YSU recreation center gets funds from alumnus
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown State University alumnus Bob O'Leary and his wife, Marilyn, have donated $100,000 to the campaign to build a $12 million student recreation center on campus.
O'Leary, who graduated in 1959 when YSU was known as Youngstown College, took over the Miller Co. from his grandfather in 1954. The company produces about 20 regionally distributed products, including Millers Horseradish, along with cocktail sauce, dressings and cornmeal mush. He ran the company, which was located on Glenwood Avenue and later on Velma Court, until he sold it about eight or nine years ago.
The campaign to raise funds for the center has surpassed the $9 million mark. The 65,000-square-foot facility will be the first campus building constructed entirely with private funds since Ward Beecher Science Hall in 1967.
A walkway in the new center that overlooks the first floor will be named the O'Leary Fitness Bridge in recognition of the O'Learys' gift.
O'Leary and his wife are lifelong Youngstown residents. The couple have four children, including two sons who attended YSU.