Donor gives money for uniforms

YOUNGSTOWN -- Helen Stambaugh said she's always loved watching the Youngstown State University Marching Pride band perform, so when she learned the band needed help getting new uniforms, she didn't hesitate to offer assistance.
Stambaugh, a longtime supporter of YSU, has donated 150,000 to buy 200 new band uniforms. The uniforms will make their debut when the YSU Penguins venture to Ohio State University in Columbus on Sept. 1 to play their opening football game against the Buckeyes.
"There's no better place for us to unveil our new look than before more than 100,000 spectators at one of the nation's premier college football venues," said Mike Crist, director of YSU's Dana School of Music.
"The marching band is an important part of YSU's tradition, and it's important that we do all that we can to support them," Stambaugh said. "I also like to see students in the music field. It's an important part of their education.
Badly need uniforms
YSU last bought band uniforms in 1986 and was in desperate need of replacements, Crist said. The donation will also help buy some brass instruments for the band, including sousaphones, baritones and French horns, he said, adding that the last brass instruments were bought about 30 years ago.
The band has about 120 members, and Crist would like to see it grow to 200. The new uniforms will help attract members, he said.
Stambaugh, who was born in Campbell and now lives in Youngstown, and her late husband, Arnold D. Stambaugh, owner of Stambaugh Hardwood Lumber Co., have supported YSU for a long time.
They donated 150,000 to the university's campaign to build a new student recreation center, which opened in the fall of 2005, and YSU named a room in Kilcawley Center in their honor in recognition of their support.
YSU's football stadium bears the Stambaugh name, and Mrs. Stambaugh has endowed a football scholarship in her husband's name.
She is a 1944 graduate of what was then called Youngstown College, earning an associate degree in business.
She is a member of the YSU Penguin Club and received the Friend of the University award from YSU in 2004.
She worked for Stambaugh Hardwood after college and later served as executive director of two area retirement centers. She volunteers with the Senior Corps of Retired Executives and is treasurer of St. John Lutheran Church and is a member of various social and service organizations.