YSU Announces Speakers for Spring Commencement in May

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Ellen J. Tressel will speak at Youngstown State University’s spring commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. May 6 at Stambaugh Stadium on campus.

Elizabeth Brassell of Wickliffe, Ohio, will also address the nearly 1,600 graduates as the student speaker. Brassell, who has cerebral palsy and uses a motorized wheelchair for mobility, recently became first runner-up in the Ms. Wheelchair Ohio competition, which has given her new platforms to continue her advocacy.

Brassell is majoring in social work and has a passion for helping others. She plans to earn her master’s degree from YSU, with an emphasis on becoming an advocate for social change. She also enjoys writing and hopes to become a published author.

Tressel graduated from YSU with a degree in business education. She has been involved in economic activities and community causes throughout the region. Tressel’s first job was at the Youngstown Welding and Engineering Co., where she worked her way up to director of purchasing. She later worked for Jostens Printing and Publishing and Butler Wick and Co. She obtained several licenses in the securities business while managing marketing, sales, product promotion, OTC equities and new product introduction.

After retiring in 2001, Tressel has spent her time giving back to the community while serving on various boards and service organizations, including the James Cancer Hospital Foundation board, Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation board, the Home Savings and Loan board and COSI in Columbus.

Tressel is co-chairing the campaign for the Zoldan Family Student Center, along with her husband, former YSU President Jim Tressel, and remains a member of the Beatitude House board and the Mahoning Valley Historical Society board.

The ceremony will be livestreamed on YSU’s YouTube channel. More information is available HERE.

Pictured at top: Ellen Tressel, left, and Elizabeth Brassell.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.