This fund was established as a memorial by Carroll K. and Gladys I. Gustely, through gifts from family, schools, and many friends, following the death of their son Richard D. Gustely, PhD, on November 8, 1981. Richard, in his short lifetime of 36 years, exemplified through his personal life, devotion to family, and dedication to his chosen field of college teaching and economic research.
Robert K. Gustely, MA, who passed away on October 24, 2009, at age 58, was devoted to his family and was a dedicated teacher and guidance counselor in the Akron Public Schools. He was also a fine musician and accomplished flutist who performed in ensembles and as a soloist, including services at the AkronFCC UCC.
Carroll and Gladys Gustely were active members of AkronFCC UCC for more than 50 years. Since they established this fund in 1981, additional memorial contributions have been received upon the death of Carroll on July 14, 1992, Gladys on September 4, 2004, and son Robert on October 24, 2009. In 2014, Jerry W. Durway, Carolyn Gustely Durway’s beloved husband, passed as well. Jerry’s devotion to community service and higher education is reflected in the scholarship’s focus.
The fund is now a memorial to Carroll, Gladys, Richard, Robert Gustely, and Jerry W. Durway. It is hoped their qualities of compassion, community, industry, leadership, and vision will, through this scholarship, inspire and help enlighten the path for those who will follow.
It is the wish of the Gustely/Durway family, all of whom have been educators and scholars, that earnings from this fund be used to help worthy students who are in need of funds to continue their higher education in any field of endeavor.
No stipulation or limitation is made to area schools or students of AkronFCC UCC. The only requirement is that candidates exhibit qualities of character and need.
This scholarship is open to all fields of study, but preference is given to those studying music.
The scholarship is to be given for a one-year period. At the end of the year, a review by the committee as to the success of the student will determine whether it is to be renewed.
To select such a person or persons each year, a committee shall be established consisting of the AkronFCC UCC Senior Minister or a member of the Stewardship & Finance Board, and at least one member of the Gustely/Durway family.
Donations are from church members and friends of the Gustely and Durway families. Should this ministry cease to function for any reason, and the program has remained dormant for a minimum of 60 months, and with approval of the Senior Minister, all monies remaining in the fund are to be distributed to the AkronFCC UCC Endowment Fund.
One further use of the fund will be for providing altar flowers once a year on the Sunday nearest November 8. These will be in loving memory of Carroll K. Gustely, Gladys I. Gustely, Richard D. Gustely, Robert K. Gustely, and Jerry W. Durway by Carolyn G. Durway and Emily S. Durway.
- Application deadline is June 15, 2026.
- Award decisions will be made by July 1, 2026.
The form linked below can be completed online or downloaded and completed by hand.
Completed applications should be submitted to AkronFCC UCC with any necessary attachments (letters of recommendation, acceptance letters, etc). Submit your application by email to church@akronfcc.org, or mail to:
Gustely/Durway Family Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o First Congregational Church of Akron UCC 292 E Market St Akron OH 44308
