Tom and Judi Phares Endowed Scholarship

The Tom and Judi Phares Endowed Scholarship was established in 2020 in recognition of The University of Akron’s 150th Sesquicentennial Anniversary through The Phares Family Living Trust on behalf of Tom and Judi Phares. Through generous contributions, this scholarship will support full-time or part-time University of Akron undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Business Administration.
Tom is a 1966 University of Akron graduate, receiving his bachelor’s of science degree in Chemistry. He was also a member of the Army ROTC. Following two years active duty, Tom went on to a successful career with The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company in several development positions, including as a Field Engineer based in Dallas, Texas, before retiring.
Judi, a graduate of Kent State University (Sociology and Psychology), joined the Peace Corp immediately after college, and worked in public administration before focusing on a career in business. In 1983, she became a founding partner of RTI/Community Management Associates, Inc. (CMA). In 1986, Judi bought out her partners and became President/CEO. CMA is an industry leader in community association management, currently headquartered in Plano, Texas.
The couple met during a canoeing trip, which sparked a wonderful and happy relationship, and has also led to their business relationship. After a short time in retirement, Tom joined CMA as a Corporate Officer and has been in that position for more than 25 years.
Tom and Judi put a lot of hard work into acquiring their college degrees, which included working multiple jobs to fund their educations. Additionally, being proud Northeast Ohio natives, the Phares family believes in the importance and impact of The University of Akron and its students on this area. They wish to help deserving students and see great potential in UA graduates. For those reasons, Tom and Judi decided to start this endowed scholarship to help deserving students who may need financial support to receive their degree.
The Phareses currently live in Dallas, Texas, and enjoy traveling all over the world.
The Tom and Judi Phares Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually to no more than two (2) full-time or part-time undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Business Administration. The Phareses believe that business requires service-oriented people. Therefore, it is preferred that students who are pursuing a second-major or minor in Psychology, or will have a double degree with Psychology, or have completed or will complete the Introduction to Psychology course, and/or who actively volunteer with community service organizations focused on giving back to people and the community be given first consideration. The couple hopes this will help build a service-oriented background, and encourage the recipients to continue these activities, in addition to their business courses, throughout their career.
Additionally, it is preferred the recipients be in need of financial assistance, be in good academic standing, and represent The University of Akron in a positive manner in the classroom, on campus and in the community. Annual selection will be made by the College of Business Administration Scholarship Committee. It is the Phareses desire that the total amount available each year be disbursed to the selected recipients.