Plaza named in honor of YSU alumni

The $12.1 million center was built with contributions, not university funds.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The front plaza of the new Andrews Recreation and Wellness Center at Youngstown State University will be designated as Alumni Plaza at a ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday.
The naming is in recognition of the YSU Alumni Society's $100,000 gift to the $12.1 million fund-raising effort for the recreation center, which opened to students Sept. 26.
"It is most appropriate that the entrance to this beautiful facility -- a facility that was constructed at the request of students -- carry the name of the Alumni Society," said Bruce Sherman of Boardman, YSU graduate and Alumni Society president.
"This center will greatly benefit students who will one day be alumni themselves."
The Alumni Society represents nearly 80,000 YSU graduates.
YSU launched the $12.1 million recreation center fund-raising campaign in January 2002. Nearly 650 individuals, including graduates, faculty, staff and other YSU supporters, made donations to the campaign. The project was completed with private money.
Major contributors
Several YSU alumni made major contributions, including the Bresnahan family, Anthony Cafaro, Don Constantini, Lee and Diana Hively, F.W. and Connie Knecht, Ronald M. and Karen A. Krisher, Anthony and Mary Lariccia, Robert and Marilyn O'Leary, Anthony and Lenora Petrarca, Carmen Policy, the James and Arlene Staaf Trust, Helen Stambaugh, Jim and Ellen Tressel, Frank and Norma Watson and Anthony Payiavlas.
"Our alumni were the impetus of the success of this campaign all along," YSU President David C. Sweet said. "This generous gift from the Alumni Society strongly demonstrates they want to give back to the institution that means so much to them."