YSU Dedicates DiBacco Family Leadership Center

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A multipurpose meeting and classroom in Stambaugh Stadium at Youngstown State University is being named in honor of Jim and Melissa DiBacco.

The Jim and Melissa DiBacco Family Leadership Center, which was dedicated Wednesday, is set to open this spring.

The center features theater-style seating for more than 100, two giant video screens and a state-of-the-art sound system and lighting system. The facility will be used by all YSU athletic teams and will be available to the entire YSU campus.

“Melissa and Jim have been gracious supporters to the Youngstown State community, and we are very thankful that they had a grand vision to make this project become a reality,” said Ron Strollo, executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “The DiBacco Family Leadership Center is an area our athletics programs and department will treasure and take great pride in. As a campus, this will benefit everyone, and we give our deepest thanks for their generosity.”

Jim DiBacco began work at Astro Shapes in 1972, one week before he graduated from Boardman High School. He started as a line worker and eventually became executive vice president and part owner of the company. He retired in 2014 after 43 years with the company. Melissa DiBacco, a Struthers High School graduate, worked at Brentwood Originals for 10 years before retiring to raise their family. They have two children, Brian and Andria.

“YSU is the cornerstone of our community, and it will always be here,” Jim DiBacco said. “This is a way for us to give back to the community.”

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.