By Nicarlyle Hanchard / The Jambar
Several donations were made to the Kilcawley: Centered on the Future campaign over the holiday season.
A $200,000 donation was made to the Kilcawley renovation campaign by Jim and Ellen Tressel, former president and first lady of Youngstown State University.
In a press release from YSU’s News Center, Jim Tressel stated his excitement in furthering his family’s support of YSU through the donation and looks forward to a modern, collaborative space with the renovation.
“We are excited to support the renovation of the Kilcawley Center, a place that has served as the heart of student life for so many generations of Penguins,” Tressel stated.
Heather Chunn, vice president of operations and human resources at the YSU Foundation, said plans for Kilcawley’s future renovations began under Tressel’s presidency.
“When Jim and Ellen were president and first lady, they saw the value in having a new center for students, faculty and staff to utilize,” Chunn said. “They wanted to support that endeavor and worked with the foundation’s president, Paul McFadden, to finalize their commitment.”
The Tressels’ donation will support the naming of two areas in the renovated Kilcawley Center. The first-floor meeting room will be named after them, while the second-floor lounge will be named after Ellen’s parents, Frank and Norma Watson.
$148,000 was donated to the Kilcawley campaign Dec. 5, 2024, by the estate of Richard Zarilla, YSU alumnus and retired educator.
Paul McFadden, president of the YSU Foundation, stated in a press release that Zarilla’s donations to YSU will leave a positive legacy.
“His estate gift is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that planned gifts can have on our university and our students,” McFadden stated.
President Bill Johnson stated Zarilla’s donation underscores his enthusiasm for education and student development at YSU.
“His gift will play a crucial role in the Kilcawley Center renovation, which will create new opportunities for students to connect, collaborate and thrive,” Johnson stated. “We are deeply grateful for his vision and legacy.”
Joe Kerola, a member of the YSU Board of Trustees, and his wife Pam, made a $750,000 pledge to the campaign Dec. 12, 2024.
“We are thrilled to make this gift to a place that has been so important to our community and to Youngstown State University,” Kerola stated.
The Kerolas’ enduring support of students and student life at YSU can be seen in the John Kerola Athletic Scholarship and the Kerola Family Scholarship in Business offered to students.
Chunn said the campaign seeks to reach out to more alumni and community members.
“Those individuals in the cabinet are great ambassadors for YSU. They’re out there helping us make connections with potential donors and introducing us to alumni and even community members who are interested in supporting,” Chunn said.
The Kilcawley renovation is projected to cost over $40 million. Chunn said the hope for the campaign is to receive as many donations before demolitions begin in June.
