Named scholarships & funds
When it comes to earning a college degree, the greatest obstacle can be funding.
For this reason, ÉðÊ¿Âþ» 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 UA 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 ÉðÊ¿Âþ», 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
Sims, Karen and Edward Endowed Scholarship in Music Education
The Karen and Edward Sims Endowed Scholarship in Music Education was established in April 2023 by Edward Sims '88 in loving memory of his wife, Karen, who passed away in December 2021, and in support of music students at ÉðÊ¿Âþ», where he earned a master's degree in music education.
Karen and Edward, both of Rootstown, Ohio, met in high school and began dating during their junior year. The high school sweethearts graduated in 1969 and married in 1973, spending more than 48 wonderful years together prior to Karen's passing.
In the nearly five decades the couple shared, music always played a significant role. Edward spent 46 years in music education and retired from Rittman Schools in 2021 after 37 years, having taught marching band, concert band, pep band, jazz band, steel drum band, and middle school band, as well as courses in music theory. Although retired, he continues to serve Rittman High School as a UA adjunct professor, teaching a College Credit Plus course in music history. Karen, who shared Ed's passion for music, was also a voracious reader, loved to travel, and enjoyed local theater and concerts. She retired in 2016 as office manager of the Ewart-Ohlson Machine Company in Cuyahoga Falls, where she worked for 37 years.
In establishing this scholarship, Edward wishes foremost to honor his wife, who was his inspiration and whose love and encouragement contributed immensely to his success. Edward also seeks to support students pursuing careers in music education. He and Karen always believed that the benefits of music education extended far beyond the classroom, helping students learn important personal and life skills that contribute to their future success.
This endowed scholarship is being established as part of ÉðÊ¿Âþ»'s We Rise Together Campaign.
The Karen and Edward Sims Endowed Scholarship in Music Education assists full- or part-time students at ÉðÊ¿Âþ», with a preference for graduates of Rittman High school. To be eligible for consideration, students must:
- Be in good academic standing with the University,
- Be pursuing a degree in music education, and
- Have demonstrated financial need.
The scholarship covers tuition and fees and may be renewed for students who reapply and continue to meet all criteria. Eligible candidates will be identified and selected by the University Scholarship Committee in the Office of Student Financial Aid.
To make a tax-deductible gift to this scholarship, please visit UA’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “Sims Music Scholarship” in the text box. Thank you!
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