Background
As retired YSU faculty and staff, each of us knows how important it is to make a difference in a student’s life. Whether an encouraging word or a challenge to do better, shaping students has always been who we are. In 2012 the Youngstown State University Retirees Association (YSURA) Board of Directors embarked on a campaign to establish a scholarship endowment to continue our tradition of support for YSU students. During the first fundraising drive, the initial goal of raising $10,000 was surpassed more than twofold, and an endowment was established through the YSU Foundation. The principal will be intact in perpetuity, and the scholarship will be awarded annually based on the income generated from the endowment.
Endowment Agreement
The Endowment Agreement between the YSURA and the Youngstown Foundation can be viewed here.
Make a Donation
To increase the number of scholarships and/or amount awarded to students each year, we would like to raise additional money for the endowment. To make a donation, please send your check (payable to the YSU Foundation) to the following address:
YSU Retirees Scholarship #97336
c/o YSU Foundation
655 Wick Avenue
Youngstown, OH 44502
Your donation will help ensure a bright future for many well-deserving students for generations to come.
Recipients
2026-2027: Oloyede David Adeeko – Political Science and Philosophy ($1,500); Jada M.Haden – Social Work ($1,500); Anthony A. Weser – Multimedia Communications/Marketing ($1,500); and James B. Whippo – Exercise Science/Physical Therapy ($1,500)
2025-2026: Jenna N. Billet – Respiratory Care ($1,500), Autumn D. Mason – Psychology ($1,500), Brianna M. Scarmack – Education ($1,500), and Allison E. Stanko – Engineering Management ($1,500)
2024-2025: Crystal Lin – Social Work & Spanish ($1,500), John W. Miller IV – Nursing ($1,500), and Rozelynn C. White – Finance ($1,500)
2023-2024: Mason P. Ciesielski – Music Performance ($1,000), Nader I. Kassem – Civil Engineering ($1,000), Jenna C. Knowles – Forensic Science & Biology ($1,000), and Samantha J. Sloan – Art Education & Political Science ($1,000)
2022-2023: Shianna M. Gibbons – Journalism ($1,000), Hunter J. Gladin – Industrial & Systems Engineering ($1,000), and Naomi Marie K. Herman – Chemical Engineering ($1,000)
2021-2022: Lindsey R. Chludzinski – Biology ($1,000), Kayla R. Jackson – Mechanical Engineering ($1,000), and Katie M. Stomski – Biology ($1,000)
2020-2021: Megan E. Frano – Nursing ($1,000), Stephanie M. Goterba – Dietetics ($1,000), and Justin A. Shaughnessy – Criminal Justice ($1,000)
2019-2020: Venise L. Abell – Interdisciplinary Visual Arts ($1,000), Alicia M. Herman – Political Science/Economics ($1,000), and Samuel L. Kulifay – Biology ($1,000)
2018-2019: Bryson J. Stemock – Physics & Astronomy ($1,000) and Laura E. Walker – Early Childhood Intervention Specialist ($1,000)
2017-2018: Diana L. Deehr – Dental Hygiene ($1,000) and Kaitlyn M. Leonelli – Human Resource Management ($1,000)
2016-2017: Quincy Carrier – Telecommunications & Theater Arts ($750) and Jeremy J. Leishman – Music Education ($750)
2015-2016: James W. MacGregor, Jr. – Middle Childhood Education ($750) and Anthony M. Schiraldi – Physical Therapy ($750)
2014-2015: Sarah M. Maffitt – Spanish Education ($500) and Alyssa J. Sansone – Exercise Science ($500)
2013-2014: Nicholas A. Somerfield – Mechanical Engineering ($500)