the Thomas R. Schidel Scholarship Fund in Engineering

The Thomas R. Schidel Scholarship Fund in Engineering was established in 2013 by Mr. Tom Schidel, a 1950 graduate of The University of Akron with a degree in mechanical engineering. Mr. Schidel launched a successful career in rotational molding after graduating from the University. He was instrumental in developing Rubbermaid’s first rotational molding manufacturing plants in California, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, and Canada. In 1967, Mr. Schidel co-founded Rotocast Plastics Products, a plastics company that expanded to five locations before being sold in 1998. Mr. Schidel remains active as a beneficial owner of GSC Industries Inc. In 1998, Mr. Schidel was inducted into the Rotational Molding hall of Fame.

The University of Akron College of Engineering honored Mr. Schidel as its Outstanding Alumnus in 2010. He has been a generous benefactor to the University, providing support of the Student Design Center in the College of Engineering. The Thomas R. Schidel Conference Room is named in his honor.

The Thomas R. Schidel Scholarship(s) will be awarded to students enrolled in the College of Engineering who evidence academic success and financial need. The award amount will be determined on an annual basis, based on funds available. Scholarship recipients will be determined by the Financial Aid Committee with the College of Engineering.

This scholarship is managed by UA’s University Scholarship and requires a different application; to apply, use the UA private and endowed scholarship application available when you click the Visit link.