We are proud to announce the recipients of the 2026-2027 YSU Alumni Legacy Scholarship. Five outstanding students continuing the YSU legacy within their families were chosen by a committee of alumni educators to receive this annual scholarship.

The 2026-2027 academic year awardees are Dominic Cruz, son of Courtney Cruz (‘14) and Ricardo Cruz (‘04, ‘20); Brooke Gerst, daughter of Shawne Gerst ('96) and Brian Gerst ('95); Caden Jordan, son of John Jordan ('00); Erica Kaulen, daughter of Laura Kaulen ('00) and Matt Kaulen ('99); Gracie Pesa, daughter of Michael Pesa ('96).

Read more about the awardees on our website.

Kilcawley renovations are ongoing and moving into phase 2. The current timeline to reopen is Fall 2027. Visit the official Kilcawley website for the latest updates.

Left: Alumni and friends gathered in Beeghly Center West Deck to enjoy a delicious meal and to cheer on the women's basketball team in the Horizon League First Round Championship game on March 4.

Above: Members of the Washington DC YSU Alumni Chapter gathered to cheer on the YSU basbeball team when they played at Georgetown on  March 21.

Above: Members of the Phoenix YSU Alumni Chapter gathered to cheer on the Diamondbacks at a spring training game March 8.

Above: YSU alumna Jamie Rasor '19 recently joined Frantz Ward LLP group as an Associate. 

Celebrate your accomplishments and share your story with fellow alumni! Submit your professional news and accolades through this form to be featured on the forthcoming Class Notes web page.

Above: YSU Alumni (left to right) Barb ('98) and Pat ('93) Billet and Debbie ('91) and Matt ('90) Butts on the Columbia Icefield glacier in Jasper National Park in Canada late last year.

This summer, take Pete along with you on vacation! Whether you are headed on a hike or planning a trip to the beach, bring Pete along for the adventure!

Update your contact information and share a picture of yourself with Pete to receive a free YSU luggage tag. 

Limited quantities available. 

For more information, please email alumni@ysu.edu.

National Volunteer Week is April 19-25 and the following chapters are rolling up their sleeves to help out their communities. Get involved in a volunteer event near you this spring! 

For more information, and to get involved in a National Volunteer Week project near you, visit our website. 

Alumni, friends, and volunteers of all ages are welcome to be part of a rewarding morning as we plant flowers, mulch, and clean up our assigned downtown location from 9:00am until noon.

Don't miss this fun opportunity to make a visible difference on behalf of YSU. Please register through the button below to be placed with the Pete's Pride group. T-shirts are limited, so please register by April 20 to guarantee a t-shirt.  

Do  you live outside of the Youngstown area, but want to connect with fellow Penguins and friends from the Mahoning Valley? Explore the YSU Alumni Chapters! With 21 regional chapters and 1 nationwide chapter, there is something for every Penguin! 

Join fellow YSU Alum Bill Mehalco '05 and fellow Penguins at a networking mixer at Birdietown Cle. Mix, mingle, and connect with fellow YSU alumni and friends over appetizers and mini golf. 

The cost is $30. This includes one round, 9 holes of mini golf and appetizers. Additional drinks are available for purchase at the cash bar onsite. Food will be available at noon and tee times at the indoor mini golf course start at 1:00pm.

Deadline for reservations is May 8. Make your reservation today by following this link.

If you have any questions, reach out to Allison at arbye@ysu.edu, or call 330-941-7170.

YSU wants to keep in touch with Penguin alumni everywhere.
Help us to keep you informed of exciting University and alumni activities.

FOLLOW YSU ALUMNI

Youngstown State University
1 Tressel Way
Youngstown, OH 44555
330.941.3000