By Nicarlyle Hanchard / The Jambar
$100,000 was donated to the Kilcawley: Centered on the Future Campaign by the Sweeney Blackann Family on March 13.
Alexa Sweeney Blackann and husband Josh Blackann, are both graduates of Youngstown State University. Sweeney Blackann is the interim CEO of Lake to River and former president of Sweeney Chevrolet and Sweeney Buick GMC in Youngstown.
In honor of the family’s contribution to the project, the West Spring Street entrance to Kilcawley Center will be renamed the “Sweeney Blackann Family Entrance.”
President of the Kilcawley Campaign, Scott Schulick, said he is grateful for the gift and believes the renaming of the entrance will underscore the family’s support for YSU.
“[Sweeney Blackann’s] leadership as a member of the Kilcawley Center Campaign cabinet and her family’s dedication to both the YSU community and the Mahoning Valley will leave a lasting impact,” Schulick said.
Sweeney Blackann is currently a board member for the YSU Foundation. His father and grandfather were also previous board trustees.
President Bill Johnson said the Blackanns’ donation will go towards creating an innovative and modern space for students.
“This contribution will help sustain Kilcawley Center as a hub of innovation and collaboration, ensuring it remains a vibrant space for future generations of students to learn, grow and connect,” Johnson said. “The naming of the Sweeney Blackann Family Entrance is a well-deserved recognition of their dedication to and her lasting impact on the YSU community.”
Renovations for the new Kilcawley Center are set to begin in May of this year.
