Couple donates $1.3 million to University of Akron for baseball scholarships

The University of Akron has received a donation of $1.3 million to fund scholarships for its baseball team athletes. The gift comes from Bill and Mary Skeeles, who have been longtime supporters of the University of Akron and its baseball team, specifically. Their financial support for the baseball team currently totals $3 million, thanks to this most recent gift.

According to an article on the University of Akron’s website, Bill Skeeles said of his and his wife’s financial support, "We are proud to continue our support of the University of Akron baseball program with this scholarship donation. Our investment in the future of these talented student-athletes reflects our belief in the transformative power of education and athletics. We are confident that this gift will enable them to excel both on and off the field, and we look forward to witnessing their success."

Their past donations to the baseball team have funded a new baseball stadium and strengthening infrastructure, this gift is focused on providing fully-funded scholarships to members of the baseball team. Their gift will, under NCAA rules, provide the maximum number of allowable scholarships to the student athletes and give them peace of mind as they pursue their academic and athletic futures at the University of Akron.

Charles Guthrie, who is the Director of Athletics for the University of Akron, was quoted as saying of the Skeeles’ continued support, "Through the remarkable generosity of Bill and Mary, our baseball program has undergone a complete transformation. Their gifts have not only rebuilt our foundation but also provided for our program to thrive.”

Bill Skeeles graduated from the University of Akron in 1977 and currently serves on its Foundation Board of Directors. Mary is an honorary alumna as of 2022, and together, the Skeeles have been unwavering in their financial support for the university and its students.

“The University of Akron extends its deepest gratitude to Bill and Mary Skeeles for their extraordinary generosity and continued support of UA. Their continued investment in the baseball program will make an incredible impact on future generations of our student-athletes,” said R.J. Nemer, the university’s president.

For more information about the University of Akron, visit the school’s website.