$3 million estate gift to support mechanical engineering scholarships

Ernest R., ’51, and Marianna C. Grotefend directed a generous estate gift of $3 million to The University of Akron, with the first installment of $1.5 million received-to-date. These funds will support student scholarships in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

A native of New Castle, Pennsylvania, Mr. Grotefend earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UA in 1951. His professional career included posts as assistant plant director for environmental control at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, Okla., and manager at Rose Rock Villa in Norma, Okla.

Mrs. Grotefend, a Joplin, Missouri, native, graduated from The Catholic University of America in 1948 with a master’s degree in social work and was active with Catholic Daughters of America as an officer.  The Grotefends were UA benefactors for more than 40 years, supporting engineering and the Landscape for Learning campus enhancement initiative. Mr. Grotefend’s personal slide rule is among those donated by UA alumni and friends on permanent display in the Norman P. Auburn Science and Engineering Center.