The Akron City Hospital’s School of Nursing Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund
The Akron City Hospital's School of Nursing Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund was established through the generosity of the Alumni Association of Akron City Hospital's School of Nursing. The Alumni Association has long recognized the importance of higher education in the nursing profession. Throughout its 104 year history, Akron City Hospital's School of Nursing has singularly contributed to the physical well being of the community through its commitment to excellence in the helping profession. The Akron City Hospital's School of Nursing Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship will continue the School's legacy of academic excellence and community service. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduate of Akron City Hospital's School of Nursing, who is in pursuit of a Bachelors or Masters Degree in Nursing at The University of Akron’s College of Nursing. Although preference will be given to a Diploma Graduate of Akron City Hospital's School of Nursing, other nursing students are encouraged to apply. The scholarship will be awarded according to academic merit and financial need. The recipient must maintain a minimum grade point average in keeping with the particular nursing program sequence and can be enrolled on a full- or part-time basis. The Scholarship Committee of The University of Akron's College of Nursing will determine the recipient of the Akron City Hospital's School of Nursing Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship. Additionally, the Scholarship Committee will annually notify the Alumni Association of the Akron City Hospital's School of Nursing of the scholarship recipient. It is further understood that the scholarships will be awarded regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or national origin.

The Charles R. and Janice L. Barton Scholarship for Students in the Graduate Nurse Anesthesia Program
The Charles R. and Janice L. Barton Scholarship for Students in the Graduate Nurse Anesthesia Program was established to encourage students to pursue studies in the Graduate Nurse Anesthesia Program. The Scholarship was established through the generosity of Mr. Charles R. and Mrs. Janice L. Barton in 2001.

The Charles R. and Janice L. Barton Scholarship for Students in the Graduate Nurse Anesthesia Program will be awarded to students pursuing a degree in the Graduate Nurse Anesthia Program, at The University of Akron’s College of Nursing. Selection of Scholarship recipients will be based on financial need and scholastic achievement. The scholarship recipients will be chosen by the Director of the Graduate Nurse Anesthesia Program.

The Beatrice P. Radabaugh Bischoff Nursing Award
The Beatrice P. Radabaugh Bischoff Nursing Award was established in 2006 by the family of Mrs. Bischoff. This scholarship is to be used in support of a student attending The University of Akron who is either a first generation student and/or has a great financial need. The award is given to an undergraduate student in their last semester before graduation from the College of Nursing. Recipients will be selected by the Office of Student Affairs in the College of Nursing.

As a healthcare professional, Mrs. Bischoff received her registered nursing diploma from Akron City Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1937, and remained an active member of the Alumni Association. She was also an active member of the Summit County Women’s Medical Auxiliary and Fairlawn Community Church. Mrs. Bischoff’s family established this scholarship in honor of her 70th anniversary of graduation from nursing school; and her dedication to the healthcare profession by benefiting first generation students or students from low income families.

The Dr. Charles V. Bowen, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
This memorial scholarship was established in 1990 by Molly Bowen and the Summit County Medical Society in memory of Dr. Charles V. Bowen, Jr., devoted husband and dedicated physician in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. The scholarship will provide tuition, books, and fees to an undergraduate or graduate nursing student who has expressed an interest in critical care nursing. Qualifying recipients of this scholarship award must demonstrate financial need, have at least a grade point average of 2.75 at the undergraduate level, and have a minimum grade point average of 3.00 at the graduate level.

The Carol A. Brodbeck Nursing Scholarship
The Carol A. Brodbeck Nursing Scholarship was established in 2006 by her family following Carol’s untimely death on August 9, 2006. This scholarship is to be used in support of a student attending The University of Akron in the accelerated nursing program. The award is given to a student currently enrolled in the accelerated BSN nursing program. Recipients are selected based on their involvement in the profession, demonstration of nursing values, and contributions to the community. Recipients will be selected by the Office of Student Affairs in the College of Nursing, in collaboration with the Brodbeck family.

