Simerlink Scholarship Supports YSU Student Athletes

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — A new scholarship added to Youngstown State University’s athletic scholarship endowment program will give student athletes another way to fulfill their academic and athletic goals.

The Simerlink Scholarship is the latest addition to the 160 endowed scholarships offered to student athletes at YSU. It’s endowed by Robert and Patricia Simerlink, both of whom were student athletes themselves. They declined to disclose the scholarship amount.

Robert Simerlink is a graduate of Poland Seminary High School and went on to become the co-owner of Steel City Anesthesia. He sits on various boards throughout Mahoning County, including the Children’s Health Foundation.

“As long-time supporters of YSU, we know the importance the university has on fostering growth of students in the area, providing them with a first-class educational experience that rivals schools many are looking to attend out of our area,” he said. “In order to do that, it is imperative that individuals within our community do more and give more to fulfill the mission of lifting YSU into the upper echelon of schools for athletes to excel at on the field and in the classroom. Our commitment to the YSU Foundation in the creation of this scholarship is a way for us to give back to a university that has not only given us so much, but to support a local athlete by giving him or her an opportunity to stay to experience the rewards YSU has to offer his or her educational and athletic experiences in college through a tribute to our families who gave us the same opportunity.”

Patricia Simerlink graduated from Austintown Fitch High School and earned two undergraduate degrees with honors from YSU in applied science and general studies in 1988 and 2009, respectively. She now works with the local Mercy Health system as a respiratory therapist.

“YSU has always held a special place in my heart,” she said. “As a student, a fan and now as an endowment supporter, this university has provided us with an opportunity to make a difference in our community. We are honored to have our family name be a part of the tradition and legacy the YSU Foundation is making for student athletes for years to come.”

McKenah Peters of LeGrange is the 2018-19 recipient of the Simerlink Scholarship. Peters is in her sophomore year at YSU where she majors in exercise science and plays for the Penguins women’s basketball team. Last year, she played in 32 games, scoring 164 points and earning 79 rebounds.

The Simerlink Scholarship will alternate annually between a member of the YSU women’s basketball team and either a kicker, punter or long snapper with the YSU Penguins football team. To be eligible, the student athlete must be from Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana County and be studying for a degree in respiratory therapy. The scholarship is renewable with the ability to maintain eligibility requirements and standards.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.