YSU Foundation trustee’s gift brings student investment fund to more than $868,000

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

YSU Foundation Trustee Alan Cope, a 1963 business graduate of Youngstown University, has donated 433 shares of John Deere stock to YSU’s Williamson College of Business Administration Student Investment Fund.

Cope’s gift brings the student investment fund to $868,324.

The stock will become part of the portfolio, and dividends will be reinvested. Cope, of Salem, is president of Cope Farm Equipment. He bought six shares of John Deere stock in 1968 for $300.

Through many splits and dividend reinvestments it has grown to 433 shares and a market value of more than $40,000.

“This was a great experience that shows students the need to invest, even a little,” Cope said.

A copy of the certificate reflecting the purchase of the original six shares is displayed in Williamson Hall.

“We are very grateful for Alan’s gift to the Student Investment Fund,” said Betty Jo Licata, dean of YSU’s Williamson College of Business Administration. “Mr. Cope has long been an advocate of, ‘always invest, even a little.’ His gift of John Deere stock demonstrates how a small investment can pay off. He is a longtime supporter of the college, university and YSU Foundation and his gift demonstrates the importance of giving back in ways that support the professional success of our students.”

The Williamson College of Business Administration Student Investment Fund is an active, student-managed organization that began in 2008 with funds provided by the YSU Foundation.