YMCA and YSU linked in history

YMCA and YSU linked in history

YOUNGSTOWN — Al Leonhart firmly believes that, if it weren’t for the YMCA, there might not by a YSU.

Leafing through a stack of old newspaper clippings and historical documents, he pointed out that Youngstown State University got its start from educational programs launched by the YMCA.

Leonhart is the assistant building superintendent and unofficial historian for the Youngstown YMCA.

YSU is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2008 and traces its history to a YMCA program that began offering law degree classes in Youngstown in 1908. Those were the first college-level courses offered by the YMCA.

“If not for the Y, there might not be a YSU,” Leonhart said.

The Youngstown YMCA is proud of its historic early role in the development of college education here, Leonhart said, noting that its educational offerings go back at least another 20 years beyond 1908.

For the complete story, see Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.