A nurse by profession, Carol worked in the medical system for more than 35 years. She graduated from St. Vincent High School and received her diploma in nursing from St. Thomas Hospital School of Nursing. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Louis University and a master’s in nursing from The University of Akron in 1991. She was the recipient of the Distinguished Nursing Alumni Award and Mary Gladwin Award for Outstanding Graduate Student of Nursing from The University of Akron. Carol began teaching at The University of Akron in 2006 running the accelerated nursing program. Prior to her employment at the University, she worked for Visiting Nurse Service (VSN) since 1992 helping to establish VSN as the first center in the state for home care for diabetics.

Married for 32 years and lifelong friends, Carol’s husband Robert, along with their sons Daniel and Patrick, established this scholarship to honor Carol’s passion and love of life, and her dedication, knowledge, and compassion in the nursing profession.

The Gary S. Calogar Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established on April 9, 1993, by the family of Gary S. Calogar (B.S.N. ‘84) in his memory. Following graduation, Gary had worked as a cardiothoracic nurse clinician. His memorial scholarship will be used in support of students in the College of Nursing. Recipients will be selected on the basis of need and the personal qualities associated with the exceptional nursing student. The scholarship is to be awarded initially to a student entering the sophomore class and can be renewed annually if the recipient maintains a 2.50 grade point average or better and follows the normal course of study. After the initial recipient has graduated or is no longer qualified, a new recipient in the sophomore class is to be selected. At the donor’s discretion, funds may be added to the endowment and the scholarship extended to additional recipients. The scholarship will be awarded by the College of Nursing Scholarship Committee in cooperation with the Office of Financial Aid.

The Cameos of Caring Endowed Scholarship
At the initiative of Dean Cynthia Flynn Capers, The University of Akron’s College of Nursing launched a regional event on November 16, 2002, designed to help retain current nurses and recruit new nursing students to the profession by enhancing the image of nursing by publicly honoring outstanding nurses. As part of its Campaign for Nursing’s Future, Johnson & Johnson, wishing to address the key issues causing the nursing shortage, invested in the effort by serving as the Presenting Sponsor. Akron General Medical Center, Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron, and Summa Health System collaborated on the implementation of the event and served as Co-Sponsoring Hospitals. Additionally, Barberton Citizens Hospital and Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital demonstrated their support by participating in the program.

In general, funds in this account are to be placed in an endowed account and only the interest will be disbursed, according to University policy. However, upon written instructions from the Dean of the College of Nursing to the Treasurer of The University of Akron Foundation, up to an additional 5% of the principal may also be made available for disbursement in any one year.

The Cynthia Flynn Capers Endowed Fund for Nursing Students
Established in 1997 by Cynthia Flynn Capers, Dean of The University of Akron College of Nursing, to benefit disadvantaged students who need support for academic achievement. The fund can be used by nursing students in good academic standing for any of the following: book scholarships; funding for study skills or tutoring workshops for individuals or groups of students; courses for the licensing examination, professional licensure (NCLEX) funds and/or certification. This scholarship is not intended to be used to help defray the cost of tuition. Instead, it should be used for supportive services to assist students in their successful completion of the academic programs in the College of Nursing. Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for funds. The Director of Student Affairs in the College of Nursing, or person responsible for such services, will oversee the designation of funds. The Dean of the College of Nursing (or a designee) will approve of the use of funds for the intent designated. The fund, though initially modest, is intended to grow with regular contributions. The fund will be initially named The Capers Endowed Fund for Nursing Students. When Dr. Capers is no longer employed by The University of Akron, the name of the endowed fund can be changed to the Academic Support Endowment for Nursing Students. The founder will be acknowledged in the description of the fund for the duration of the endowment.

The Stephen A. Coffey Memorial Student Scholarship Fund
The Stephen A. Coffey Memorial Student Scholarship Fund was established to assist students in the Graduate Anesthesia Program in the College of Nursing. This scholarship fund is unique because it is intended to help students in times of emergency and will provide timely assistance that other scholarships are not designated to meet. Repayment of the total amount without interest will be made by the individuals within one year of graduation or withdrawal from the Nurse Anesthesia Program at The University of Akron. Repayment from these individuals after graduation will be returned to the fund and made available to future students. Distribution of the funds will be by application and selected by the Director of the Graduate Nurse Anesthesia Program with approval by Fred or Joy Coffey.

