Chase aims to create change in city with gift to YSU

By Harold Gwin

Homeownership, science education and the arts are targeted by the gift.

YOUNGSTOWN — Chase has made a gift of $75,000 to Youngstown State University in an effort to create “meaningful, positive change in the city.”

The financial institution presented a check in that amount to YSU officials Monday as part of the university’s Centennial Capital Campaign.

Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking brand of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Theodore F. Walter, president of Chase’s Youngstown market, said the money is earmarked for three specific programs, which allows Chase to measure the results of its gift, especially when institutions frequently come back seeking additional funding, he said.

“Youngstown State University has developed programs that address Chase’s philanthropic interests in community development, education, and arts and culture,” Walter said, adding the gift is designed “to create meaningful, positive change” in the city.

The grant is divided into $30,000 for the “Buy Into Youngstown” program; $30,000 for the All-Sciences, Hands-On field trips for Youngstown school children; and $15,000 for YSU’s Students Motivated by the Arts (SMARTS) program.

“Chase is committed to making a positive difference in the community,” Walter said, adding it is hoped the gift will help inspire young people and make Youngstown a better place to live.

The Buy Into Youngstown program seeks to spur homeownership in the city and is coordinated by YSU’s Center for Urban and Regional Studies.

Janine Martindale, the program’s director, said the Chase gift will enable the program to add a home repair assistance program for new homeowners.

The science field trips are a partnership between the Center for Urban and Regional Studies and the Youngstown city schools and focuses on physical science, earth and space science, and life science for fifth- and eighth-graders, providing field trips to Mill Creek Park that emphasize hands-on activities.

SMARTS is an arts education program operated under YSU’s College of Fine and Performing Arts and the Beeghly College of Education. The Chase gift will help develop and expand its programing, including music, dance, theater, visual arts and creative writing.

The Chase gift also will help the university better serve the residents and children in the Youngstown community, said Dr. David C. Sweet, YSU president.

YSU’s Centennial Capital Campaign had a goal of $43 million but has already reached the $45.6 million mark with nearly a year left in the fund drive.

“We may hit $50 million. The support of the community has been overwhelming,” said Tony Lariccia, campaign chairman.

gwin@vindy.com