Congressman Tim Ryan announced today a $495,910 federal grant for the Consortium for Advanced Hybrid Manufacturing–Integrating Technologies.

The consortium, established with the assistance of Youngstown State University and North Carolina State University, will be the first to develop a comprehensive roadmap for integrating additive and subtractive metal manufacturing technologies in order to accelerate the adoption of the technology. This combined method is more commonly referred to as “hybrid manufacturing”.

“YSU continues to be leader in the field of advanced manufacturing and together with YBI and America Makes they have made Youngstown the focal point of this emerging and transformational technology,” Congressman Ryan said. “This grant will ensure that American manufacturing continues to be a world player by helping U.S. manufacturers develop tailored plans to integrate additive manufacturing into their production methods.”

The award will allow YSU to bring together individual stakeholders to collaborate on the accelerated adoption of precision additive manufacturing metal parts. The program will enhance advanced manufacturing capabilities, improve the efficiency and reliability of additive manufacturing processes, develop workforce training and education requirements, and further develop the supply chain for hybrid manufacturing.

“The advanced manufacturing community in the U.S. will greatly benefit from improved processing capabilities that produce complex functional parts through this hybrid approach,” said Guha Manogharan, YSU assistant professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.

CAM-IT will also provide U.S. manufacturers with shorter lead times and more affordable low-volume production. The project also will bring together stakeholders with the skills necessary to accelerate technical development in both additive and hybrid manufacturing. Before the start of this project, there was no widely used roadmap for integrating additive and subtractive manufacturing processing methods.

The project builds upon two successful partnerships between YSU and the Youngstown Business Incubator to support the adoption of additive manufacturing technology in industry.

Samantha Anderson

Samantha Anderson of Poland, Ohio, a junior Finance and Business Economics major, has been named a student member of the Youngstown State University Board of Trustees.

Gov. John Kasich announced the two-year appointment this week.

“I am immensely honored to be given the opportunity to represent my fellow students and give voice to their needs and concerns,” said Anderson, a 2013 graduate of Poland Seminary High School.

“I want to ensure that the students who graduate from Youngstown State University graduate with pride and a sense of accomplishment. I look forward to assuming my responsibilities as soon as possible.”

A Leslie H. Cochran Scholar at YSU, Anderson is currently studying abroad in South Korea, staying with a host family in Anyang and attending Dankook University’s Korean Language Program. She will return to Youngstown in mid-August.

Anderson, the daughter of James Anderson and Barbara Rogers of Poland, Ohio, is vice president for Financial Affairs in the YSU Student Government Association and founder/president of Farm to YSU. She participates in the Williamson College of Business Administration Business Leaders Program, and is a member of the WCBA Student Investment Fund, Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society and the staff of the YSU Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center Rock Wall.

She has accumulated more than 650 hours of volunteer work, including more than 500 hours with Grow Youngstown, where she also served as an intern and event coordinator. She has volunteered for Penguin Pen Pals, the Ugandan Water Project and other organizations, and is also part of the International Student Volunteer Buddy Initiative at YSU.

Anderson is the recipient of the Student Government Association Spirit Award, the AVI Leadership Scholarship and the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges Award. She was a finalist in the YSU Stocks Essay Contest and presented at the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference.

Boots to Business, a business seminar for veterans, active and reserve military and their spouses, is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, on the campus of Youngstown State University.

The Ohio Small Business Development Center, YSU’s Veterans Resource Center and the Williamson College of Business Administration have partnered to offer the program, which aims to help participants bring their business ideas to life. The agenda will introduce available business education options and networking opportunities.

YSU President Jim Tressel will provide the opening remarks for the daylong event, to be held in Room 3423 of Williamson Hall, 221 North Hazel Street, Youngstown, with parking available in the Wood Street lot. There is no charge for the program; lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Topics for the day include: cultivating a business idea, financial analysis of the project, funding sources, the basics of a business plan and more. Economic development providers and lenders will be available to offer additional information and resources. Talmer Bank and Huntington Bank are co-sponsoring the program.

To register, visit www.ysu.edu/sbdc-itac. The registration deadline is Friday, June 19. For more information, contact Patricia K. Veisz at pkveisz@ysu.edu.

Misook Yun

The 18^th annual Dana School of Music Vocal Performance Clinic is July 27 through Aug. 1, at Youngstown State University.

The clinic is an award-winning program that offers gifted performers an opportunity to develop their performance abilities and gain further knowledge in their pursuit of singing.

