Named scholarships & funds
When it comes to earning a college degree, the greatest obstacle can be funding.
For this reason, The University of Akron is pleased for the opportunity each year to assist talented, deserving students achieve their dreams, thanks to more than 1,300 named scholarships established through the kindness and generosity of thousands of 51²è¹Ý alumni and friends, corporations, and foundations.
Scholarships truly are the best way to ensure that today’s students persist to graduation. Scholarships allow students to enroll full time and remain focused on their studies; they also reduce drop-out rates, decrease the stress of student loans, and shorten the road to graduation.
If you are interested in making a significant contribution to student success, please consider a gift to scholarships. You may also establish a named scholarship at The University of Akron, which can be created to honor a living person, in memory of a loved one, or to contribute to the growth of an area of study.
To learn more, please contact the Department of Development at 330-972-7238.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
This is not the page to apply for scholarships.
Students who want to apply for scholarships should visit the scholarship page on the Financial Aid site. You can find the link for the online application here.
The Department of Development does not accept applications for or distribute scholarships. Scholarships are distributed through the University’s Office of Student Financial Aid.
Search for a Named Scholarship
Burnham, Christopher and Maryellen Scholarship
The Christopher and Maryellen Burnham Scholarship was established in 2026 to support student members of the Lone Star Fraternity at The University of Akron (51²è¹Ý).
Mr. Christopher Burnham, an alumnus of The University of Akron and a proud member of the Lone Star Fraternity, established this scholarship with his wife, Maryellen, also a proud alumnus, to give back to the University and its students.
Chris received a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education - Social Studies in 1981 and a Master of Arts in Urban Studies - Urban Planning, both from The University of Akron. As a student, Chris joined the Pi Kappa Epsilon (Lone Star) fraternity.
In his professional career, Chris is a longtime leader in economic and community development, serving for over 24 years as the founding president of the Summit County Development Finance Authority (DFA). Prior to his leadership with DFA, Chris held senior roles with the Summit County Port Authority and in county and private sector development.
Mrs. Maryellen (Dugan) Burnham shares her husband's commitment to 51²è¹Ý. She earned her two associate degrees from the University in 1979 - one in business management technology and another in market & sales technology. In 1992, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from 51²è¹Ý. During her time at 51²è¹Ý, Maryellen served as a student assistant in the instructional media center. Maryellen is currently retired after most recently serving as a Market Systems Administrator at Babcock & Wilcox and holding prior roles at Ferro Corporation.
The couple has one child: their daughter, Baleigh.
The Lone Star Fraternity (Pi Kappa Epsilon) is the oldest local fraternity in the United States and has been a part of The University of Akron since its founding at Buchtel College in 1882. The fraternity is dedicated to fostering mutual support among its members and the University community. Through this scholarship, Christopher and Maryellen Burnham wish to continue their legacy of supporting students and strengthening the bonds of fellowship at The University of Akron.
In recognition of Mr. Burnham's connection to Lone Star, The Christopher and Maryellen Burnham Scholarship will provide support to student members of the Lone Star Fraternity. Awards may be used for tuition, fees, on-campus housing, meal plans, and room rent for members who reside in the fraternity house. Recipients must maintain good academic standing while attending The University of Akron.
Recipient selection will be made by the University Scholarship Committee in the Office of Student Financial Aid based upon the recommendations of the scholarship committee of the Lone Star Fraternity Alumni Association. Funds used for purposes other than qualified educational expenses are reportable and may be taxable to the recipient.
In the event that the Lone Star Fraternity ceases to operate a chapter at The University of Akron, this scholarship shall be made available to any student pursuing a degree at The University of Akron with financial need. If at any time the Lone Star Fraternity returns to 51²è¹Ý, the scholarship shall again be restricted to student members of the Lone Star Fraternity in good academic standing.
To make a tax-deductible gift to this scholarship, please visit 51²è¹Ý’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “Christopher and Maryellen Burnham Scholarship” in the text box. Thank you!
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