University of Akron

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The University of Akron
Motto Fiat Lux
(Let there be Light)
Established 1870 as Buchtel College
Type State university
President Dr. Luis M. Proenza
Staff 1,590 (Fall, 2005, all campuses)
Undergraduates 18,723 (Fall, 2005, all campuses)
Postgraduates 3,913 (Fall, 2005, all campuses)
Location Akron, Ohio, United States
Campus Urban, 218 acres
Mascot Zippy, Kangaroo
Website www.uakron.edu

The University of Akron is an institution of higher learning located in Akron, Ohio. It was founded in 1870 as a small college affiliated with the Universalist Church. In 1913 ownership was transferred to the City of Akron due to financial problems. In 1967 the university became a state institution.

Enrollment in 2005 was approximately 23,400 students. The school offers more than 200 undergraduate degrees [1] and 100 graduate degrees [2]. The University's best-known program is its College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, Akron is known as the "Rubber City"), which is located in a 13 story reflective glass building overlooking Akron's downtown. The Graduate program in Industrial and organizational psychology is highly regarded nationally. The University's School of Law has both day and evening programs leading to the Juris Doctor degree and recently added a Master of Laws program in intellectual property law. The university also has a branch campus, Wayne College, located in Orrville, Ohio.

Contents

[edit] A New Landscape for Learning

The Goodyear Polymer Center on the University of Akron campus.
The Goodyear Polymer Center on the University of Akron campus.

A $300 million construction program was completed in the fall of 2004. Called "A New Landscape for Learning", the program included the construction of nine new buildings, the renovations or updating of 14 other buildings and structures, and numerous capital improvement projects. The New Landscape for Learning included a new College of Arts & Science Building, Honors Residence Hall and Classroom complex, a new Student Recreation and Wellness Center, and a new Student Union. Multiple new parking decks were constructed to address high demand for parking (placed on the outskirts of campus in accordance with its goal to be less of a commuter school), and several public streets were closed to consolidate the campus, provide a more friendly environment for pedestrians and to add 30 acres (120,000 m²) of new greenspace.

The University has begun work on a new satellite campus in neighboring Medina County and is shopping around ideas for workforce centers in the suburbs.

The school has formed with the City of Akron a new committee called the University Park Alliance, which is currently working on the neighborhood around campus to improve the quality of life. This includes a new apartment-style residence hall, new shops and restaurants, street improvements, and a new stadium on campus to replace the aging and distant Rubber Bowl.

More renovations, additions and expansions are in the works as well.

[edit] Organization

The University of Akron is comprised of the following colleges, schools, and campuses:

[edit] Athletics

The University of Akron's athletic teams are known as the "Zips," originally short for "Zippers," overshoes that were nationally popular in the 1920s and 1930s, and the zipper-an invention from Akron (Judson). The university's mascot is "Zippy", a kangaroo. Zippy is one of only two female college mascots in the United States.

[edit] Football

Akron's major football rivalry is with Kent State University, whom they play for the Wagon Wheel. They also formerly played Youngstown State University for the Steel Tire until that series was discontinued in 1995. The Akron Zips football team won their very first MAC championship giving them a chance to play in the Motor City Bowl, Akron's first Division I-A bowl game appearance where they lost to the University of Memphis. There currently are construction plans in place for a new football stadium that should be built by 2009. The Zips currently play at the Rubber Bowl, home of the famous Jabari Arthur's Corner, a section of the stadium started by a group of High School Seniors who love the Zips.

[edit] Basketball

See also: Akron Zips basketball

In 2005, The Men's Basketball team, under head coach Keith Dambrot, won their first ever Division I post season game by defeating Temple University in the NIT, led by first team All-MAC performer Romeo Travis (former teammate of LeBron James in high school) and also won the most games in a season, 23.

[edit] Ice Hockey

The Akron Ice Hockey Club was started in the Fall of 2005 by students Joseph Frato and Matthew Sparker. The main goal of this student organization was to give students at The University of Akron a chance to continue their hockey careers either competitively or recreationally. Students would compete competitively through our club team which would play other college club teams, while the recreation team would play in an adult league to strengthen their skills.


With this being the inaugural season of The Akron Ice Hockey Club Team, we will be members of the ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) Division 3 and will play other college club teams such as Carnegie Mellon, Case Western Reserve University, and IUP. Being members of the ACHA will promote growth, quality, and unity for The Akron Ice Hockey Club, and will give us a standard to follow in the upcoming years.

[edit] Other sports

In 2005, the Women's Cross Country team and the Men's Soccer team also won the MAC championship in their respective sports. The Men's soccer team was also the first team in the history of UA sports to have a #1 rating in the whole nation. Needless to say, attendance at athletic events over the last two years has been up.

[edit] Fight Song

Akron Blue and Gold
We cheer the Akron Blue and Gold.
We cheer as the colors unfold.
We pledge anew, we're all for you,
As the team goes crashing through
Fight! Fight!
We cheer The Akron Warriors bold,
For a fight that's a sight to behold.
So we stand up, and cheer and shout,
for the Akron Blue and Gold.
Ziiip! Zip go the Zippers!
Ziiip! Zip go the Zippers!
Akron U, Gold and Blue,
All for you, and the Zippers too!
Z-I-P-S gooo Zips!

[edit] Alma Mater

Close beside Cuyahoga’s waters,
Stream of amber hue.
O’er old Buchtel Summit’s glory
Waves the gold and blue
Hail we Akron!
Sound her praises.
Speed them on the gale
Ever stand our Alma Mater,
Akron hail, all hail!

[edit] Student Life

There are over 200 student organizations at The University of Akron. Some of these include:

  • Zips Programming Network - ZPN plans over 100 events each year for the student population, for traditional and non-traditional students. ZPN is responsible for the Battle of the Bands, Homecoming, Game shows, Comedians and more.
  • Greek Life - Akron has over 22 Fraternities and Sororities, who are members of NIC, NPC, and NPHC. The many diverse chapters focus on academic achievements, leadership skills, career networking, fundraising events, charity work, social experiences and large associations with many people.
  • Residence Hall Program Board - They plan events for the 2000 or so residence hall students, and collaborate with ZPN on major events like Sibs Weekend.
  • The Buchtelite - The official independent voice of The University of Akron. Published twice a week during the semester.
  • WZIP 88.1 FM - The largest student run college radio station in terms of listenership. Plays top 40 for most of the time, but has special Polka, sports, Rock and News programs.
  • Tel-Buch - The university's yearbook, produced for over 90 years.

[edit] Akron U

The University of Akron is commonly incorrectly referred to as "Akron University" (or "Akron U") not only nationally, but by locals as well. The name is also commonly misspoken by not including "The" in the title. The school's official name is "The University of Akron," not simply, "University of Akron".

[edit] Famous alumni

[edit] External links

Mid-American Conference
EAST: Akron • Bowling Green • Buffalo • Kent State • Miami • Ohio • Temple (football only)
WEST: Ball State • Central Michigan • Eastern Michigan • Northern Illinois • Toledo • Western Michigan
Public universities in Ohio
Akron • Bowling Green State • Central State • Cincinnati • Cleveland State • Kent State • Miami • NEOUCOM • Ohio State • Ohio • Shawnee State • Toledo • Wright State • Youngstown State
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