YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Hynes Finnegan Foundations have presented a gift of $475,000 to the Kilcawley: Centered on the Future Campaign at Youngstown State University.
The contribution will play a role in enhancing the university’s student center, ensuring it remains a dynamic space for future generations of students, a news release from the university states.
As part of the gift, the Elm Street Entrance to Kilcawley Center will be named the Hynes Entrance, and the Quad Entrance will be named the Finnegan Entrance.
“We are deeply grateful to the Hynes Finnegan Foundations for their unwavering support of YSU and our students,” YSU President Bill Johnson said. “This generous donation will help us create a vibrant community treasure, a student-centered space where students, faculty and staff can come together to learn, collaborate and thrive.”
The Hynes Finnegan Foundations’ giving to YSU has exceeded $2 million, earning them a place in the NGS Transformation Society, a group of donors who have contributed between $2 million and $4,999,999 to the university.
The Kilcawley: Centered on the Future campaign kicked off in November 2024. 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.
The plan is to modernize the building, opening up spaces and allowing more natural light. A common food area will be added, replacing the eating establishments spread through the building. The renovated building will also feature a black-box theater for performances, improved connectivity to Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center and a Chestnut Room revamped for larger gatherings.