YSU Gifts from alumni help Sweet top scholarship goal

YOUNGSTOWN -- A boost in giving by a handful of Youngstown State University alumni has helped President David C. Sweet surpass a goal to raise an additional $1 million in student scholarship funds to help offset rising tuition.
As of June 1, the scholarship challenge totaled $1.3 million, and YSU has awarded $21,000 in scholarships for use this summer term, Sweet reported.
Sweet announced the $1 million goal in December as tuition went up, in part because of state budget cuts. Although the goal was met, the effort to increase need-based scholarships for students will continue, he said.
The latest gifts come from alumni, including $100,000 from Jocelyne Kollay Linsalata of Gates Mills, Ohio; more than $80,000 from the estate of John Moteff of Cincinnati; $65,000 in total donations from Alan W. Cope of Salem, Ned Mervos of West Mifflin, Pa., and an anonymous married couple; and $20,000 from former state Sen. Harry Meshel. Numerous other alumni also contributed. The YSU Foundation has contributed $524,000.
Paul McFadden, YSU's director of development, said some of the funds will be used immediately to award scholarship to students in need. Some are designated for specific types of scholarships, for students from specific areas or in specific majors.
Individuals wishing to contribute can call (330) 941-3119 or (330) 941-3211 or visit www.ysu.edu.