Former Teacher Leaves $2.3M for YSU Scholarships

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – When Bessie Veck died last January, she left a $2.3 million estate to establish a scholarship in her memory to support Youngstown State University students. 

The endowment will be held and managed by the YSU Foundation. The Bessie K. Veck Scholarship will provide more than $80,000 annually and support numerous students. 

Recipients of the Bessie Veck Scholarship can be undergraduate or graduate students enrolled either part time or full time with a minimum 2.5 GPA. 

In honor of Veck’s long-standing career as a teacher, at least one recipient annually will be a student pursuing a career as a professional educator.

“This generous estate gift is a testament to Bessie’s enduring commitment to education and the students at Youngstown State University,” YSU President Bill Johnson said in a news release. “Her legacy will continue to impact future generations, ensuring that they have the support they need to pursue their dreams. We are extremely grateful for her dedication to our community.” 

Veck was born Oct. 6, 1927, in Youngstown. In her early years, she attended Taft School and graduated from Youngstown College in 1950. She finished her education at Columbia University in New York City with a master’s degree. 

Her professional career led her to teach for 30 years at Bennett Elementary School in Youngstown. She is one of many donors who have left estate gifts to benefit YSU. 

Planned giving is the process of a donor making arrangements for a charitable gift to be made after death through their estate plans. These plans can be included in a will, trust or on account beneficiary forms with the YSU Foundation as the beneficiary.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.