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Lamb, William G. and Ruth E. Memorial Scholarship in Business

The William G. and Ruth E. Lamb Memorial Scholarship in Business was originally established in November 2009 as The William G. Lamb Memorial Scholarship in Business. The scholarship was revised in September 2012, following the passing of Mrs. Ruth Lamb. The family wished to honor William and Ruth, recognizing their dedication to academic excellence at The University of Akron.

William G. Lamb was raised in Akron, Ohio, and graduated from East High School. Mr. Lamb enrolled in The University of Akron after graduating from East High School. He majored in business administration and was very active in Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. His college years were interrupted by the war, and he left to serve in the Air Force. Upon his return, Mr. Lamb completed his degree and graduated in 1948. While attending The University of Akron, Mr. Lamb met his future wife, Ruth Wagner. She, too, was an Akron native, attended West High School, and graduated from The University of Akron in 1945 with a degree in accounting. William and Ruth married later that year.

Mr. Lamb’s first job following graduation was working at the Polsky Department Store. He later became the owner of Akron Wholesale. He was very active in the independent pharmacy community as a provider of out front sundries and merchandise to many small business owners in the Akron area. He was an Eagle Scout and as an adult, volunteering many hours to assist local Boy Scout troops. At Camp Manatac, he is known as the gentleman who recaned by hand all of the seats in the historic knotty pine dining hall. In addition, he volunteered many hours with his church and also with SCORE, a nonprofit that counsels small business owners with the help of retired executives.

Mrs. Lamb worked as an accountant into her 80s in the Akron area. She spent many years assisting small businesses, including shoe stores, bakeries, hardware stores, funeral homes, and dentist offices in addition to being a long-term employee of the Hygenic Corporation. Also, Mrs. Lamb assisted with bookkeeping for the family businesses, including Akron Wholesale and Sand Run Pharmacy, owned by son Tom.

The Lamb’s business philosophy was to know your client and give them the best service possible. They believed in staying in touch with the vendors they represented and also the customers to whom they were providing products or a service. They knew the importance of being active in the community and having a strong network and good reputation for honest business practices.

The recipient of The William G. and Ruth E. Lamb Memorial Scholarship in Business must have a declared major in business or related field, be enrolled as a full-time student, and be active in community or campus service. Special consideration will be given to those pursuing self-employment and small business operations or the pre-pharmacy program. Scholarship applications will be reviewed by members of the Lamb family and a University staff person. The family requests that all candidates provide a description of what they intend to do with their degree, as well as a summary of work history and how the applicants are funding their education.

The scholarship(s) will be awarded based on academic achievement and short written responses. Scholarships may be renewable depending on GPA. Thomas and Margaret Lamb will be the final decision makers of the awards(s) or as delegated to another member of the Lamb family. Award(s) will be announced prior to the Fall semester.