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YSU Honors College gets a new name through gift to university

By Mahoning Matters staff and Jeremy Harper
The Youngstown State University Board of Trustees has directed the university administration to develop additional policies and procedures that better address how to respond to situations involving serious student misconduct. (Photo by William D. Lewis)
The Youngstown State University Board of Trustees has directed the university administration to develop additional policies and procedures that better address how to respond to situations involving serious student misconduct. (Photo by William D. Lewis)

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown State University Honors College has a new name and new initiatives.

A naming gift from Richard and Susan Sokolov to the YSU Foundation has established the Sokolov Honors College and will provide funding for student development opportunities, including a new community fellows program.

"We express our deep appreciation to Rick and Susan Sokolov for their investment that will lead to enhanced educational opportunities for our students," YSU President Jim Tressel said. "The community fellows program is just one of the many opportunities for student development made possible by this gift. The Mahoning Valley is fortunate to have wonderful, caring people like the Sokolovs."

The new community fellows program will provide opportunities for student fellows to establish a relationship with partners in the community to help identify organizational needs and connect students with opportunities to serve.

"While our students regularly volunteer in the community, we wanted to find a way to deepen their impact and help our community partners move beyond fulfilling daily tasks," Amy Cossentino, dean of the Honors College, said. "We believe the community fellows have the potential to help organizations build their own capacities and thrive."

The Sokolov gift will support other initiatives, such as the publication of the annual Honors College academic journal, The Emperor, research opportunities and participation at academic conferences.

This story was originally published July 26, 2021 at 2:10 PM with the headline "YSU Honors College gets a new name through gift to university."