The James B. Greene Scholarship was established in 2016 in memory of Youngstown State University Trustee James B. Greene. James graduated from Linsly Military Academy in Wheeling, WV and from Bethany College with bachelor’s degrees in history and economics. He began his career with Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel from 1963 until 1972. Upon leaving that position, he was employed at Compco Industries as Chief Commercial Officer until his retirement in 2009. Active as a community and civic leader, James served on the Board of Trustees as Youngstown State University and the Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic. His scholarship is to be awarded to a student enrolled in the Williamson College of Business Administration.

The Art Canning Memorial Scholarship was established in 2011 by Art’s parents Fred and Diane Canning. Art grew up in Youngstown, Ohio where he was involved in many activities ranging from athletics to the Youngstown Connection singing group. Art took pride in everything he did and it showed through his relentless hard work and practice. He went away to college, choosing the University of Pennsylvania and eventually earned a job at Goldman Sachs in New York City. Art was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin’s disease during the second semester of his senior year. Sadly, Art passed away on February 24th, 2004, but his relentless and passionate spirit lives on through his scholarship. It is awarded to students pursuing their Masters of Social Work in honor of the social workers who helped Art throughout his journey.

The Officer Justin A. Leo ‘324’ Memorial Scholarship in Education was established in 2018 by David and Patricia Leo, along with family and friends of Girard Police Officer, Justin A. Leo. Justin was a 2017 graduate of Youngstown State University and a 2009 graduate of the YSU Police Academy. He was a member of the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department, the Vienna Police Department and the city of Girard Police Department. This scholarship will serve as a lasting legacy to honor Justin’s dedication to duty and his selfless nature in serving others. It is awarded to a student enrolled in the Beeghly College of Education.

The John & Nancy Cossentino Memorial Honors Scholarship was established by John and Nancy’s family as a memorial to them, the value they placed on education, their tireless efforts to empower others, and their practice of giving back in time, talent, and treasure. Upon John and Nancy’s first meeting, John asked Nancy to marry him. They married one week later; a marriage that lasted thirty years until John’s passing in 1996. Following John’s passing, Nancy continued working and enjoying time with her grandchildren, until her passing in 2017. Their scholarship will benefit a full-time student enrolled in the Honors College.

The Zwick Family Difference Maker Scholarship was established in 2017 by former YSU student athletes, Dr. and Mrs. Jared and Tamara (Rudy) Zwick. Tamara was a standout volleyball athlete at Youngstown State, while Jared excelled on the football field for the Penguins. Their scholarship personifies the same dedication and desire that Tamara and Jared displayed during their careers at YSU. This scholarship is awarded to a student-athlete on either the YSU women’s volleyball team or YSU football team.

The Clara J. Ross Memorial Scholarship in Education was established by Clara’s loving daughters, Linda and Sandra as well as her extended family and friends. The scholarship is a perfect reflection of her love of children and her love of learning. Clara received her B.S. in Education in 1963 from Youngstown University. She attended college as a non-traditional student. Her scholarship will benefit a student who returns to college after having been out of high school for at least seven years and plans on majoring in education.

The Krok Family Memorial Scholarship was established in 2017 by Bob and Peggy Krok to memorialize the hard work and character of their beloved daughter Stacey. Bob graduated from Youngstown State University in 1968 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. The excellent education and experience provided by YSU not only allowed Bob a successful industrial career but also the means to raise 3 wonderful and talented daughters. Bob and Peggy’s daughter Stacey received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University and later her M.B.A. from University of California Berkeley. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide the recipient with the opportunity and means to succeed in life just as Stacey did. It will be awarded annually to a female student in the STEM program.

The Richard and Mary Price Scholarship in Accounting was established in 2017 by Richard and Mary Price. Richard graduated from Youngstown University in 1959 with a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering. Mary graduated from Youngstown University in 1961 with a B.S. in Accounting. They are grateful for the opportunity that YSU (then Youngstown University) provided them and want others to have that same opportunity. Their scholarship will be awarded annually to a student majoring in Accounting in the Williamson College of Business Administration.

The Andrea Wood Business Journal Scholarship was established in 2016 by the Youngstown Business Journal. The Business Journal established this scholarship for undergraduates to learn the foundation of writing about current events and the arts. Their scholarship is awarded to a student in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences who is majoring or minoring in journalism.

The David and Cynthia Yakubovic Memorial Scholarship was established in 2018. David and Cynthia truly exemplified what hard work, discipline and determination can achieve. David earned his accounting degree from YSU over a ten-year period while working at Fitzsimmons Steel. Cynthia, his wife of 53 years, attended YSU, worked at Macy’s, and tended to their family of four daughters. David and Cynthia were two of the original season ticket holders at Stambaugh Stadium after attending Penguins games at Fitch and Rayen for years. Their scholarship is awarded to a student athlete on the YSU Football Team.

The Dr. Dominic A. and Helen M. Bitonte Scholarship was established in 1998 by Dr. Dominic A. and Helen M. Bitonte. It represents Dominic and Helen’s spirit in helping others in need. They were incredibly passionate with continuing the University’s on-going commitment to excellence. Their scholarship is awarded annually to a student pursuing a degree within the Bitonte College of Health & Human Services.

The Malandro – Woodward STEM Entrepreneurial Scholarship was established in 2019 by Marc and Jennifer Malandro. Jennifer (Woodward) Malandro earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences in 1991 and was a member of the YSU Women’s Basketball Team. Marc earned both a B.S. in Biological Sciences in 1989 and a M.S. in Biological Sciences in 1991. He later went on to earn a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Both Marc and Jennifer believe that STEM fields are not only paths toward rewarding careers but also to provide students with the necessary skills to be successful in an international competitive environment. As Marc and Jennifer met at YSU and have used the education received there to forward their careers, they have a desire to give back to their beloved alma mater. Their scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in the STEM College pursuing an entrepreneurial or business minor.

The Angelo R. Cesta Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 by Dr. Anita & Mr. David Hackstedde in memory of Dr. Hackstedde’s brother, Angelo R. Cesta. Angelo was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis before his first birthday. He refused to let his diagnosis limit his pursuits. His zest for life and desire to help others overcome their health challenges led to his interest in a healthcare-related field. Angelo’s illness caused frequent hospitalizations during his college years, but he refused to let that deter him as he became part of YSU’s inaugural physical therapy graduating class of 1998. Angelo passed away from complications of CF on January 6, 2000. This scholarship is awarded to physical therapy students to honor Angelo’s memory and ensure that they have the opportunity to pursue their passion like Angelo did.

The Ryan Mirkin Memorial Scholarship in Gerontology was established in 2010 in memory of Ryan Lee Mirkin, a Youngstown resident, 2005 Liberty High School graduate, and 2009 Ohio University graduate in healthcare administration and long-term care. Ryan’s respect and interest in the elderly led him to volunteer with seniors and dedicate his collegiate studies to gerontology. During his college career, he interned at Heritage Manor Retirement Community. His scholarship will benefit a student majoring in Gerontology who shares his dedication to improving the lives of the elderly.

The family of Lambert Peterson Jr. established the Lambert Peterson Jr. Scholarship in 2017 to honor the hard work, dedication and sacrifice their father made while raising his family. Lambert led by example, working in the construction business and serving as a role model to not only his family, but so many in the Warren community. His scholarship is awarded annually to recognize, celebrate and applaud the efforts of a walk-on YSU football player.