New veterans resource center opens at YSU

YOUNGSTOWN

A five-year endeavor became a reality Friday when Youngstown State University dedicated its Veterans Resource Center, the first such facility at an Ohio university.

The 6,000-square-foot center, next to the Pollock House on Wick Avenue, is dedicated for the use of YSU military and student veterans.

Members of the 122nd Army Band of the Ohio Army National Guard provided music for Friday’s ceremony which also included the Color Guard from the Youngstown Air Reserve Station.

Carl Nunziato, one of the three co-chairmen who spearheaded the campaign to build the center, said the effort began five years and several YSU presidents ago.

“It was a mission not a project,” he said.

The center is being funded through private donations and the campaign is ongoing.

“We’re not done yet, but I’m not worried,” Nunziato said. “We’ve raised $1 million so far and we have a couple hundred thousand to go.”

The committee hopes to raise enough to fund scholarships for veterans, too.

The campaign has raised $1.02 million toward its $1.3 million goal. The largest contribution is $200,000 from the James and Coralie Centofanti Charitable Foundation, and three other donors have given at least $100,000.

Bernie Kosar Sr., one of the other campaign co-chairmen, said none of the donors was asked for money.

Read more on the new center and the ongoing fundraising in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.