsible for securing his firm as the primary sponsor of the School’s Intellectual Property Symposium.

Mr. Webner is married to the former Corinne Palmer, a 1964 alumnus of the University's College of Education and Alpha Gamma Delta member. Together, Mack and Corrine have supported other funds at the School of Law and established the W. Mack and Corinne Webner Endowed Moot Court Fund.

The W. Mack Webner Intellectual Property Adjunct Professorship is designated to fund the W. Mack Webner Intellectual Property Adjunct Professor. Funds can be used for the adjunct’s salary, travel, and other expenses.

The Judge Harold and Jeannette White Scholarship
Funded originally by income from seminars in bankruptcy law prepared or presented by Judge Harold White and supplemented since 1994 by annual contributions by Harold and Jeannette White, these scholarships are available to upper-class law students, whose overall grade-point average places them in the upper one-third of their class. An interest in Commercial Law is preferred.

The Honorable James R. and Catherine D. Williams Scholarship
James R. Williams, a 1965 graduate of The University of Akron School of Law and recipient of the 2001 Outstanding School of Law Alumni Award, is a dedicated public servant. He is a family man of faith and strong values. As a distinguished lawyer, jurist and community leader, Judge Williams is an outstanding mentor and role model for law students, as well as for new and experienced attorneys. It is therefore a fitting honor that the friends, professional associates, fellow School of Law alumni and other colleagues of The Honorable James R. Williams pay tribute to him with the establishment of The Honorable James R. And Catherine D. Williams Scholarship Fund.

The hallmark of Judge Williams distinguished career is his service to others. Prior to becoming a judge of the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Judge Williams served as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio and as Judge of the Akron Municipal Court. While in private practice, Judge Williams served for eight years on Akron’s City Council. Early in his career, Judge Williams was a teacher in the Akron Public Schools and a senior staff member of the City of Akron’s Department of Planning and Urban Renewal. Over the years, Judge Williams has demonstrated his commitment to bettering the life of others and his community through his role as a Civil Rights activist, as a leader of many civic groups and via his active participation in the Akron and American Bar Associations. As the principal founder of Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc., Jim Williams is a champion for providing housing for moderate and low-income families and senior citizens.

Judge James R. Williams is a native of Columbus, Mississippi. Following active duty with the United States Army, he and his wife made their home in Akron, Ohio. Judge and Mrs. Williams, the late Catherine Douglas Williams, have two children and four grandchildren.

The purpose of The Honorable James R. and Catherine D. Williams Scholarship Fund is to reward academic achievement and a history of leadership at the School of Law or in the community by upper division law students who are members of the Black Law Students Association. In awarding The Honorable James R. and Catherine D. Williams Scholarship, individuals from both the day and evening divisions are eligible to apply. Law students with financial needs as determined by the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) number will receive favorable consideration. Annually, the Dean of The University of Akron School of Law will select The Honorable James R. Williams and Catherine D. Williams Scholarship recipient, upon the recommendation of the Law School’s scholarship committee.

The Lynda Harvey Williams ’89 Scholarship Fund
Born in Sierra Leone, West Africa, Lynda Harvey Williams came to the United States of America shortly after graduating from high school. She received her bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 1974 and her JD from The University of Akron School of Law in 1989. As a law student, she clerked for Judge Harold K. Stubbs of the Akron Municipal Court. After law school she accepted a position as Associate General Counsel for the County of Summit in Akron. In 1990, she became a partner in Thomason & Harvey Williams, and eventually established her own firm, Lynda Harvey Williams & Associates, in 1996.

Attorney Williams believes strongly in values that place her family first as her highest priority. Her ability to face challenges with strength and confidence are the secrets to her success. Through this scholarship, she seeks to help students who are motivated to better themselves despite challenges and obstacles. It is her belief that the road to success and happiness requires hard work and sacrifice.

The Lynda Harvey Williams Scholarship is designated to assist law students at The University of Akron who are enrolled in the evening division, are members of BLSA and who work at least 20 hours a week. The recipient, or recipients, will be determined annually by the School of Law Scholarship Committee.