Bill and LeeAnn Johnson pledge $100,000 toward new Youngstown State student center

Youngstown State University President and First Lady, Bill and LeeAnn Johnson, during a meeting with the Student Experience leadership team, announced a pledge of $100,000 toward the new student center announced in early 2023.

“Our students are some of the most impressive and resilient people in the Youngstown community. They deserve the very best experience while they work toward their futures here,” Bill Johnson said. “Through this pledge, my wife LeeAnn and I are committed to ensuring that this is exactly what they will receive.”

The student center is expected to undergo two and a half years of construction before completion. Once finished, the student center will be completely reconstructed with updated dining services, event spaces and lounge areas for studying and relaxing.

Joy Polkabla-Byers, associate vice president of Student Experience, was pleased at the announcement stating, “It was wonderful to meet with the Johnsons during our leadership meeting, and our staff is both humbled by this pledge and excited for the impact it will have on our students.”

First Lady, LeeAnn Johnson looks forward to future possibilities for YSU students and remains committed toward campus improvements. “As Bill and I continue to meet and engage with students, we are amazed by their drive and ambition toward their academic success. This center serves as a hub for our campus, and we are honored to have an opportunity to give back to our students.”

This story was originally published January 31, 2024 at 2:43 PM.