Cramblette/Cunningham Scholarship
The Cramblette/Cunningham Scholarship was established by University of Akron alumnus Letitia (Tish) Cunningham, class of 1939, in memory of her sister, Edith ’36. The scholarship supports students with financial need enrolled in The University of Akron Honors Program.
It was due to her sister’s support and the National Youth Administration (NYA) job program that Tish Cunningham was able to enter college. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, their parents could afford to send only one daughter to college at a time. Consequently, Edith dropped out after her junior year, giving Tish the opportunity to enroll in The University of Akron. Married to Donn Cramblette in 1940, Edith raised a son and daughter and lived most of her life in Akron. She died in 1994.
At the University, Tish, a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, spent most of her time where her heart was – working on The Buchtelite as a columnist, reporter, and business manager. This activity led to her subsequent career in public relations. After college she worked at the Akron Chamber of Commerce, served overseas with the American Red Cross during World War II, and was briefly at Akron’s famous department store, Polsky’s, before moving to New York City. There she was vice president and account executive of a public relations agency before retiring to California.
Just as Tish is deeply appreciative of the help she received in attending college, The University of Akron is fortunate to have her support. It is, indeed, an honor to establish a legacy in her name and that of Edith Cramblette.