The Lillian J. DeYoung Scholarship to Promote Nursing Excellence
This endowed scholarship was established with an initial gift by the Nursing Class of 1988 to honor Dr. Lillian J. DeYoung upon her retirement as dean. Dr. DeYoung served as the second dean of the College of Nursing, from 1975 to 1988. The scholarship provides assistance, tuition, and/or books to senior nursing students. Qualifying recipients must demonstrate financial need and have a grade point average of at least 3.40. Selection is by recommendation of the College of Nursing Student Affairs Committee to the dean.

The Mary DiDonato Nursing Scholarship
The Mary DiDonato Nursing Scholarship was established in 2007 to recognize excellence in nursing practice. The scholarship provides support for a student enrolled in The University of Akron undergraduate nursing program. Recipients are selected based upon their dedication to nursing, demonstration of the values of the profession, and service to the community through volunteerism. Scholarship recipients are selected by the Office of Student Affairs in Nursing.

Mary DiDonato has dedicated her life to the profession of nursing. Raised in a family where values and education were emphasized, Mary attended Garfield High School and then the St. Thomas School of Nursing. She spent the first part of her career working in the emergency room at St. Thomas. A caring and dedicated nurse, Mary then spent 37 years of her career working for Akron General Medical Center, with about 30 of those years proudly practicing as a head nurse in oncology.

Mary’s commitment to the Akron community extends to volunteer service. Her involvement includes time dedicated to the Christ Child Society of Akron, as well as participation on the first board of Justin T. Rogers Care Center in Akron. As an extension of her work as an oncology nurse, Mary is involved in the Stewart’s Caring Place, an organization in Akron that supports families whose lives have been touched by cancer. Each year Mary lectures to students in the practical nursing program about breast cancer through the Akron School of Practical Nursing.

The Dr. Arthur Dobkin Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 1988 by Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Dobkin. The College of Nursing has had the benefit of the Dobkins’ personal financial support, and, in addition, Dr. Dobkin has served as the first vice chairman of the college’s Advancement Council. Dr. Dobkin is a 1928 graduate of The University of Akron and has been a practicing physician for more than 50 years. He has provided wise counsel and insight to the college regarding the physician’s perspective on nursing education. He also has offered his tireless assistance to generate private financial support for the needs of the college and its students. The College of Nursing is pleased to offer this scholarship in recognition of Dr. Dobkin and to assist nursing students. The scholarship is awarded annually by the College of Nursing Scholarship Committee to undergraduate or graduate students to support their pursuit of nursing careers.

The Clara D. Dye Nursing Fund
Established in 1953 under terms of the will of Clara D. Dye, this endowed fund provides a scholarship on the basis of need to nursing students who will be doing their clinical training at the Akron General Medical Center.

The Ann van Blaricom Falor Scholarship in Nursing
An academically talented junior in the College of Nursing is the recipient of this endowed scholarship, established in 1976 by William H. Falor, M.D., Class of 1934, in honor of his wife, Ann van Blaricom Falor. The recipient is selected upon the recommendation of the dean of the College of Nursing with the scholarship funded a second year upon merit. The first Falor scholar was selected for the 1977 78 academic year.

The Edward W. and Florence A. Fitzgerald Scholarship Fund
This scholarship was established in 1994 by Dr. Phyllis A. Fitzgerald, Assistant Dean and Associate Professor for the College of Nursing, to honor her parents, Edward W. and Florence A. Fitzgerald. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald provided support to Dr. Fitzgerald when she initially entered nursing and as she continued to expand both her theoretical foundation and clinical skills. Edward and Florence Fitzgerald have always been advocates for higher education. Mr. Fitzgerald was a teacher for 37 years in a public school system until his death in 1964.

The Michael and Pauline Forster Scholarship Fund
This scholarship, established in memory of Michael and Pauline Forster by their children, seeks to provide financial support to students in the physical sciences and School of Nursing. Michael Forster was a Ph.D. in physics (Notre Dame, 1951) specializing in polymer research. Pauline Forster was an R.N. (Meyer Memorial, 1945) who worked in the areas of public health, newborn nursery and surgical medicine.

