Dilley Family Endowed Scholarship in Economics

The Dilley Family Endowed Scholarship in Economics was established September 12, 2011, by David A. and Lessia K. Goad-Dilley in honor of the Dilley family legacy in the Akron area, their commitment to community and country and the family members that have attended or graduated from The University of Akron.

Akron native Donald W. Dilley (1922 & 2008) was born the son of Warren (an auto parts maker on S. Main St.) and Hazel (salesperson at O’Neil’s Department Store). He graduated from North High School in 1940 and then attended The University of Akron. A member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, he was a member of the University’s Pershing Rifles competitive shooting squad, achieving a letter and All-American status. He joined the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1942, and flew B-24s, PBY and PBM aircraft during World War II. He retired from the Naval Reserve in 1968 with the rank of Lt. Commander. He retired from Goodyear Aerospace in 1986 after 32 years as a technical writer. Donald had one sister, Dorese L. Dilley (1921- 1986). She graduated from North High School and the Akron Hospital School of Nursing. She joined the U.S. Navy in 1942, and served as a Nursing Officer. She taught Nursing at the Ohio State University and Kent State University. She also served as the Assistant Director of the Summit County Visiting Nurses.

Esther V. Dilley was born in Akron (1923-2017) to Erick (a carpenter and home builder) and Anna (homemaker) Anderson. She has one sister, Margaret (1921-2014) and two brothers, Einar (1919-2012, graduated from The University of Akron in 1944) and Robert (1926-2009). She graduated from Buchtel High School in 1941 and then attended Akron University where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

Donald and Esther were married in 1950 had four children: David (1950), Diane (1952), Donna (1954) and Denise (1964). All attended Ohio universities:

David, 1973  – The University of Akron, Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a BA in Political Science, member of Omicron Delta Kappa; 1987 Wright State University, Masters of Business Administration

Diane, 1972 The University of Akron, Associate Degree- Medical Office Assistant (honors) Donna, 1977- The Ohio State University, Bachelor’s in Business Administration Accounting
Denise, 1987 The Ohio State University, BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering; member Kappa Alpha Theta

The Dilley Family desires to support students in the College of Business Administration (CBA) at The University of Akron with preference given to students majoring in Economics and have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA. Specific application criteria and awards will be made by the Chair, Department of Economics (and assisted by the Economics Department Academic Advisory Board) in coordination with the Office of Financial Aid.