Jeffery, Judith Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Established in 2024 by Randal A. Lowry, The Judith Jeffery Memorial Endowed Scholarship honors the memory of Judith Jeffery, a remarkable woman who overcame significant adversity. Despite facing enormous physical challenges, Judith's unwavering spirit and determination inspired Randal to establish this scholarship fund.
Judi Jeffery was a young woman when she was injured in an employment related accident, leaving her a quadriplegic. Through the efforts of her attorney, who was a 1976 graduate of The University of Akron School of Law, she received a workers' compensation settlement and products liability award that enabled her to receive full-time care for the remainder of her life as well as build a dream home to suit her needs. Although her life expectancy after the injury was deemed to be short, she ended up living more than 40 years after the accident. During those 40 years, Judi never wavered from her positive outlook on life, despite her disabilities. Judi loved animals and children and was generous to her family and friends. Judi was able to accumulate a sizable estate which she left in Trust to charity appointing her lifelong attorney, Randal Lowry, to act as Trustee.
This scholarship provides financial assistance to a physically disabled law student in the Juris Doctor degree program enrolled at The University of Akron School of Law. Judith Jeffery was a quadriplegic and greatly appreciated the outstanding legal assistance and guidance she received from her attorney Randal A. Lowry, a 1976 graduate of The University of Akron School of Law. One of Judith's last wishes was to pay it forward by helping someone like her with physical disabilities to achieve their dreams of becoming an attorney to help those similarly situated.
Randal A. Lowry ('76), a distinguished attorney, concentrates his practice in Family Law, is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Ohio Chapter). He has been instrumental in shaping Ohio law, litigating numerous appellate cases, and pioneering the use of business valuations in divorce proceedings. Lowry's expertise and dedication to his clients have earned him recognition as a leading attorney in the field.
Lowry's connection to The University of Akron School of Law runs deep. As a 1976 graduate, he credits his legal education for providing him with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in his career. He is committed to giving back to the institution that helped shape his future.
The Judith Jeffery Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established as part of We Rise Together, the Campaign for The University of Akron.
This generous scholarship is awarded to a physically disabled law student enrolled in The University of Akron School of Law, providing financial assistance to help them achieve their academic and professional goals.
To be considered for The Judith Jeffery Memorial Endowed Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a full- or part-time student in the Juris Doctor degree program who will be entering or currently enrolled in good standing at The University of Akron School of Law. Currently enrolled law students should have an accumulative grade point average of at least 2.50. An award to an eligible student entering the Juris Doctor program will be determined by the admissions/scholarship committee;
- Demonstrate a physical disability; and
- Submit a personal statement outlining their academic and professional goals as well as how this scholarship will assist them in achieving these goals.
The Judith Jeffery Memorial Endowed Scholarship may be combined with other scholarships from The University of Akron; however, it may not exceed the total cost of tuition and fees for a semester or academic year. This scholarship may be awarded for a single semester or divided by two semesters for courses taken at The University of Akron School of Law. A recipient of this award is eligible to re- apply for and may be selected to receive this scholarship in subsequent academic years.
The scholarship recipient will be selected by the School of Law Admissions or Scholarship committee or the dean of the School of Law. Preference will be given to wheelchair-bound students, like Judith, followed by students with other physical disabilities.
To make a tax-deductible gift to this scholarship, please visit 51²è¹Ý’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “Judith Jeffery Scholarship” in the text box. Thank you!
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