Awarded on a bi-annual basis, The Michael and Pauline Forster Scholarship is to provide two years' financial support to a student in one of the polymer disciplines, alternating with two years' support for a student in the College of Nursing. Award selection is to be made by those Colleges, in conjunction with the Office of Student Financial Aid, on the basis of financial need and academic merit.

The Edward Gibney Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Edward Gibney by the graduating class of May 1987, this scholarship fund is to benefit an outstanding student in psychiatric mental health nursing. Recipients are selected from the 300 class in which psychiatric mental health nursing is experienced. Faculty whose expertise is in psychiatric nursing are responsible for selecting the student. The amount of the award is determined by the Office of Student Affairs in collaboration with the dean of the College of Nursing.

The Gill Family Center for Nursing Endowment Fund
This endowment fund was established in 1992 by Kristine M. and Richard A. Gill to support the Center for Nursing Incest Survivors group. Kristine M. Gill has personally donated professional counseling services to incest survivors in homeless shelters for women and children for more than two years. The fund will subsidize the costs of services rendered for clients who are unable to afford fees charged by the Center for Nursing. Eligible clients will be determined and selected by the Center for Nursing Staff in collaboration with the College of Nursing. The Gills provided two stipulations which would impact the distribution of the award: (1) If the services provided for victims of incest were phased out of the Center for Nursing, the awards would be directed into other patient services offered by the Center for Nursing at the discretion of the Gills; and (2) In the event the Center for Nursing is no longer affiliated with The University of Akron, all remaining contributions in the endowment, made by Kristine M. and Richard A. Gill, will be transferred and divided equally between the Gill Family Graduate Nursing Scholarship and the Kristine M. and Richard A. Gill Scholarship.

The Gill Family Doctoral Scholarship
This endowed scholarship was established in 1999 by Kristine M. Gill and Richard A. Gill to recognize the efforts of The University of Akron College of Nursing Deans (Lillian J. DeYoung, E. Jane Martin, V. Ruth Gray, Cynthia Flynn Capers) and countless faculty in establishing the Joint Ph.D. in Nursing with Kent State University. It will provide financial assistance to deserving doctoral nursing students who demonstrate financial need. They will be selected by the College of Nursing Office of Student Affairs without regard to race, creed, color, sex or national origin. The first award was for the Fall, 2000.

The Gill Family Graduate Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 1988 by Kristine M. Gill, a 1981 College of Nursing graduate, and Richard A. Gill of Cuyahoga Falls. Preference is given, but is not limited, to students in either the pediatric, maternal, or child adolescent program. Students may be studying in administration, education, or clinical specialization. Qualified recipients must have a GPA of at least 3.25. Selection of the recipients must be based on merit and need and be determined by the College of Nursing Office of Student Affairs, which will make its recommendation to the dean. The first award was made in fall 1989.

The Gill Family Minority Scholarship
This endowed scholarship was established in 1994 by Kristine M. and Richard A. Gill to recognize the importance of culturally diverse nurses in our society. It will provide financial assistance to deserving minority undergraduates enrolled in the College of Nursing; preference will be given to African Americans. Qualified recipients must have a GPA of 2.75 or better and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is renewable based on continuing qualification. The recipients will be selected by the College of Nursing Office of Student Affairs.

The Kristine and Richard Gill Scholarship
Established in 1985 by Kristine M. Gill and Richard A. Gill of Cuyahoga Falls, this endowed scholarship fund provides tuition assistance for deserving undergraduates enrolled in the College of Nursing. The recipients will be nursing students with a grade point average of 2.75 or better and financial need. The recipients will be selected by the College of Nursing Office of Student Affairs.

The Dean V. Ruth Gray Scholarship in Nursing
This scholarship was established in 1993 by Dr. V. Ruth and Mr. William A. Gray. Dr. Gray is the fourth dean of the College of Nursing. As administrative leader of the college, Dr. Gray brings to her position the required compassion, creativity, and strong belief in nursing education. To address a major concern of the college, the Gray scholarship provides assistance to undergraduate or graduate nursing students with a minimum GPA of 3.00 (exceptions will be made on an individual basis). Selection of the recipients is based on merit and need as determined by the College of Nursing Office of Student Affairs Committee.

