The Brenda M. Weems Health Profession Scholarship was established in 1999 to encourage more African American students to pursue careers in the health professions.

The scholarship was established through the generosity of Ms. Brenda M. Weems, Paul G. Perantinides, Esq., and Chris T. Nolan, Esq. The Brenda M. Weems Health Profession Scholarship is awarded to African American students, giving priority to those students pursuing the BSN or MSN degree in the College of Nursing, or other Health-related degree programs. The scholarship recipients must meet the following criteria be enrolled with a minimum of 6 credit hours; be employed full-time (preferably); maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0; and ineligible for federal or state grants. The Office of Financial Aid in collaboration with the Dean of the College of Nursing and the Office of Campus Diversity decide on the recipients.

Ms. Weems received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Nursing in 1995 and her Master of Science in Nursing, including a subspecialty as an Adult Nurse Practitioner in 1999, at The University of Akron.

Both Mr. Perantinides and Mr. Nolan received their law degrees from The University of Akron, in 1969 and 1973, respectively.

Sadly, Brenda passed away April 15, 2006, after a long battle with cancer. Brenda’s beautiful smile, kindness, generosity, and magnetic personality will never be forgotten. May her memory of be eternal.

Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for as we will post each year's award winners.