the Donald and LaVon Sabatino Scholarship

Established in 2010 in memory of Don Sabatino, this scholarship is a fitting tribute to Don’s history of service to The University of Akron, and to La Von’s service to students as an educator in the Akron Public Schools.

Don attended The University of Akron after graduating from Garfield High School in Akron. He earned a degree in Education in 1964 and a Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education in 1968. During his time as an undergraduate, Don was very active on campus. He was vice president of his class, a member of Lone Star fraternity, Omicron kappa Delta and Who’s Who. Perhaps most significantly, he worked his way through school as a student manager in Gardner Student Center. This position ultimately resulted in Don becoming a full time employee of The University of Akron upon his graduation. During his 27-year career at UA, he held a variety of titles such as Director of Gardner Student Center, Director of Auxiliary Services and Associate Director of Student Services. He had a two-year term as President of the National Association of Student Union Managers. One of his University responsibilities Don most enjoyed was planning and coordinating numerous concerts at different University of Akron venues, especially concerts at the Rubber Bowl. Under his supervision, concerts featuring big name stars such as Ella Fitzgerald, The Association, Stevie Wonder and the legendary concert at the Rubber Bowl featuring Simon & Garfunkle went off without a hitch. Thanks to his close working relationship with the City of Akron police and fire departments, as well as his attention to detail, these concerts were memorable and enjoyable experiences for both the fans and the performers. Don left the University in 1985 to become a regional vice president for Barnes & Noble, where he also served on Barnes & Noble’s board of directors. Don passed away on January 24, 2010.

La Von graduated from Ellet High School in 1958. She was an active student at Ellet, participating in cheerleading, basketball and volleyball, and served as a May attendant. She also took college-credit courses in the ninth through twelfth grades. Because La Von’s parents often struggled financially, she worked her way through The University of Akron but did find time in her sophomore year to join Delta Gamma sorority. As a Dee Gee, she served in various leadership positions, such as Scholarship Chair and May Day Chair. Upon graduating from The University of Akron she had earned a degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis on History and a minor in Speech. She graduated in December 1964, and had a contract from the Akron Public Schools to begin teaching the following August. Her first position was at Simon Perkins Middle School. Here she taught American History, Ohio History and Speech. At Perkins she enjoyed the camaraderie of the faculty and staff and made many life-long friends. She also returned to The University of Akron during this time to earn a Master’s degree in Counseling. After 21 years, she asked for a transfer and was given an assignment at her high school alma mater, Ellet. Here she received numerous outstanding evaluations and was eventually promoted to Head of the History Department. She also taught Honors classes in History and Government. She also took a six month temporary assignment as a Counselor at Ellet. Following her time at Ellet, she had a temporary assignment at Goodyear Middle School, as well as a position as full-time counselor at Goodyear Middle School. She ended her career at Garfield High School as a counselor and retired with 34 ¼ years in the Akron Public Schools.

La Von and Don met while they were undergraduate students at The University of Akron. They were married August 7, 1964 and enjoyed over 45 years of marriage. For many years after retirement, they split time between their condo at Prestwick Country Club and their home in Sun City West, Arizona. A belief in the importance of education was central to them on both on personal and professional levels. Both were products of the Akron Public Schools and The University of Akron and went on to enjoy fulfilling and gratifying careers in the field of education. To honor their professional achievements as well as the influence they had on countless students, The Donald and La Von Sabatino Scholarship will benefit students at The University of Akron who are majoring in Education. Applicants must be graduates of an Akron Public School who demonstrate financial need and have a grade point average of 3.00. In order to be eligible for application, students must be enrolled and in good standing in the College of Education and entering either their junior or senior year. Recipients may apply for renewal provided the grade point level is maintained. Selection will be made by the Dean of the College of Education or the appropriate designee.