The Michael T. Hayes College of Nursing Scholarship
The Michael T. Hayes College of Nursing Scholarship inaugural scholarship will be offered to a June 2003 graduating senior from Akron East High School to enroll in the College of Nursing at The University of Akron.

The scholarship will be awarded by Mr. Michael T. Hayes in the amount of $500 for each of the first two semesters, in the amount of $700 for each of the third and fourth semesters, in the amount of $900 for each of the fifth and sixth semesters, and in the amount of $1,000 for each of the final two semesters.

To qualify, the high school student must have (a) a minimum high school GPA of 2.75 after seven semesters, (b) a minimum composite ACT score of 20 or a minimum composite SAT score of 950, (c) an unconditional acceptance for admission to The University of Akron, and (d) a brief interview with the scholarship sponsor. On a separate page, the candidate will answer the question, “Why are you seeking admission to the College of Nursing?” The essay need not exceed 200 words.

The candidate is required to provide two letters of recommendation answering the question, “In what way would this candidate benefit from this scholarship?” One recommendation must be from a teacher, counselor or administrator at East High. The second recommendation must be from someone in the community who knows the candidate, such as an employer, member of the clergy, a volunteer coordinator, and so forth, but not a family member. Each letter must be signed, dated, and list the address and phone number of its author.

The Joan Mann Heminger Memorial Scholarship in Nursing
The Joan Mann Heminger Memorial Scholarship in Nursing was established by her daughter Sandra Heminger in honor of her mother’s career as a nurse and her interest in promoting nursing as a profession. A graduate of Coventry High School, Joan Heminger then graduated from Akron City Hospital School of Nursing where she later served as a faculty member and had responsibilities that included student loans and scholarships. She was past president of the Akron City Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association. The annual $1,000 scholarship will be granted to a deserving student with preference for a graduate of Coventry High School who is accepted by the University of Akron College of Nursing and has demonstrated financial need. The recipient will be selected by Office of Student Financial Assistance.

The David J. Johnson Scholarship Fund
An endowment fund established under the will of Myrtle A. Johnson, Class of 1913, in memory of her husband, this fund provides scholarship assistance to worthy students in the College of Nursing. Recipients and amount of the scholarship are determined by the faculty of the college.

The Dr. Irvin M. Kamenir Endowed Scholarship for the College of Nursing
The Dr. Irvin M. Kamenir Endowed Scholarship for the College of Nursing was created in 2006. Dr. Kamenir graduated in 1988 from The University of Akron’s College of Business Administration, receiving an MBA. He also received degrees from Kent State University, The Ohio State University and Columbia University. Dr. Kamenir practiced dentistry in the Akron area for most of his career, specializing in orthodontics. With this scholarship, Dr. Kamenir wishes to honor those in the nursing profession for their kind and caring spirit.

Recipients must be enrolled fulltime at The University of Akron’s College of Nursing. Preference will be given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds with demonstrated financial need. Decisions will be made by the College of Nursing’s Scholarship Committee in conjunction with Student Financial Aid.

The Dorothy Kidney Memorial Scholarship Fund
Family and friends established this endowed scholarship fund in 1980 in loving memory of Dorothy Kidney, devoted wife of Robert Kidney, member of the Board of Trustees of the University. Recipients of awards are undergraduates enrolled in the College of Nursing as determined by the dean and faculty of the college. Memorial contributions are welcomed.

The Frances M. Kramer Senior Enrichment Award
This award is offered to a senior student in the Graduate Anesthesia Program to assist them in their preparation for the National Certifying Examination. It is made possible by the support of Dr. Frances Kramer, Associate Director of The University of Akron College of Nursing Graduate Anesthesia Program. Funds from this account are to be disbursed each year.

The Hattie Larlham Foundation Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 1999 by The Hattie Larlham Foundation, to honor Hattie Larlham. Hattie Larlham was a nurse who contributed to children and the nursing profession through her care and assistance to children and young adults with disabilities. The award will be made yearly to a student in the College of Nursing. Qualified recipients must have a G.P.A. of 3.00 and be a full time junior or senior level student in the College of Nursing. Selection of the student will be based on need and merit. The student should exhibit the qualities of compassion, creativity and strong leadership. The recipient will be chosen by a representative from the Hattie Larlham Foundation, and a representative from the College of Nursing Scholarship Committee.

