Becky Babcox Endowed Scholarship in the College of Health Profession's School of Nursing

The Becky Babcox Endowed Scholarship in the School of Nursing was established by Robert B. Kepple in memory of his mother, Becky Babcox. In establishing The Becky Babcox Endowed Scholarship in the School of Nursing, Mr. Kepple and his mother’s siblings, Lucy Babcox Morris, Sarah Babcox Harrity, Tom Babcox, and Bill Babcox, wish to recognize the importance of quality and compassionate health care and to applaud the wonderful University of Akron nursing students and graduates who provided care for Ms. Babcox during her 10-year battle with Multiple System Atrophy.

Mary Rebecca (Becky) Babcox, the granddaughter of Akron publishing icon and University of Akron alumnus Edward Spencer Babcox and the daughter of Tom and Mary Babcox, hails from a family whose name is synonymous with service, leadership, dedication, and respect. Indeed, the Babcox family has served Akron, Ohio, and beyond as a guiding force in the publishing industry nationally and as a champion for individual causes at home. Becky was a lifelong resident of “Akron my Akron.” She attended King Elementary School, Old Trail High School, Emory University, and The Ohio State University, where she received her MBA. Becky’s career spanned 27 years with Babcox Media, where she served as corporate secretary, publisher, vice president, and executive team member. In addition to her significant career accomplishments, she served her beloved Akron community by giving time and energy to Goodwill Industries of Akron, Planned Parenthood, Junior League of Akron, The Akron Garden Club, and Old Trail School.

The life of Becky Babcox may be characterized as others above self, happiness and hope for individuals whose voices need to be heard, respect for fellow human beings, and selfless altruism. Her legacy, through The Becky Babcox Endowed Scholarship in the School of Nursing, will influence and inspire others to similar service in the field of health care.

The purpose of The Becky Babcox Endowed Scholarship in the School of Nursing in The University of Akron’s College of Health Professions is to provide an undergraduate academic scholarship for an upper-level nursing student. Qualified candidates for The Becky Babcox Endowed Scholarship in the School of Nursing will be residents of Summit County, Ohio, possess a minimum GPA of 3.2, and have demonstrated financial need. Recipients of the Babcox Scholarship will be selected by the director of the School of Nursing, in consultation with the Office of Student Financial Aid.