Throughout her life, Dolores Kreuzweiser served her community as a local schoolteacher and active Youngstown State University graduate. Though Kreuzweiser passed away in May 2012, she leaves behind a lasting gift — The Dolores Osberg Kreuzwieser Educational Scholarship.
This scholarship is a legacy endowment of $408,615 gifted to the YSU Foundation by Kreuzweiser’s estate. It will be awarded each school year to a student from Poland, Ohio majoring in education.
Attorney James Dietz, of Friedman and Rummell, drafted Kreuzwieser’s will and commented on her generosity.
“I think that she believed that establishing this scholarship would afford other students the opportunity to further their education to pursue teaching careers. As an educator herself, she seemed very supportive of those working toward an education major and obviously had an affinity toward her community,” Dietz said.
Dietz said generosity like Kreuzweiser’s is a rarity.
“First, I am extremely proud of philanthropists such as Dee Kreuzwieser. Not enough individuals leave a legacy like Dee and often, others have much more of an ability to provide for such a contribution, and in turn, make such a difference,” he said.
Paul McFadden, president of the YSU Foundation, coordinates the foundation’s gifts to students.
“It’s a wonderful scholarship that exemplifies [Kreuzweiser’s] life work as an educator,” he said. “She was a proud alumnus who was very appreciative of her education from [YSU].”
McFadden said the scholarship will be a way to remember Kreuzweiser’s life work.
“The neat thing about [the scholarship] — it’s here forever. It’s her legacy,” he said. “It’s a legacy endowment, which, in my mind, are some of the most precious gifts. She’s not here to see it awarded, but I hope it gave her peace.”
The Delores Osberg Kreuzweiser Educational Scholarship will annually award $16,000 to between two to four students. The first Kreuzweiser scholarship will be awarded next fall. In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must reside in Poland Township, be enrolled in the Beeghly College of Education and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.