The origins of the YSU Foundation date back to the fall of 1966. Dr. Howard Jones, who had served as president of Youngstown College and Youngstown University for 35 years, had just set into motion the transformation of the private Youngstown University to the public Youngstown State University. Seeking to protect the University’s private endowment, Dr. Jones established a separate, independent organization, “The Youngstown Educational Foundation.” In 1983, the Foundation’s name was changed to “The Youngstown State University Foundation,” all the while maintaining its autonomy and independence from the University. The YSU Foundation is classified as a 501 (c) (3) public charity. Gifts and bequests to the Foundation are tax deductible.