YSU International student scholarship

honors immigrant physician’s journey

Dr. Erdal Sarac, a nephrologist and full professor at Northeast Ohio Medical School, has established a scholarship at the YSU Foundation to create pathways for talented Turkish high school students, with preference given to graduates of Darüşşafaka Schools, to pursue their higher education dreams in the United States. His wife, Dr. Sergul Erzurum, a YSU trustee, joins him in supporting this initiative.

The scholarship represents Dr. Sarac’s journey from orphaned child to accomplished physician and educator—a transformation made possible by the same educational opportunities he now seeks to extend to the next generation.

“The ability to pursue an education in the United States is a coveted privilege for students from all over the world. Here at YSU, we place significant importance on our international programs that educate students across a wide spectrum of disciplines,” said Youngstown State University President, Bill Johnson. “This scholarship, established by Dr. Sarac, recognizes the potential to change the lives of prospective students, and we welcome the opportunity to see them choose Youngstown State University as their institution of choice to pursue their dreams of helping others, both at home and abroad. We are extremely grateful to Dr. Sarac for his generosity, and we look forward to working with the Youngstown State University Foundation to ensure these scholarships are put to good use.”

Dr. Sarac’s path began at Darüşşafaka Schools, Türkiye’s pioneering institution that has provided full-scholarship boarding education to orphaned and disadvantaged children since 1873. As a Darüşşafaka graduate, he experienced firsthand how education can transform a life marked by loss into one of purpose and achievement. After coming to America, Dr. Sarac built a distinguished career combining his roles as a practicing nephrologist and full professor at Northeast Ohio Medical School with adjunct teaching and research involvement at institutions like Youngstown State University, contributing to both patient care and medical education in the region. His journey over the past 35 years of service embodies the power of educational opportunity crossing borders.

“My high school gave me the gift of education with no strings attached—just faith in my potential. That generosity changed the trajectory of my life,” says Dr. Sarac. “This scholarship is my way of opening doors for others as they were opened for me. I believe educational exchange builds understanding and tolerance between our cultures, strengthening the bonds of friendship between Türkiye and the United States—one student, one family, one community at a time.”

Dr. Sarac’s commitment to education is shared by his wife, Dr. Erzurum, whose story reflects the first-generation American experience. She graduated summa cum laude from Youngstown State University in 1984 before becoming an ophthalmologist and full professor at Northeast Ohio Medical University. She has dedicated her career to expanding access to medical care by founding the nonprofit, Sight for All United. Her appointment to the YSU Board of Trustees deepens her commitment to the institution that launched her career. Prior to joining the YSU Board of Trustees, Dr. Erzurum served on the YSU Foundation Board of Trustees from 2020 to 2022.