Dr. Joan and Mr. Michael Weltzien Endowed Scholarship in Psychology

The Dr. Joan and Mr. Michael Weltzien Endowed Scholarship in Psychology was established in March 2022 to support University of Akron students studying and preparing for professional careers. The Weltziens are dedicated alumni whose time as students shaped them for successful professional careers and fulfilling personal lives that impacted communities where they have lived.

Michael Weltzien earned both a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in business from UA. Following graduation, he went into business and cofounded North American Hydraulics. The company was eventually sold, with Michael retiring as its vice president in 2008.

Joan Weltzien’s collegiate experience was financially arduous; she had to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. After earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from UA, she established a career in family therapy and worked successfully in private practice. The financial hardship Joan had to overcome sparked a desire that was nurtured by the couple for years and ultimately led to the creation of this scholarship. The couple want to ensure that today’s equally determined psychology students can overcome financial challenges.

This scholarship honors the hard work of the Weltziens and recognizes the sacrifices many psychology students make to complete their college degrees. The Weltziens, who have two adult children and three grandchildren, hope their support inspires students to push through temporary financial obstacles, and go on to realize their own long-term career success and help others as psychology professionals.

The Dr. Joan and Mr. Michael Weltzien Endowed Scholarship in Psychology supports full- or part-time psychology students at The University of Akron. To be considered, students must:
• Be in good academic standing;
• Have demonstrated financial need; and
• Have completed at least 20 credits in psychology and at least 80 credits toward their degree.

The number of recipients and scholarship amounts will be determined annually at the discretion of the Department of Psychology.