YSU alumnus to receive citizen of the year award
YOUNGSTOWN -- Frank C. Watson, a Youngstown State University graduate and former YSU trustee, will receive YSU's 2003 Distinguished Citizen of the Year award at a dinner at 6 p.m. July 10 at Mr. Anthony's in Boardman.
A Webster, N.Y., native, Watson enrolled at Youngstown University after serving in the Navy during World War II. He graduated with an engineering degree in 1949 and immediately went to work for his uncle at the Youngstown Welding and Engineering Co. He became president of the company in 1959 and served in that role until his retirement in 1988.
Watson is a past director of the Dollar Savings and Trust, Ohio Bancorp and Ohio Edison Co.; a trustee of the Youngstown Hospital Association; a member of the Canfield Board of Education; and a past president of the Youngstown Area Chamber of Commerce.
Watson was chairman of the campaign for YSU's All-Sports Complex, which helped raise $16 million for the construction of Stambaugh Stadium. He also is an original member of the YSU Foundation board, on which he continues to serve. Watson and his wife, Norma, have also contributed to the Scholarship Loge program at YSU. The Watson Sports Media Center in Stambaugh Stadium is named after them.
The Distinguished Citizen award is given annually to an area leader who has rendered exceptional service to the community. It is considered the highest honor bestowed by YSU.