YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Dr. Erdal Sarac, a nephrologist and full professor at Northeast Ohio Medical School, has established a scholarship at the Youngstown State University Foundation to create pathways for Turkish high school students to pursue their higher education in the United States.
Preference will be given to graduates of Darüşşafaka Schools. Sarac’s wife, Dr. Sergul Erzurum, a YSU trustee, joins him in the initiative.
The scholarship represents Sarac’s journey from orphaned child to physician and educator – a transformation made possible by the educational opportunities he now seeks to extend to the next generation.
“The ability to pursue an education in the United States is a coveted privilege for students from all over the world,” YSU President Bill Johnson said. “Here at YSU, we place significant importance on our international programs that educate students across a wide spectrum of disciplines. This scholarship, established by Dr. Sarac, recognizes the potential to change the lives of prospective students, and we welcome the opportunity to see them choose Youngstown State University as their institution of choice to pursue their dreams of helping others, both at home and abroad. We are extremely grateful to Dr. Sarac for his generosity, and we look forward to working with the Youngstown State University Foundation to ensure these scholarships are put to good use.”
Sarac’s path began at Darüşşafaka Schools, Turkey’s institution that has provided full-scholarship boarding education to orphaned and disadvantaged children since 1873. As a Darüşşafaka graduate, he experienced firsthand how education can transform a life marked by loss into one of purpose and achievement.
After coming to America, Sarac built a career combining his roles as a practicing nephrologist and full professor at NEOMED with adjunct teaching and research involvement at institutions like YSU.
“My high school gave me the gift of education with no strings attached – just faith in my potential,” he said. “That generosity changed the trajectory of my life. This scholarship is my way of opening doors for others as they were opened for me. I believe educational exchange builds understanding and tolerance between our cultures, strengthening the bonds of friendship between Turkey and the United States – one student, one family, one community at a time.”
Erzurum also is a first-generation American. She graduated summa cum laude from YSU in 1984 before becoming an ophthalmologist and full professor at NEOMED. She founded the nonprofit Sight for All United, which extends access to medical care.
Before becoming a YSU trustee, Erzurum served on the YSU Foundation Board of Trustees from 2020 to 2022.