YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown Foundation announced a $5 million gift to YSU’s Kilcawley: Centered on the Future Campaign.
“This exceptional gift from The Youngstown Foundation highlights the incredible partnership between YSU and the community,” YSU President Bill Johnson said. “The foundation’s unwavering commitment to our students and to the future of this university is a testament to the remarkable progress we’ve made at YSU. The Youngstown Foundation is not only leaving a lasting legacy on our campus but also demonstrating the transformative power of philanthropy. With this generous contribution, we are ensuring that Kilcawley Center remains a cutting-edge space that will continue to inspire and empower our students for years to come.”
The Youngstown Foundation has long been a supporter of YSU. Previous donations have supported scholarship programs, the Williamson College of Business Administration building, WYSU and other campus initiatives. This latest $5 million contribution ensures that The Youngstown Foundation will join YSU’s Penguin Pinnacle, which is the highest recognition for its giving societies.
“The Youngstown Foundation has a strong legacy of supporting transformational projects in our community,” said Youngstown Foundation President Lynnette Forde. “We believe that the revitalized Kilcawley Center will address a basic need that every student and visitor to the campus has a welcoming and easily accessible place to think, share, plan and dream. The Youngstown Foundation is excited to support this important investment in the Kilcawley Center project.”
The Kilcawley Center renovation will provide expanded and modernized space, offering students an environment to engage with one another, enhance their academic and extracurricular experiences and build lasting connections with the campus community.
“As campaign chair, I express deep gratitude to The Youngstown Foundation, its distribution committee and its president, Lynnette Forde, for this historic $5 million gift,” said Scott Schulick, chairman of the Kilcawley: Centered on the Future Campaign. “This gift is made at a critical time in our campaign and is a challenge to our community, alumni and friends to continue this major effort to raise the needed funds to complete this project.”
Schulick called it a reflection of The Youngstown Foundation’s commitment to its mission to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Youngstown and the greater Mahoning Valley.
“We will be forever grateful for this gift, as it affirms the Kilcawley family legacy on the YSU campus,” he said. “The Youngstown Foundation’s vision and dedication will leave a lasting legacy for both YSU and the broader Youngstown community.”