Scholarships

The Department of History and Classical Studies award dozens of substantial scholarships annually to qualified History and Classical Studies students. (History second majors are welcome to apply!) The application and review process takes place each spring semester, when scholarships are awarded for the upcoming academic year.

The History Department and Classical Studies have eight scholarship funds, from which we award undergraduate scholarships that often range into the thousands of dollars per student. Awards are based on academic performance and potential, not on need. These scholarships were established by people who believe that studying History and Classical Studies is excellent preparation for a wide range of professions, such as business, teaching, the nonprofit sector, public history, and public advocacy.

How to Apply

Scholarships for History and Classical Studies are due Friday, Feb 23, 2024.
Note: Recipients must reapply each year.

Students applying for History and Classical Studies scholarships apply for all scholarships using a common application, which is available here:

Scholarship Application Form»

Our Scholarships' Origins

The Summerfield Baldwin III Scholarship

Established in the memory of Dr. Summerfield Baldwin III, professor of history. This award is presented to a student in the junior class who is majoring in history and who, scholastically and intellectually, has the inclination to pursue studies in this field, preferably at the graduate level.

The Gilbert W. and Marguerite H. Dilley Scholarship

Established in 1980 by Mr. Gilbert W. Dilley, class of 1925, and Mrs. Gilbert W. Dilley (Marguerite Hudson), class of 1928, this endowed scholarship provides earnings annually in support of a deserving undergraduate studying Ohio archaeology and/or Ohio history. The award is made with the provision that the recipient volunteers 10 hours of service at a historical society or similar organization.

The Robert F. Harris and Lucille S. Harris Scholarship in History

Established in 1985 by Robert F. Harris, Class of 1928, and his wife, Lucille S. Harris, both of whom maintained a lifelong interest in history. This endowed scholarship fund provides tuition assistance for deserving undergraduates who are majoring in history.

The William and Dora Martin History Endowment Scholarship

This endowed fund was established with gifts totaling $100,000 by Paul E. Martin, a 1935 graduate of the University of Akron, and his wife, Dorothy Garrett Martin, to honor the memory of Paul’s parents, William and Dora Martin, who lived lives of dignity and rectitude in the Kenmore area of Akron for more than fifty years. Beneficiaries of the William and Dora Martin History Scholarship are to be graduate students or undergraduate history majors selected by the faculty of the Department of History.

The Dorothy Garrett Martin Memorial Scholarship in History

This endowed scholarship, established by family members and friends in memory of Dorothy Garrett Martin, class of 1938, is awarded to students pursuing degrees in history. Recipients are selected by the Dean of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences and the Chair of the Department of History in collaboration with the Office of Student Financial Aid and Employment and the University of Akron Foundation.

The Dr. Harry J. Carroll Memorial Scholarship

The Dr. Harry J. Carroll Memorial Scholarship was established in 1994 by Mrs. Olive Carroll in loving memory of her husband, Dr. Harry J. Carroll. Dr. Carroll received his undergraduate degree in 1941 at The University of Akron. Continuing his study of classics, he later received a master's and doctorate at Harvard University. A professor of classics for more than 30 years at Pomona College in California, Dr. Carroll led two groups of Fulbright Scholars, assisted in the creation of the study abroad program "College Year in Athens," and was a member of the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece. Pomona College honored Dr. Carroll's academic achievements four times by awarding him the title of distinguished professor. The Dr. Harry J. Carroll Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student through a competitive application process. These funds will be directly applied to a student’s UA account to help cover the cost of tuition and fees at the University. No cash awards will be made. Student travel is not covered under this award.

The Dr. Theodore T. Duke Memorial Scholarship

The Dr. Theodore T. Duke Memorial Scholarship was established in 1979 by family and friends to remember the late Dr. Theodore T. Duke, distinguished professor of Latin and Greek and head of the Department of Classics from 1948 to 1979. This fund provides scholarships for excellence in the pursuit of the study of Latin, Greek, archaeology, or ancient history to undergraduate and graduate students. The Dr. Theodore T. Duke Memorial Scholarship shall be awarded annually (assuming funds) to a student through a competitive application process. These funds will be directly applied to a student’s UA account to help cover the cost of tuition and fees at the University. No cash awards will be made.

The Emily Harpham Scholarship

The Emily Harpham Fund represents a generous donation of Ohio Edison common stock shares by Miss Emily Harpham, Buchtel College class of 1896, to the University of Akron by her estate in 1965. Emily Harpham wanted her gift to promote the study of the classical world broadly and, in particular, the study of Latin by students. The Emily Harpham Scholarship shall be awarded annually (assuming funds) to a student through a competitive application process. These funds will be directly applied to a student’s UA account to help cover the cost of tuition and fees at the University. No cash awards will be made.

UA Scholarship Tips

• Eligibility is based primarily on high school academic records and ACT/SAT test scores.
• Some scholarships require a demonstrated history of leadership, community service or other personal factors. The Supplemental Information Form (optional) can be submitted for that purpose.
• Generally, students who receive scholarships should have full-time enrollment.
• Most scholarships are granted on an annual basis prior to the fall semester.
• Although most scholarships do not require students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), for full consideration for all types of aid you should complete a FAFSA form no later than March 1.
• You may also wish to contact your college and/or academic department for possible scholarship opportunities and application requirements.