YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Kilcawley Center project at Youngstown State University is on schedule, with construction expected to start in May.
That’s among the positive indicators at the university, YSU President Bill Johnson pointed out at Thursday’s regular quarterly trustees meeting.
“Our enrollment last fall increased 11%,” he said. “We have another 9-plus percent increase in enrollment this spring, compared to the spring of ’24. Our Kilcawley Center project is off and running.”
The Kilcawley: Centered on the Future campaign kicked off in November and has garnered $22 million in private donations from alumni and community and business leaders.
“And if everything continues to go well, construction on the two-and-a-half-year project to renovate the Kilcawley Student Center will begin in May,” Johnson said.
He also pointed to the number of former Eastern Gateway Community College students who have enrolled at YSU. That institution closed last year.
“I’m very proud to say that some 60% of former Eastern Gateway Community College students have found their way to Youngstown State,” Johnson said, adding that number comes from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Regarding Kilcawley, Rich White, director of planning and construction, told trustees earlier this week that the project is before the Ohio Controlling Board for funding March 24.
“Once that hearing goes through and the money is released, we do a contract, and then the contractor will be on site May 5,” he said.
John Hyden, associate vice president of facilities maintenance, said though project bids came in higher than anticipated a few months ago, that’s been worked out. At that time, the bids submitted came in 21% higher than anticipated. The estimated contract cost had been about $43 million.
“We’ve had some really positive meetings with the contractor, so we think we’re on track now and moving forward with the project,” he said.
Neal McNally, vice president of finance and business operations, added that earlier this month the university sold about $39 million in general obligation bonds related to the Kilcawley Center project.
“It took about two hours of trading in New York to sell all of our bonds,” he said. “It was pretty fast. Fidelity was the biggest investor and bought 47% of YSU’s bonds, about $16 million.”
That’s a positive sign, McNally said. When the transactions close next week, the university will receive about $40 million in bond proceeds, he explained.
Construction will be done in phases, and the center is expected to be completed for the fall 2027 semester.
The plan is to modernize the building, opening up spaces, allowing more natural light, adding a common food area and a black-box theater for performances. It will also improve connectivity to Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center and revamp the Chestnut Room to accommodate larger gatherings.
The building was constructed in the 1960s, opening in 1965. Its last major renovation was in 1979. Of Ohio’s 14 state universities, YSU is the only one that doesn’t have a rebuilt or renovated student center, university officials have said.
Also at Thursday’s regular meeting, trustees heard presentations from students and faculty about programs, accomplishments and activities.
Karsten Grenzig of Lowellville, a junior chemical engineering major, talked about his selection to the U.S. Navy Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program.
Victoria Kress, a professor in the psychological sciences and counseling program, spoke about her involvement in the American Counseling Association, YSU’s counseling program and her time working in Africa.
Tony Joy, men’s golf coach, and senior Ryan Sam of Canfield talked about the golf team. Sienna Summers, president of the Club Rugby and Club Tennis teams, and Lindsey Linard, graduate assistant to Club Sports and Travel, informed trustees about the university’s club sports.
Trustees also recognized Natalie Dando, a student trustee whose term expires next month, and elected their officers for 2025-26. Chuck George will be chairman; Joseph Kerola will be vice chairman; and Anita Hackstedde will continue as secretary.
Pictured at top: From left are YSU President Bill Johnson, Trustees Chairman Michael Peterson, Vice Chairman Chuck George and Secretary Anita Hackstedde.