John J. and Catherine A. Stefan Family Scholarship

The John J. and Catherine A. Stefan Family Scholarship was established by the couple in October 2020 and recognizes their belief in the importance of higher education as a pathway toward success. It is particularly designed to support students demonstrating financial need and who may be among the first generation in their family to pursue a college degree.

John was a first-generation college student who learned the value of hard work from his parents, who emigrated from Yugoslavia in 1969. As University of Akron undergraduates, John and Katy met while pursuing degrees in accounting and graduated together in 1991. Their children, John and Kasey, followed in their footsteps and are proud UA graduates as well.

The John J. and Catherine A. Stefan Family Scholarship shall be awarded to deserving full-time University of Akron students who maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA), with first consideration given to first-generation college students. Each recipient will receive $1,000 for the academic year, which will be disbursed in installments of $500 per semester. Student selection shall be based on financial need and will be determined by the University Scholarship Committee.