[Pictured in photo from left to right: YSU President Bill Johnson, Natalie Lariccia, Dana Lariccia, Dr. Yiyang Zhang, Dean Kelly Wilkinson, and Provost Jennifer Pintar]
Dr. Yiyang Zhang, an associate professor in the Lariccia School of Accounting and Finance at YSU’s Williamson College of Business Administration, was designated the Lariccia Family Endowed Professorship on Saturday, March 2, at a bestowal ceremony in Williamson Hall.
The endowed professorship is an academic teaching, research/scholarship, and professional service position. Endowed professors in the Williamson College of Business Administration are awarded in recognition of a faculty member’s past contributions and future potential to make significant contributions to the department/school, college, and university. The Lariccia Family Endowed Professorships will allow the WCBA to provide prestigious recognition to outstanding business faculty who have shown a track record of excellence.
“The generous gift from the Lariccia Family allows the WCBA to showcase faculty who excel in their work as a professor. Dr. Zhang’s research in accounting as well as his teaching and service makes him the ideal candidate for the Lariccia Family Endowed Professorship,” said Kelly Wilkinson, WCBA’s Dean.
Mr. Anthony J. Lariccia graduated from Youngstown State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Williamson College of Business. Mr. Lariccia’s career in the brokerage industry spanned over 40 years, including serving as vice president for Merrill Lynch & Co.
The Lariccia family – Tony, Mary, Natalie, and Dana, are proud supporters of Youngstown State University and the Mahoning Valley region. They believe that the University plays a vital role in the continued resurgence of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.
“On behalf of our family, we would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Dr. Zhang. We look forward to him extending his time and talent and are excited for him to share his knowledge with the impressive students at The Lariccia School of Accounting at YSU’s Williamson College of Business,” said Natalie and Dana Lariccia.
“I am honored to be a part of the bestowment of the Lariccia Family Endowed Professorship on Dr. Yiyang Zhang,” said Bill Johnson, president of Youngstown State University. “His contributions within his field and WCBA underscore his dedication and merit of this recognition.”
Dr. Zhang specialized in accounting information systems, financial accounting, finance, and auditing topics. He has been a professor in the accounting department at WCBA since 2018.
“I am deeply honored and incredibly grateful to accept the Lariccia Family Endowed Professorship. The generosity and foresight of the Lariccia Family strengthen my commitment to pushing the boundaries of research, fostering collaboration, and making meaningful contributions to accounting academia, YSU, and the community,” said Dr. Zhang.