The Laura Murie Leafgren Nursing Scholarship
The Laura Murie Leafgren Nursing Scholarship was established in 2006 by a gift from Judge Harold F. and Jeannette White in honor of Jeannette’s sister, Laura. Laura was a life-long nurse who was loyal to her calling to serve others. The Laura Murie Leafgren Nursing Scholarship award is given to a student in their junior or senior year of undergraduate study in the College of Nursing. This scholarship is to be used in support of students attending The University of Akron who are dedicated to pursuing a career in the healthcare profession. Recipients will be selected by the Office of Student Affairs in the College of Nursing.

Mrs. Leafgren was a healthcare professional for over 40 years. She began her career during her teens as a nurses’ aide, and received her RN from Akron City Hospital School of Nursing at Fallsview and Akron General Hospital. She received her BSN from The University of Akron in 1963 and in 1968. After the six-day war, Mrs. Leafgren went to Israel and worked one year for Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. Upon her return, she and her husband moved to California, where she earned her MSN from UCLA in 1976. From 1980 to 1997 she worked for the VA Hospital and was known as a strong advocate for her patients. Mrs. Leafgren taught at Cal State in Los Angeles and worked per diem for many hospitals in Los Angeles, so she would be free to travel with her husband, who taught school and had summers off.

Judge and Mrs. White established this scholarship to honor Laura’s dedication to the healthcare profession by benefiting students who are enrolled in the College of Nursing. Laura is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ronald Leafgren.

The Lehner Family Foundation Nursing Scholarship
The Lehner Family Foundation Nursing Scholarship was established in 2007 through the generosity of the Lehner Family Foundation to recognize outstanding student achievement in the College of Nursing. This recognition of achievement continues the tradition of the Lehner family as seen through Charles and Jane Lehner, founders of the Lehner Screw Machine Company. Their generosity and affinity to both philanthropy and the Akron community led to the establishment of the Lehner Family Foundation in 1989.

Jane Lehner’s last 18 months were greatly enhanced by her special nursing caregivers. The Lehner Family Foundation Nursing Scholarship recognizes outstanding nursing care as well as excellence in the field of nursing. It provides the support needed to assist in the resolution of the current issue of a national shortage of nurses. The scholarship provides support for a student enrolled in The University of Akron undergraduate nursing program. Scholarship recipients are selected by the Office of Student Affairs in Nursing.

The Donna L. Madden Book Scholarship
The Donna L. Madden Book Scholarship was established in 2007 by her daughter, Dana Minor. The Madden Book Scholarship is a demonstration of her ongoing support and belief in the field of education. The family’s goal is that this scholarship will help deserving students in The College of Nursing to continue their education and quest to maintain academic excellence.

Mrs. Donna L. Madden was a highly cherished business owner in the Akron area. Her many friends and clients saw her as a trusted friend and respected businesswoman. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide annual support to a deserving student in the College of Nursing.

Mrs. Madden had strong convictions and devotion to the field of education. For such fierce loyalty, the University is certainly most grateful and proud that the family has established this scholarship for The University of Akron.

The Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. McMorrow Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 1988 to provide assistance to either undergraduate or graduate nursing students. Qualifying recipients must demonstrate financial need and have a GPA of at least 2.50 at the undergraduate level and 3.00 at the graduate level. Selection of the recipient(s) is determined by the College of Nursing Student Affairs Committee, and recommendation is made to the dean. The first award was made in fall 1988.

The R. C. Musson and Katharine Musson Scholarship Fund for Nursing Students
The R. C. and Katharine Musson Scholarship Fund for Nursing Students was established in 2006 through a grant from The R. C. and Katharine Musson Foundation. This grant is to be used exclusively to fund financial aid for students enrolled in The College of Nursing baccalaureate degree nursing program at The University of Akron. Recipients will be selected by the Office of Student Affairs in the College of Nursing in conjunction with the Office of Student Financial Aid each year.

