James H. Holda, Ph.D., Endowed Memorial Scholarship in Biology

The James H. Holda, Ph.D., Endowed Memorial Scholarship in Biology was established in 2022 by Sheri Holda and Ben Holda to honor and remember their husband and father, James H. Holda, Ph.D., who passed away unexpectedly in 2019. In creating this scholarship, Sheri and Ben desire to continue Dr. Holda’s legacy of caring by providing financial opportunities that will help students focus on their academics and complete their degrees.

Dr. Holda joined The University of Akron Department of Biology in 1987 as an associate professor of Biology. For the next 32 years, he was intensely passionate about educating students in the study and application of microbiology, immunology, and epidemiology. Dr. Holda made a lasting impact on generations of biology and nursing students, as well as the Biology Department, during his time at the University. Additionally, his work impacted the health, comfort, and well-being of thousands. When Dr. Holda was not teaching, he loved to spend time with his family, ride his bicycle, watch classic comedies and films, and pursue knowledge in all things related to history.

To be eligible for The James H. Holda, Ph.D., Endowed Memorial Scholarship in Biology, students must:
• Be enrolled part- or full-time at The University of Akron, either in a graduate program or at the junior/senior level of an undergraduate program;
• Be pursuing a degree with a concentration in Biology or Epidemiology; first preference is for applicants pursuing careers in public health;
• Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher;
• Submit a paragraph describing their motivation to pursue a career in public health or other career goal, including their specific ambitions in the field; and
• Have demonstrated financial need, as identified by the Office of Student Financial Aid or as described in a separate paragraph, which they are encouraged to provide.

The scholarship may be renewed if the previous recipient reapplies. If there are no eligible candidates at the graduate or junior/senior undergraduate levels, a student who meets all other criteria will be eligible for consideration. The recipient will be selected by the Department of Biology Scholarship Committee. Sheri Holda and Ben Holda, or their legal designee(s), reserve the right to view the candidate applications, read their essays, and be notified of the chosen recipient.