YSU Honors College Scholarship Recognizes Graduate

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A new scholarship for Honors College students at Youngstown State University will honor one of their own.

The Joshua J. Bodnar Scholarship will be awarded annually to a sophomore honors student, with preference given to graduates of Western Reserve High School or Boy Scouts. Bodnar graduated from the school and holds the rank of Eagle Scout while continuing to participate in scouting.

“My experiences at YSU and the Honors College set in motion my future career trajectory,” Bodnar said in a statement. “I am truly thankful and humbled by this endowment and to be a part of the Honors College family.”

The gift to establish the scholarship was made by students, faculty and staff who wanted to honor Bodnar’s work with the Honors College, both during his time in school and after graduation. As an undergraduate studying middle childhood education, he worked in the University Scholars and Honors Programs office for three years. After earning his master’s at Ohio University, he worked for that school in several positions before returning to YSU as coordinator of student development and retention for the Honors College.

“Throughout Joshua’s time as a student and staff member, he always was dedicated to the honors students and Youngstown State University,” said Amy Cossentino, dean of the honors college. “Josh’s work ethic was second-to-none, going above and beyond for streamlining processes for students and faculty. We are thrilled by the efforts of our students to create an endowed scholarship in his name so that future honors students can benefit.” 

Pictured: Among the YSU Honors College students involved in raising funds for the new Bodnar Scholarship are David Gessler, Kiley Kinsey, Lauren Rager and Zachary Howard. 

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.