Vincent P. Kopy Endowed Fund

The Vincent P. Kopy Endowed Fund was established in 2001 (and revised in 2016 and 2022) by his former students in sincere appreciation for his support and guidance to them during their matriculation at The University of Akron.

Mr. Kopy, a World War II veteran who earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Case Western Reserve University, was an associate professor of accounting in The University of Akron George W. Daverio School of Accountancy. He joined the University in 1975 and taught until his retirement in 1990 . Prior to UA, he taught accounting at Case Western Reserve, John Carroll, and Cleveland State universities. During his distinguished tenure at UA, Mr. Kopy received the 1982 Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award from the Alumni Association, and his excellence was recognized by his colleagues, who nominated him for emeritus status. He and his wife, Lois, who passed away in 2016, have two daughters, Alison and Louise. Mr. Kopy passed away in 2003.

Besides his traditional instruction in accounting, Mr. Kopy was beloved for extending his lessons beyond the classroom. He took a personal interest in his students’ lives, encouraging them to participate in college activities, student associations, and professional internships. He saw this as a way to reach their full potential. Former students hope to use the fund as a tribute to the leadership and life skills Mr. Kopy gave them. The fund will support UA students pursuing degrees in accounting or tax, providing scholarships to upper-level undergraduates and awards to graduate students.

Students eligible for The Vincent P. Kopy Endowed Fund are undergraduate juniors and seniors, and graduate students enrolled in the College of Business who are pursuing degrees in accounting or tax. Special consideration will be given to applicants demonstrating strong interest and participation in student organizations, particularly Beta Alpha Psi, the Accounting Association, and Toastmasters. The George W. Daverio School of Accountancy’s Scholarship Committee will determine the recipient, who will be known as the Kopy Scholar. The Kopy Scholar should maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0; however, the GPA is of less importance than participation in student organizations. The scholarship and the award are renewable if the Kopy Scholar maintains the requirements for fund support.