Political Science/Bliss Institute Scholarship Opportunities 


Scholarships are competitive.  The best strategy is to understand the application requirements and process for scholarship and funding opportunities.  Students from a wide variety of backgrounds compete successfully for these scholarships. 

The Ray C. and Ellen P. Bliss Scholarship

Established in 1982

This scholarship was established under the will of the late Ray C. Bliss, Class of 1935. Ray Bliss was a former member and chairman of The University of Akron Board of Trustees and served as a national chairman of the Republican Party.

Selection Criteria:

  • Political science majors
  • Preference to students from Summit County
  • Preference to Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity (Ray Bliss' fraternity)
  • Demonstration of high scholastic ability, citizenship, moral character, promise, and leadership skills

The George W. Pruet Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established in 1988

This scholarship was established to honor the high standards for scholarship and interest in law that characterized Dr. Pruet's career as a teacher and scholar.

Selection Criteria:

  • Graduating senior political science majors
  • Interest in the study of law
  • Demonstration of high academic achievement and law related extracurricular activities

The Alberta Hensley Scholarship

Established in 2006

This scholarship was established as a fitting tribute to Alberta Hensley's personal and professional service to The University of Akron.  

Selection Criteria:

  • Political science majors
  • Volunteer experience in politics at the local, state, or national level
  • Minimum GPA of 2.50

The Dr. Richard S. LeFevre Endowed Scholarship

Established in 2012

This scholarship was established by his wife Mary Stowe LeFevre to honor her late husband and his friendship with Mr. Ray C. Bliss. Dr. Richard S. LeFevre was an Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Sociology from 1973 to 1970 at The University of Akron.  

Selection Criteria:

  • Upper-level students in the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics
  • Completion of 60 credits
  • Demonstration of high-quality work

The Rosemary Titmas Wright Scholarship

Established in 2014

Rosemary Titmas Wright, an Akron native, graduated from Buchtel High School in 1954 and The University of Akron in 1958 with a B.A. with distinction in English.  Mrs. Wright is grateful to The University of Akron for giving her the opportunity to earn a college degree and build a successful career.  Her affinity for The University of Akron and belief in the importance of higher education led her to establish this scholarship.

Selection Criteria:

  • Participation in the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics
  • Minimum GPA of 3.25
  • Completion of 36 credits
  • Demonstration of community service work, high moral and ethical character, and be politically conservative
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