Zoldan Family Announces the Reinstatement
and Re-Direction to the Dana School of Music
of the balance of its $5 Million Pledge to YSU

Bruce J. Zoldan, in collaboration with Youngstown State University Foundation, announced today the reinstatement and redirection of the balance of the March, 2023, $5 Million pledge made by the Zoldan Family to YSU. The balance of $4.35 million plus an additional $625,000 for a total of $5,000,000 will now be directed to the Dana School of Music. The original payment of $625,000 on the March, 2023 pledge went to the Student Center. This brings the total gift of the Zoldan Family to $5,625,000.

This significant initial philanthropic endorsement from the Zoldan family will kick off a $15 million fundraising campaign to build endowment funds for the long-term sustainability of the Dana School of Music.

“My family was dismayed to learn of the significant program cuts imposed on the Dana School, and despite our differences with the Board and Administration of YSU, we felt the importance of the Dana School to the community and surrounding areas took precedence. We hope this will make a meaningful difference to the Dana School, the University and the community,” said Mr. Zoldan.

The Dana School of Music was founded in 1869 in Warren, Ohio by William Henry Dana. It is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The impact of the Dana School on regional music programs is felt across Northeast Ohio. In fact, the vast majority of K-12 music educators in the area are Dana School graduates.

“The impact of the Dana School of Music has had and will continue to have on our region and beyond is significant, and we are committed to preserving that for current and future generations,” stated YSU President Bill Johnson. “This campaign is specifically designed to provide funding for our various programs within the Dana School of Music. We are grateful to the Zoldan Family for their continued generosity, and we are really excited about kicking this campaign off!”

The Zoldans are long-time supporters of YSU, including a $1 million gift in 2020 for student scholarships and to establish a new mentorship program, in honor of their parents, Sam and Sylvia Zoldan, and their uncle, Abe Yampolsky.

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“The community and alumni support has been strong and inspiring,” said Joseph Carucci, Director of the Dana School of Music. “It has underscored the need for the arts and arts education in our region and beyond and reflects the deep dedication and love for those who have been touched by the Dana School of Music. We are all very grateful for this support.”

In addition to the goal of attracting $15 million in immediate pledges, a secondary goal of $5 million in signed planned gifts in benefactors’ estate plans has also been established to sustain and increase endowment support for the Dana School in years to come.