YSU Foundation trustees establish endowed position in honor of Jim Tressel

YOUNGSTOWN — A group of trustees of the Youngstown State University Foundation has raised an initial $1.6 million to establish an endowed faculty or executive administrative position in honor of YSU President Jim Tressel and his 35 years of leadership for YSU and across the region.

The President James P. Tressel Endowed Chair in Leadership will recognize a YSU faculty member or executive administrator who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and outstanding scholarly work. The position will be nondiscipline specific and may represent any college or department at YSU.

"President Tressel's influence has transformed the institution by raising its stature, reputation and significance to exceptional levels," Jocelyne Kollay Linsalata, former chair of the YSU Foundation Board of Trustees, said in a news release.

"His ability to convene diverse groups and engage their support behind regional economic development projects has been a catalytic force behind the Mahoning Valley's advancement over the past decade."

The fundraising effort was announced today at the YSU Foundation on campus. Tressel attended the event but was not aware of the fundraising effort or the naming of the endowed chair.

"This generous effort by some of the region's most prominent leaders acknowledges and celebrates President Tressel's long, successful legacy in the Mahoning Valley," Paul McFadden, YSU Foundation president, said. "He represents the very essence of a great leader, a legacy that will now live forever through this endowed chair."

The $1.6 million was gifted by YSU Foundation Board of Trustees members Jocelyne Kollay Linsalata, Alan Cope, Tony Cafaro (Cafaro Family Foundation), Anthony Payiavlas, Lee and Bonnie Burdman, Marty Solomon, Ed Muransky, Don Constantini and Dr. Gary Bitonte (Bitonte Foundation).

Now that the initial funding for the endowed chair has been secured, the effort will continue to a public phase, allowing all members of the YSU community the opportunity to contribute. Based on the level of additional gifts received, the goal is to also create the James P. Tressel Center for Leadership, designed to empower students to make meaningful differences wherever their paths take them, the release states. It will support opportunities through credit courses, workshops, leadership projects and more to prepare students to become strong, impactful leaders.

The gift is part of YSU's $125 million "We See Tomorrow" capital campaign.

This story was originally published January 28, 2021 at 4:38 PM with the headline "YSU Foundation trustees establish endowed position in honor of Jim Tressel."