Bessie Veck, upon her passing in January 2024, left YSU an estate gift of $2.3 million to establish a scholarship in her memory to support the students of Youngstown State University. The endowment will be held and managed by the YSU Foundation. The Bessie K. Veck Scholarship will provide over $80,000 annually and support numerous students. Recipients of the Bessie Veck Scholarship can be an undergraduate or graduate student who is enrolled part-time or full-time with a minimum 2.5 GPA. In honor of Bessie’s long-standing career as a teacher, at least one recipient annually will be a student pursuing a career as a professional educator.
“This generous estate gift is a testament to Bessie’s enduring commitment to education and the students at Youngstown State University. Her legacy will continue to impact future generations, ensuring that they have the support they need to pursue their dreams. We are extremely grateful for her dedication to our community,” said Bill Johnson, YSU President.
Bessie Veck was born October 6, 1927, in Youngstown, Ohio. In her early years, she attended Taft School and later graduated from Youngstown College in 1950. Bessie finished her education at Columbia University in New York City with a master’s degree. Her professional career led her to teach for thirty years at Bennett Elementary School in Youngstown.
Bessie is one of many donors who have left estate gifts to benefit YSU. Planned giving is the process of a donor making arrangements for a charitable gift to be made after death through their estate plans. These plans can be included in a will, trust, or on account beneficiary forms with the YSU Foundation as the beneficiary. It instills a legacy beyond their years, allowing for a greater impact on the lives of future generations of YSU students.
The Youngstown State University Foundation is an independent, autonomous, private, nonprofit corporation that pursues, manages, and distributes resources to support scholarships and student initiatives, as well as the growth and development of Youngstown State University.