The Ohio State Firefighters’ Nursing Scholarship Endowment
The Ohio State Firefighters’ Nursing Scholarship Endowment was established at The University of Akron College of Nursing in accordance with the guidelines approved by the Board of Directors of The University of Akron Foundation with gifts from the Ohio State Firefighters’ Nursing Foundation, Inc. in March 2004.

The annual distribution from this fund will be used to provide financial assistance for a student currently enrolled in the College of Nursing as a sophomore, junior or senior undergraduate and a legal resident of Ohio for at least three years and meeting the following criteria: financial need, academically in good standing in the College of Nursing. Preference will be given to a firefighter or emergency medical technician or their spouses or children.

The Jack W. Peckham Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship was established in 2001 by Marie J. Peckham for an undergraduate student in the College of Nursing in honor of her husband Jack who died in 1992. Jack was born and grew up in Akron and lived in Cuyahoga Falls after he married wife Marie. They were married for 44 years. He retired from Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, where he was an Electrical Design Engineer. During World War II Jack served in the United States Marine Corps and fought in five major campaigns in the South Pacific – including Saipan, Tinian, and Tarawa. His wife Marie was also a Marine during World War II. Jack was active in the VFW, the Masonic Lodge, the Marine Corps League, Summit County Historical Society and Pilgrim United Church of Christ. This scholarship was also created in honor of the nursing profession. When Jack was ill, he was cared for by many fine and compassionate nurses who provided support and guidance for Jack and for the family.

The Charles E. and Mabel M. Ritchie Scholarship Fund for Baccalaureate Nursing Students
The Charles E. and Mabel M. Ritchie Scholarship Fund for Baccalaureate Nursing Students was established in 2006 through a grant from The Charles E. and Mabel M. Ritchie Foundation. This grant is to be used exclusively to fund financial aid for students enrolled in The College of Nursing baccalaureate degree nursing program at The University of Akron. Recipients will be selected by the Office of Student Affairs in the College of Nursing in conjunction with the Office of Student Financial Aid each year.

The Eloise Marie Schill Endowment for the College of Nursing Learning Resources Center
The Eloise Marie Schill Endowment for The College of Nursing Learning Resources Center was created by Eloise Schill in 2007. The purpose of the endowment is to support the Learning Resource Center in the College of Nursing. The endowment is established in honor of Martha A. and Bruce R. Conrad. Martha Conrad is the Director of the Learning Resources Center and has provided Eloise with invaluable assistance and support through the College of Nursing Center for Nursing.

Eloise grew up in Akron and graduated from Buchtel High School and received her bachelor’s degree in Education from Ohio University. She retired from Bridgestone Firestone in 1982. She then worked at The University of Akron in the Development Department for five years.

The funds shall be used for equipment, operations and projects within the Learning Resources Center at the discretion of the Director. The Learning Resource Center provides hands-on experience for students in the College of Nursing and introduces them to a variety of technologies and tools that they will be required to use in nursing. If the Center is no longer in existence, these funds may be used by the Dean of the College for scholarship awards or to assist students in the technology of nursing.

The Sisler-McFawn Endowed Nursing Scholarship
The University of Akron is grateful for the distinguished support of the The Sisler-McFawn Foundation. Established in 1960, the Foundation has been a strong believer in higher education and has made tangible commitments that have directly assisted generations of students.

The Sisler-McFawn Endowed Nursing Scholarship was created in January 2007. The scholarship will benefit students in the traditional BSN and accelerated 15-month baccalaureate program. Qualifying recipients must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.25.

The Sisler-McFawn Foundation has distributed more than twenty million dollars in its 46-year history. The foundation mainly focuses on giving in the fields of education, health care services, youth and the improvement of public health. For such fierce loyalty, the University is certainly most grateful and proud that they have established this scholarship for The University of Akron.

The Sisler McFawn Graduate Nursing Scholarship
Established in spring 1988 to honor a graduate student in Family Health Nursing, this scholarship provides assistance to graduate students enrolled in the College of Nursing. Qualifying recipients must demonstrate financial need, have a grade point average of at least 3.25, and have successfully completed one semester of graduate study. Selection of the recipient is determined by the College of Nursing Student Affairs Committee and recommendation is made to the dean for receiving the award. The first award was made in 1989.

