Tuesday, May 10, 2005
The former YSU professor was appointed to the university's board in 1997.
POLAND -- The chairman of the Youngstown State University Board of Trustees, who died over the weekend at his home, will be remembered for his high standards and love of the university, say those who knew him.
"[Larry E. Esterly] has set the highest standards for what it means to be an effective member and chair of the board of trustees," said YSU President David C. Sweet. "His leadership, knowledge and tireless support for this university, particularly for its students, faculty and staff, will be greatly missed." Esterly, 66, died Saturday.
Esterly joined the YSU faculty in the early 1960s in the political science department. He served as the Academic Senate chairman, was the pre-law adviser in the political science department, and recipient of the Walter E. and Caroline H. Watson Foundation Distinguished Professor Award.
"He was sort of a traditional academic," said William Binning, YSU political science department chairman who was a colleague of Esterly's for 22 years. "He had very high standards, and was very interested in his students."
Esterly retired from YSU in 1992 and was given the title of professor emeritus.
Service on board
Then-Gov. George V. Voinovich appointed Esterly in 1997 to a nine-year term on the YSU Board of Trustees.
Esterly was elected chairman of the board two years ago. His term as chairman was to expire at the end of this month.
Gov. Bob Taft will select someone to finish out the nearly 12 months left on Esterly's term as trustee. A time frame for naming a replacement hasn't been established by the governor's office.
Dr. H.S. Wang, the board's vice chairman, was elected in March by the board to succeed Esterly as chairman.
"Larry's dedication to the university was beyond compare," Wang said. "He loved YSU. He reveled in its success. His contributions will be felt across campus for years to come."
Esterly was born in New Waterford and received a bachelor's degree in political science in 1961 from YSU. He received a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University.
A private service is being held in New Waterford Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to YSU's Maag Library.