YSU commissions sculpture of 1st president

YOUNGSTOWN — Bruce Wolfe, an artist whose works have been exhibited from New York to Paris, has been selected to create a life-size bronze sculpture of Howard W. Jones, Youngstown State University’s first president.

The sculpture, which shows Jones walking down a flight of three steps, will be unveiled in spring 2008 as part of YSU’s centennial celebration.

“This project celebrates the history of Youngstown State and symbolizes the virtues of education,” said Greg Moring, YSU associate professor of art and chair of the 15-member sculpture selection committee.

The sculpture of Jones, president of Youngstown College and Youngstown University from 1931 to 1966, is being commissioned by Tony and Mary Lariccia of Boardman, and their daughters Natalie and Dana.

Tony Lariccia, a 1966 graduate of YSU, provided $100,000 for the project.