YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The John S. and Doris M. Andrews Memorial Fund, a component of the Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley, has donated $500,000 to the Kilcawley: Centered on the Future Campaign.

The gift will support the renovation of two key areas: the large second-floor lounge and the first-floor black box theater. Both of these spaces will be named in honor of John and Doris Andrews.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Andrews Memorial Fund for their ongoing generosity and support of YSU,” President Bill Johnson said. “This substantial gift will significantly enhance the student experience at Kilcawley Center, helping to create dynamic spaces where students can gather, collaborate and thrive.”

The Andrews Memorial Fund has long been a supporter of YSU, providing previous major gifts, including a $2 million donation for the construction of the John S. and Doris M. Andrews Student Recreation Center and $1 million to establish the John S. and Doris M. Andrews Chair in Accounting within the Williamson College of Business Administration. 

The latest contribution continues their legacy of philanthropy and their commitment to improving the educational experience at YSU.

“The Andrews Memorial Fund gift is a testament to the Andrews’ lifelong commitment to supporting education and the well-being of their community,” said Scott Schulick, chairman of the Kilcawley: Centered on the Future campaign. “We thank the advisers of this fund for their dedication to honoring John and Doris’ legacy. This donation will play a pivotal role in transforming Kilcawley Center into an even more vibrant and welcoming space for students.”

John and Doris Andrews were natives of Jamestown, N.Y., and moved to the Mahoning Valley in 1932 to open an office for Associated Financial Services Corp. Over the course of his career, John spent 45 years in the financial services industry and served on the board of directors for Commercial Shearing and Stamping Corp. Together, the Andrews were deeply involved in the community, dedicating their time and resources to organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Doris died in 1993, followed by John in 1999.