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Jaworski to alumni: YSU’s growth is amazing
YOUNGSTOWN
Ron Jaworski is known today as an analyst for ESPN, and he had a long career in the NFL as well.
Before the former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback was famous for those accomplishments, however, he touched down right here at Youngstown State University to play football, and graduated from the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services.
He came back this week to give the keynote speech at the College’s sixth annual Alumni Recognition Dinner in the Chestnut Room at Kilcawley Center Friday evening.
He and seven other distinguished alumni received awards at the event.
“On behalf of the university, we would like to thank the leadership of this college,” said YSU President Jim Tressel as he was introducing Jaworski. “The work of the alumni is extraordinary.”
“It’s exciting for me to hear Ron, because when I was just a little guy about 4 or 5 years old, I used to watch him play,” Tressel said, a quip that prompted much chuckling.
He went on to say that Jaworski spent 17 years as an NFL player when the average career length is three years.
“He is at the very top of his field in the sports broadcast field,” Tressel continued. “His effort to become great has made him great.”
“I truly am humbled and honored to be here,” Jaworski said. “To be back has been eye-opening. I never thought that I’d receive an academic award,” he joked.
He went on to explain that he was amazed by all of the growth that’s taken place since he was last on campus.
“The transition has been remarkable,” he said. “And this night is about you and the great job you are doing for Youngstown and all around the country.”
“I gotta tell you how people see Youngstown,” he said. “The evolution over the last couple of years. Getting [Tressel] here caused tremendous buzz.”
“There was a buzz around America, then we get a great head coach in Bo Pelini,” he continued.
The trifecta for me today was students and faculty,” he said. “It was great to walk this campus, see the students, talk to the instructors. Man, there is a tremendous buzz in this region, this community.”
“Youngstown is becoming a hub right now,” he said.
“I see the people in this room and what you’re about,” he said. “You want to help people get better, to get their education.”
“But when you can pass on that baton to young people, that’s what it’s about, he continued. “I get emotional when I see what you’re doing to help these young people.”
Jaworski’s degree was in human performance and exercise science. Other Human Services Alumni Award Recipients are:
Pat Billett, military science: District administrator for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Twinsburg office; master sergeant in Army Reserve, assigned to YSU’s Army ROTC program; serves on Eastgate Metropolitan Planning Organization Technical Advisory Committee in Youngstown; founding member of the Environmental Planning Advisory Committee in 2005.
Markus Douglas, social work: Employed with the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center as a social worker; works in the Veteran’s Addiction Rehabilitation Center; also employed with Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic and Humility of Mary Hospital as a social worker.
Lt. Anne Ralston, criminal justice and forensic sciences: Serves as assistant district commander, Cambridge District of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Christine Snipes, physical therapy: Staff physical therapist at Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital in Howland; works at the hospital’s Stroke Center of Excellence; coordinates an annual community health fair that screens and educates participants regarding risks of stroke; teaches a community fitness class; is 2015 chairwoman of the Ambassadors to End Stroke, a committee organized by the American Heart Association; chairwoman of the Heart Association fund-raising committee at Hillside.
Donald Terpak, health professions: Director of respiratory, renal and transplant services for St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital since 2004; oversaw a new 128-bed community hospital’s respiratory and acute dialysis services planning and opening.
Wendy Thomas, nursing: Clinical nurse specialist for YSU’s Student Health Clinic; per diem nurse at Mahoning Valley Birth Center; co-owns with her husband Thomas Training Consultants, which offers training to local childcare and health care professionals in CPR, first aid and child abuse prevention.
Jim White, human ecology: Registered dietitian, nutritionist; spokesman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; health fitness specialist and spokesman for the American College of Sports Medicine; owner of a chain called Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios.
Two alumni received dean’s appreciations awards:
Madeline Haggerty, health professions: developed dental hygiene program for YSU that was accredited by the American Dental Association.
Leonard Perry, health professions: Administrator emeritus of the department of environmental and occupational health and safety at YSU.