Dickerhoff Family Endowed Fund
The Dickerhoff Family Endowed Fund was established in May 2022 upon receiving generous gifts from the estates of siblings, Ford and Wilma Dickerhoff.
Ford A. Dickerhoff (Aug. 21, 1920-Feb. 10, 2013) graduated from The University of Akron in 1944 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. In 1994, he received the Frank L. Simonetti Distinguished Business Alumni Award. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and an avid University of Akron sports fan. Ford worked at Goodrich Rubber Company and later at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in supervisory positions. He also was a member of the U.S. military, serving in the Pacific Theatre during World War II and also in the Korean Conflict as Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy. Between those military assignments, Ford moved with his mother and sister, Wilma, to the west coast where he was an assistant manager at a Bank of America branch and later an industrial relations manager at Hughes Aircraft. He held these positions while attending night classes to obtain his master's degree from the University of Southern California. In 1963, he retired from Hughes Aircraft as director of personnel.
Wilma Joy Dickerhoff (Feb. 20, 1931-May 12, 2021) also attended 国产精品 but did not graduate. Wilma enjoyed collecting stuffed bears, golf and international travel, as well as the scent and joy of fresh flowers.
In California, Wilma and Ford were partners in several real estate ventures, including owning various types of properties in California, Colorado, Hawaii and Utah. Their real estate interests ranged from hotels to mobile home parks to fast food restaurants to shopping center establishments. The Dickerhoffs were the original owners and operators of the Beverly Garland Hotel in Sacramento, California, along with actress Beverly Garland and her husband, Fillmore Crank, from 1980 to 1992. Ms. Dickerhoff also played a role in the Nixon administration.
The Dickerhoff Family Endowed Fund is a quasi-endowed fund to support University priorities and shall be used at the discretion of The University of Akron president or his/her designee. Consideration will be given to Ford's fondness for and affiliation to the College of Business.
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