Clara Poast and Family Endowed Scholarship

The Clara Poast and Family Endowed Scholarship was established in 2020 by Ken and Joyce Poast. Through generous contributions, this scholarship will support full-time or part-time University of Akron undergraduate students enrolled in one of the following areas: STEM, STEM Education and Health/Medical Professions.

Clara Belle Poast, (1874-1963) had a fierce interest in the education of her five grandchildren, teaching them that learning was a lifelong process and a path to a better life. She became their primary caregiver during the Great Depression after the tragic death of their mother, Grace Rebecca Poast, (1899-1929). The children became her responsibility upon the untimely death of her son, Robert Herman Poast, (1898-1935), six years later. The children were raised with the help of family, friends and the community of Iberia, Ohio. Clara taught them to accept help when needed, but to pay it back at every chance by helping others. This scholarship is established to preserve her memory.

Clara’s great-grandson, Ken, received his degree from The University of Akron in 1982, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. His career led him to Houston, Texas, where he has worked at the NASA Johnson Space Center on hardware for the Space Shuttle and International Space Station.

Joyce, also a graduate of UA, received her degree in 1976 in Biology. She spent much of her career as a Senior Research Associate at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, with a focus in microbiology and virus research.

Ken and Joyce are Northeast Ohio natives, from Galion and Cuyahoga Falls, respectively, and currently reside in Friendswood, Texas. They have one son, who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Even though they met, got married and decided to live in Texas, UA and the community of Akron continue to have a special place in their hearts. They are grateful for their UA educations and experiences and believe in helping deserving students achieve their own academic goals and dreams.

The Clara Poast and Family Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually to no more than two (2) full-time or part-time undergraduate University of Akron students enrolled in one of the following areas: STEM, STEM Education and Health/Medical Professions. 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 University Scholarship Committee. It is the Poasts’ desire that the total amount available each year be disbursed to the selected recipients.