The Summit County Medical Alliance Endowed Nursing Scholarship
In 1987, after many years of providing financial support for nursing students, the Summit County Medical Society Auxiliary, known since 1994 as the Summit County Medical Alliance (SCMA), established an endowed nursing scholarship for nursing students at The University of Akron’s College of Nursing. The intention of the SCMSA was to encourage nurses to stay in the profession by providing financial assistance for tuition, books and fees to preferably diploma nurses seeking a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The scholarship recipients were required to be full-time students, residents of Summit County, and not working or working only limited hours. To assure the success of each individual awarded this scholarship, previous recipients were considered for continued support.

During January 2003, the Scholarship Committee of the SCMA decided to amend the scholarship description to provide more flexibility in accord with the changing circumstances of the times. Also, as with the original scholarship description, scholarship recipients will be recognized in SCMA publications and requested to meet with the organization’s membership.

The Brenda M. Lewis Weems Health Profession Scholarship
The Brenda M. Lewis Weems Scholarship was established to encourage more students to pursue careers in the health professions. The Scholarship was established through the generosity of Ms. Brenda M. Lewis Weems, RN, MSN, CNP, Paul G. Perantinides, Esq., and Chris T. Nolan, Esq. Ms. Lewis Weems, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Nursing in 1995 and completed her Master of Science in Nursing, including a subspecialty as an Adult Nurse Practitioner, at The University of Akron in 1999. Both Mr. Perantinides and Mr. Nolan received their law degrees from The University of Akron, in 1969 and 1973 respectively. The Brenda M. Lewis Weems Health Profession Scholarship will be awarded to students, who are pursuing a degree in the College of Nursing or the pre-medical program at The University of Akron. Students in the College of Nursing can be pursuing an undergraduate, masters or doctoral level degree, and preference will be given to students who are in the Nurse Practitioner Program. Students who are in the pre-medical program will be awarded this scholarship in honor of Dr. Margo S. Prade, an Akron physician who dedicated her life to her community and served as a mentor to many young people. The scholarship recipients must meet the following criteria: be enrolled with a minimum of 6 credit hours; be employed full-time (preferably); maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0; and are ineligible or deemed ineligible for federal or state grants. The Office of Financial Aid in collaboration with the College of Nursing will determine the recipients.

The Emy White Memorial Book Loan Fund
This fund was established in 1999 by Robert & Carol Matej. This fund is in memory of Emy White, a single mother who passed away suddenly in the Fall of 1998 while a student in the College of Nursing. Ms. White was an inspiration and a leader to her friends and family. The fund will be used to purchase books at the College of Nursing to be loaned to students for the semester and returned to be used year after year. The Director of Student Affairs, College of Nursing, will oversee the purchase and distribution of the books each August.

The Carol Yassine Scholarship for Nursing Students in Scouting
Dr. and Mrs. Yassine have maintained a life-long love for scouting and wish to recognize the scouting ideals of promoting good character, citizenship and service to others. They have been actively involved in the Girl and Boy Scouts movement at the local, national and international levels and are lifetime members of the two organizations. They are Baden-Powell Fellows of the World Scout Federation. It is their hope this scholarship will support nursing students who share their commitment to scouting. This scholarship is for one year only to students newly admitted to the College of Nursing. It may be awarded to a previous recipient if there are no qualified applicants.

Applicants must be accepted by the College of Nursing and must present to the scholarship committee a letter from their local scout executive attesting to their scouting achievement. Preferential consideration is given to Akron residents, then surrounding communities and finally, other Ohio cities. The scholarship committee will review applicants and select the student recipient subject to Attorney Leila Yassine Vespoli’s agreement that the proposed recipient meets the scholarship guidelines and intentions.

Applications are available at and should be submitted to either The University of Akron College of Nursing, or the Boy Scout or Girl Scout Central Offices no later than March 1 of each year. The recipients will be notified no later than mid-May. Final determination will be based on the extent of involvement in scouting, financial need and high school scholastic performance and a personal interview, if necessary. If no candidate currently involved in scouting can be determined, funds are to be returned to the endowment. The purpose of the scholarship may not be changed without the consent of Attorney Leila Vespoli or her representative.