The Beatriz & James Houmard Scholarship

The Beatriz and James Houmard Scholarship was established in 2007 by Mr. and Mrs. Houmard in recognition of Mrs. Houmard’s positive experience at The University of Akron as a non-traditional graduate student in the College of Arts and Sciences.
These funds will support non-traditional students who are pursuing master’s degrees in the Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences at The University of Akron, to assist in the completion of their master’s thesis research. Applicants must apply in writing and explain the research that is required to complete their thesis and how the award from the Houmards would assist in this process. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need and a history of high academic performance. Selection will be made by the dean of the College of Arts and Science or the appropriate designee.

A native of Bolivia, Beatriz came to the United States to study at the urging of her father. She attended Asbury College in Kentucky and earned an undergraduate degree at Purdue University, where she met Jim, who was an engineering student. The couple married and moved to Akron, where Jim enjoyed a 40-year career with Goodyear Aerospace. Beatriz was a homemaker and mother to three children. As their youngest child was finishing high school, Beatriz had an opportunity to come to The University of Akron to study and teach Spanish in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences. In two years, she earned her master’s degree and went on to enjoy a 10-year career as a part-time faculty member at Kent State University, teaching Spanish.