Curtis B. Akenson Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Criteria:

Student recipients shall be enrolled as full-time students and shall represent and demonstrate the high ideals of the Mission, Vision, and Values of the University of Northwestern.

Scholarship Story:

The Curtis B. Akenson Memorial Scholarship honors the life, leadership, and enduring influence of Dr. Curtis Burdette Akenson, a pivotal figure in the history of University of Northwestern – St. Paul. Dr. Akenson faithfully served as Northwestern’s fourth president from 1957 to 1965 and dedicated his life to Christian ministry, education, and the spiritual formation of students.

Born in Minneapolis on November 2nd, 1913, Dr. Akenson was shaped early by his faith, his love for learning, and his lifelong connection to First Baptist Church of Minneapolis, where he served as pastor for more than three decades. He pursued his education with distinction, earning degrees from Northwestern, Bethel, and the University of Minnesota, culminating in a doctorate in Political Science and Education in 1962.

Dr. Akenson’s relationship with Northwestern spanned many roles and decades. Before becoming president, he served as a faculty member and administrator, influencing students both inside and outside the classroom. During his presidency, Northwestern navigated significant transition amidst changing enrollment patterns and financial pressures. His leadership helped sustain the institution during a challenging era and laid groundwork that would support Northwestern’s future renewal and growth.

Those who knew Dr. Akenson often described him as a generous and relational leader who took special interest in students. He personally assisted multiple students in continuing their education at Northwestern, quietly offering encouragement and financial support when it was most needed. His impact extended far beyond his formal title, shaping lives through mentorship, hospitality, and faithful service.

This scholarship was established in 2002 by a devoted alumna of University of Northwestern – St. Paul who requested to remain anonymous. Her decision to create this memorial scholarship was motivated by deep respect for Dr. Akenson’s leadership and by her own meaningful experiences as a student and later as a faculty member at Northwestern. Alongside her husband, she taught at the college during the late 1940s, further strengthening their lifelong bond to the institution and its mission.

In establishing this scholarship, the donor hoped to honor Dr. Akenson’s legacy by investing in future generations of Northwestern students. Her gift reflected a shared belief that Christian education shapes lives for service and prepares students to follow God’s calling with faithfulness and courage.

Over time, stewardship of the scholarship has been entrusted to caring representatives who ensure that its purpose and impact are remembered. This continuity reflects the shared commitment of Northwestern’s extended community to preserve its history while supporting students today.

Through this scholarship, students are invited to become part of a larger story, one shaped by faithful leadership, sacrificial generosity, and a steadfast commitment to Christ-centered education. The Curtis B. Akenson Memorial Scholarship stands as a testament to how one individual’s life and service can continue to influence and support students for generations.