the Donald Storm Varian, Jr. Endowed Scholarship

The Donald Storm Varian, Jr. Endowed Scholarship was established at The University of Akron in August 2018 by the family of Donald Storm Varian, Jr.

Donald Storm Varian, Jr., was a respected husband, father and friend who wore the various roles of his life with distinction and a willingness to impact others. Recognized as an outstanding lawyer by judges, court officials and other attorneys, Varian used his profession, and his life, to mentor and assist others.

An Akron native, Mr. Varian graduated from Buchtel High School and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in political science from The University of Akron. While attending college, in 1963, he joined the ROTC where he served in the U.S. Army, later reaching the rank of first lieutenant. He remained in the U.S. military while attending American University Washington College of Law, in Washington, D.C. It was there, while in law school, he met his wife, Anne Sargus, then a Virginia school teacher. The Varians were married in 1970, and went on to have four children.

Mr. Varian’s professional career included the Akron City Prosecutor’s Office, as well as later serving in private practice with Blakemore, Rosen, Miller & Norris, handling criminal defense and civil cases. Later professional advances made him a partner with Blakemore, Rosen, Meeker & Varian. After a distinguished 20-year career, he continued as a solo practitioner. His civic legacy included serving on the board of the East Akron Community House as well as the Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ.

The Donald Storm Varian, Jr. Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving student(s) at The University of Akron, with first consideration given to freshmen matriculating from Buchtel High School who have a 3.0 or higher GPA. Other incoming freshmen who graduated from Akron Public Schools who meet all University eligibility requirements and have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA can be considered for the scholarship. If selection cannot be made based on the above criteria, then the scholarship may be awarded to any undergraduate student at the University with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

The Donald Storm Varian, Jr. Endowed Scholarship is needs-based, and is renewable so long as the student(s) meets the minimum 3.0 GPA and all subsequent eligibility requirements for their selected major. The University Scholarship Committee will be responsible for making the selection.