Johnsons Pledge $100K Toward New YSU Student Center

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University President Bill Johnson and his wife, LeeAnn, during a meeting with the Student Experience leadership team announced a pledge of $100,000 toward the new student center announced in early 2023. 

“Our students are some of the most impressive and resilient people in the Youngstown community,” Johnson said in a news release Wednesday. “They deserve the very best experience while they work toward their futures here. Through this pledge, my wife, LeeAnn, and I are committed to ensuring that this is exactly what they will receive.”

It’s expected to take two and a half years to build the center. Once finished, the center will be completely reconstructed with updated dining services, event spaces and lounge areas for studying and relaxing.

“It was wonderful to meet with the Johnsons during our leadership meeting, and our staff is both humbled by this pledge and excited for the impact it will have on our students,” Joy Polkabla-Byers, associate vice president of student experience, said in the news release.

LeeAnn Johnson looks forward to future possibilities for YSU students and remains committed toward campus improvements. 

“As Bill and I continue to meet and engage with students, we are amazed by their drive and ambition toward their academic success,” she said. “This center serves as a hub for our campus, and we are honored to have an opportunity to give back to our students.”

Pictured at top: Bill and LeeAnn Johnson, center, meet with the Student Experience leadership team at YSU.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.