Pollocks give $500K to YSU’s fund drive

The gift brings YSU’s fund-raising drive to $42M, only $1M short of its goal.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — The William B. and Kathryn C. Pollock Foundation and the Pollock Company Foundation have pledged $500,000 to Youngstown State University’s Centennial Capital Campaign.

The gift has been designated for construction of the new $34 million Williamson College of Business Administration building.

The executive board room in the building will be named for the foundations to recognize the gift.

“Having the Pollock Foundations join YSU in the construction of our new business school building is just another example of their commitment to the professional and intellectual renaissance currently taking place in Youngstown,” said YSU President Dr. David C. Sweet.

The Pollock gift is part of YSU’s $43 million centennial campaign, the largest fund-raising drive in the university’s 100-year history. With the Pollock Foundations’ gift, the campaign total is $42 million, with nearly 18 months remaining in the drive.

“The trustees of the Pollock Foundations recognize Youngstown State University’s importance to the Mahoning Valley,” said Franklin S. Bennett Jr., co-trustee of the foundations. “The foundations’ trustees are pleased to continue the Pollock family’s legacy of support to this most important institution.”

In 1931, William B. Pollock II became president and chief executive of the Pollock Co., a major producer of iron and steel equipment started by his grandfather in 1863.

A native of Youngstown and a graduate of Yale University, Pollock was active in the region’s business and civic communities and served on the boards of several institutions, including Youngstown State University, the Youngstown Hospital Association, the Red Cross Mahoning Valley Chapter, the Community Chest and the Youngstown Chamber of Commerce. He died in 1990 at 84.

The Pollock Foundations are long-time supporters of YSU. In the past, the foundations have contributed to YSU’s Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center, McDonough Museum of Art, Mad About the Arts and the Beeghly College of Education.