Allen, Larry '70 and Susan Retention and Recruitment Fund

The Larry '70 and Susan Allen Retention and Recruitment Fund was established in 2023 and revised in 2025 by Larry and Susan Allen. This fund aims to provide support to students in the College of Engineering and Polymer Science who are at risk of having to leave UA because of financial hardships, those who desire to attend the University but require additional financial assistance, and faculty assisting in improving recruitment and retention initiatives.

Larry and Susan Allen are supporters of TÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï and substantive leaders in advancing the cause of the University. Their roots of service to UA emanate from their love of ÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï. Their advocacy for the city is demonstrated through service and philanthropy that help the community flourish.

Larry Allen is a native of ÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï and a graduate of both TÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï and Firestone High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from UA in 1970.

A man of deep conviction and concern for communities, Larry has dedicated his efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of others. His work with Family Answers, a nonprofit organization providing counseling and in-home care services for those in need in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, exemplifies his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by that community.

Also a native of ÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï and an alumna of Firestone High School, Susan's commitment to ÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï and those who serve its interests run deep. Her father was John S. Ballard, a 1943 UA graduate who served as ÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï mayor from 1966-1979. He also was a former adjunct associate professor of Public Administration and Urban Studies at UA and former member of TÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Board of Trustees.

The Allens' impact has touched families from a variety of economic strata, from community members facing financial hardships to assisting students with scholarship opportunities through The Larry W. Allen Scholarship for Engineering Excellence, and support of the College of Engineering, Zips on the Rise Scholarships, and TÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Foundation. The Allens' professional lives and interests have taken them nearly 2,000 miles across the country, but their hearts and their service remain unwavering to ÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï, as evidenced by their continued dedication to the University and the surrounding community.

The Allen's understand retention and recruitment are vital components of success for the College of Engineering & Polymer Science. Increasing the availability of immediate use and need-based scholarships are essential to this effort as well as the initiatives to support innovative projects aimed at improving student retention and recruitment by faculty and administrators. These critically important initiatives will ensure promising UA students can complete their academic journeys toward graduation and continue to professional success, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Students eligible for assistance through The Larry '70 and Susan Allen Retention and Recruitment Fund must:

• Be an undergraduate student of any major offered by TÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï College of Engineering and Polymer Science,
• Be in good academic standing, and
• Have demonstrated financial need.

Eligible recipients of The Larry '70 and Susan Allen Retention and Recruitment Fund scholarship can be identified by the College of Engineering and Polymer Science Scholarship Committee for recruitment and retention purposes or by the Office of Student Financial Aid. In addition, students experiencing financial hardship can request scholarship assistance by contacting anyone in a leadership role within the College of Engineering and Polymer Science Dean's Office.

Students are not required to complete a scholarship application, and scholarship awards can be disbursed at any time during the academic year. Scholarship funds can be applied to any qualified educational expense.

ln UA's ongoing commitment to fostering student success, faculty can support this initiative with new innovative projects aimed at improving student retention and recruitment. The College of Engineering and Polymer Science recognizes the critical role that each department plays in shaping our students' experiences and believes that targeted, creative solutions can make a significant impact.

Faculty can apply for up to $5,000 to support initiatives that enhance the College's efforts in retaining first-year students and recruiting prospective undergraduate students. These funds are intended to enable departments to develop and implement strategies and programs that align with UA's overarching goals of student engagement, satisfaction, and success. Faculty recruitment and retention proposals will be considered using metrics set by the Dean and the Assistant Dean of Recruitment, Retention & Marketing at the College of Engineering & Polymer Science.

To make a tax-deductible gift to this fund, please visit UA’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “Larry and Susan Allen Retention and Recruitment Fund” in the text box. Thank you!