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Bennett, Bob Memorial Endowed Scholarship

The Bob Bennett Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 2017 by Mr. Bennett’s wife, Sarah  J. Bennett, and their sons, Scott and Stephen, who are both civil engineers.  This scholarship will carry on Bob’s legacy and honor his lifetime accomplishments, which have left a lasting impression on his family, friends and the community.

Bob Bennett was born September 18, 1935 and moved to Akron in his teen years to attend the old South High School, graduating in 1953.  Bob went on to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ where he received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1958.  He was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity and was awarded the fraternity's Founders Award for outstanding service for his work and guidance when the organization’s new fraternity house was built.

In 1970, Bob established a heavy-construction company, Bob Bennett Construction.  He loved to work and took pride in his company’s reputation as an industry leader.  Bob Bennett Construction was involved in several University of Akron projects, including building demolitions which preceded the construction of E.J. Thomas Hall, South Hall Dormitory, North and South Campus Parking Decks, Ocasek Natatorium, Buchtel Field and InfoCision Stadium.  Bob Bennett Construction was also involved in the demolition of Memorial Hall, as well as the installation of turf at the Rubber Bowl.  Upon semi-retirement, Bob continued to go to work every day and was proud his sons followed his footsteps in the family business.

Bob was a proud ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ alumnus and supporter.  He donated his slide rule to the College of Engineering in 2013, where it is prominently displayed with other alumni slide rules in an art display.

The Bob Bennett Memorial Endowed Scholarship shall be awarded annually to undergraduate students majoring in civil engineering at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ.  Sophomore through senior level students are eligible.  Preference will be given to students who were born or raised in Ohio, demonstrating Bob Bennett’s devotion to the local community.  Each year, the selected student(s) will be awarded a minimum of $5,000, depending on available funds.  Any remaining distribution funds shall remain in the award account for future use.  Recipient selection will be made by the civil engineering scholarship committee.