The Marjorie J. Karlson Memorial Scholarship

The Majorie J. Karlson Memorial Scholarship was established by her family in her memory in 2000 and revised in 2023. Mrs. Karlson earned a B.S. in Physics from Thiel College. In the early 1950’s she performed programming on IBM computers in machine code. She also was a substitute teacher in the Orville School System and taught in the Head Start program for eight years. After raising five children, Mrs. Karlson returned to school and completed additional course work in computer sciences and mathematics at The University of Akron.

Upon completion of her additional studies, Mrs. Karlson began working for The University of Akron. She had various responsibilities in the Math and Computer Science Lab Manager and Instructor of Database Management. Mrs. Karlson had an outstanding commitment to the students. She frequently talked of work with family and friends. Her particular concern was that students receive every benefit and opportunity to succeed.

The Majorie J. Karlson Memorial Scholarship will continue her goal of academic achievement and opportunity for students. The family recognizes the limitations and barriers that may prevent students from entering computer engineering and computer sciences fields and would like to encourage them with this scholarship. The Majorie J. Karlson Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a junior or senior student who is involved in the Women in Engineering program or the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), enrolled as a full-time student, and is majoring in computer science or computer engineering. The recipient must maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or better and show interest, leadership, and commitment to their field. The Office of Student Financial Aid will select recipients.