William “Bill” Skeeles, a 1977 graduate of The University of Akron (UA), and his wife Mary, an honorary alumna since 2022, have furthered their legacy of philanthropy by donating $1.3 million to fund scholarships for the university’s baseball program. As prominent benefactors, Bill, who also serves on The University of Akron Foundation Board of Directors, and Mary Skeeles have long been committed to enhancing opportunities for UA students. This substantial contribution represents a significant advancement for the baseball program.
With this latest donation, the total financial contributions from the Skeeles to UA’s baseball program now amount to $3 million. Previously, their donations were pivotal in constructing a new baseball stadium and upgrading the team’s facilities. This current gift, however, is specifically allocated to support the academic journeys of student-athletes, providing them with the financial resources necessary to pursue their education while competing in baseball.
UA’s Director of Athletics, Charles Guthrie, emphasized the transformative impact of the Skeeles’ generosity. “Thanks to Bill and Mary, our baseball program has been completely revitalized. Their donations have not only established a solid foundation but also enabled our program to flourish,” Guthrie remarked.
The Skeeles’ donation ensures that the baseball team will be fully funded, allowing UA to offer the maximum number of scholarships permitted by NCAA regulations. By alleviating financial pressures, this support empowers student-athletes to achieve their academic and athletic goals, fostering a culture of excellence within the program.
Head Coach Bryan Faulds expressed his gratitude, stating, “This incredible support from Bill and Mary enables us to compete on equal footing with our peers in the MAC and nationwide. We are deeply thankful for their unwavering commitment.”
Bill Skeeles shared his perspective on their philanthropic endeavors, saying, “We are proud to continue supporting UA’s baseball program through this scholarship donation. Our investment reflects our belief in the transformative power of education and sports. We are confident this gift will help student-athletes excel both on the field and in their studies, and we eagerly anticipate their future achievements.”
UA President R.J. Nemer also extended his gratitude, noting, “The University of Akron is profoundly grateful to Bill and Mary Skeeles for their extraordinary generosity and ongoing support. Their investment will have a lasting impact on future generations of our student-athletes.”
