Richard and Connie Heldenfels Endowed Scholarship in the Liberal Arts

The Richard and Connie Heldenfels Endowed Scholarship in the Liberal Arts was established in 2020 in recognition of The University of Akron’s 150th Sesquicentennial Anniversary by Richard and Connie Heldenfels. The scholarship will help University of Akron students planning on or already pursuing liberal arts degrees who need financial assistance. Richard and Connie have long had personal and professional connections to the University. Before her retirement, Connie served in the Department of Residence Life and Student Housing and in the Registrar’s Office, working with students and administrators in several roles. A retired journalist, Richard received a master’s degree in English from UA in 2011 and has taught in the Department of English since that time. Both are avid followers of Akron men’s and women’s sports, attending soccer, basketball, volleyball and football games.

The Richard and Connie Heldenfels Endowed Scholarship in the Liberal Arts may be awarded to a maximum of two (2) full-time or part-time undergraduate students per academic year. If awarded to two students in a given year, it is preferred the available funds be split evenly between a current/returning student and an incoming freshman. Recipients must plan on or already be pursuing a degree in a liberal arts program (see addendum for eligible disciplines). It is also preferred that recipients have a 3.0 GPA (3.0 GPA in high school if recipient is an incoming freshman), be in need of financial assistance, and demonstrate the ability to represent UA positively. Selection of recipients will be made by the University Scholarship Committee.