“In addition to extensive performing opportunities, students will learn the skills necessary to become effective musicians,” said Misook Yun, professor in the Dana School of Music and clinic coordinator. “Students will receive personal vocal instruction, acting lessons, and dancing & movement classes.”

Daily activities include warm-up techniques, vocal literature, foreign language diction, acting principles, music theory and history, stage presence and movement, vocal instruction and master classes.

The faculty of the program consists of professors from the YSU Dana School of Music and advanced voice students. Guest artists include professional experts in the field of vocal health, choral conducting, gospel styles, dance and acting.

The clinic is open to all singers who will be in high school during the 2015-2016 school year, as well as incoming YSU voice majors.

Sessions will primarily be held in Bliss Hall on the YSU campus.

Tuition is $220 if paid by June 26; or $240 after June 28. For participants needing housing, on-campus room and board is an additional $250, based on double occupancy.

For an application or more information, call 330-941-3636 or email Yun at myun@ysu.edu.

Past Summer Honors Institute participants on campus.

Eighty-five gifted high school students will participate in a variety of courses and hands-on activities this week at the 2015 Summer Honors Institute on the campus of Youngstown State University.

The Institute runs from June 15 to 19. Participants spend Monday through Thursday immersed in classes in a wide range of disciplines taught by YSU professors and area experts. Course topics include: Entrepreneurship, Law, Documentary Filmmaking, Crime Scene Analysis, Rapid Prototyping, Technology and Healthcare in the 21st Century. Among new classes this year are iPhone Photography, Rockets in Flight, Economics, Mathematical Modeling and Social Media Campaigns.

Students conclude the week on Friday with learning activities in the morning, a YSU Informational Fair to learn about majors and campus services, and an afternoon celebration and demonstration of what they have learned in their courses. YSU President Jim Tressel will join parents and special guests for the afternoon celebration in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center.

In addition to daily activities, 15 students will also extend their learning in the residential program, where they will live on campus in Cafaro House for the week. These residential participants have the opportunity to engage in a service project, develop leadership skills, discover the hidden gems of Youngstown and build new relationships among their peers. This is the third year for the residential option, and this summer’s participants include students from Florida and Washington.

Next year’s program is scheduled for June 12 to 17, 2016. Applicants must be formally identified as gifted and talented or meet the entrance requirements of the YSU Honors College and be a sophomore or junior in high school during the 2015-16 academic year.

For more information about the YSU Summer Honors Institute, contact Institute Director Amy Cossentino at alcossentino@ysu.edu or Sharyn Fees, program assistant, at sefees@ysu.edu.

Nine students in YSU’s Williamson College of Business Administration are working internships across Ohio this summer as part of the Ohio Export Internship Program. They are, left to right, (standing) Daniel Hess, Conner Kesner, Mohammed Yusef, Silviu Mistreanu, Tibor Baki, Robert Grahovac, (seated), Jana Janson, Benjamin Smith and Hailey Strutz.

Nine students in Youngstown State University’s Williamson College of Business Administration are working internships across Ohio this summer as part of the Ohio Export Internship Program.

Under the program launched by WCBA’s Center of International Business, with support from the Ohio Development Services Agency, students were recruited during fall semester 2014, completed a specialized exporting course during spring semester 2015, and last month were placed in internships that run through the first week of August. The ODSA will allocate funding to YSU to reimburse companies at the end of the program up to 50 percent, or $3,600.

The YSU Williamson College of Business Administration and the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University are the only two Ohio public universities that are participating in the internship program.

The following YSU students and companies are participating:

* Benjamin Smith of Youngstown, finance major with minor in entrepreneurship, works with River Consulting LLC, an engineering firm in Columbus. The firm delivers total project solutions for industries in energy, food, manufacturing and industry.

* Conner Kesner of Canfield, finance management major, works as an intern with Global Corporate College LLC, in Solon. GCC provides customized training for employees designed to meet specific learning outcomes in the hospitality, government, logistics, manufacturing, non-profit and retail industries.

* Daniel Hess as Cortland, major in business administration, is employed at A to Z Portion Control Meats Inc. For more than half a century, A to Z Portion Control Meats has produced a broad range beef and pork products for restaurant chains, retail outlets, and full-lined food distributors.

* Dumitru Silviu Mistreanu of Judetul Iasi, Romania, a bachelor of arts with a minor in advertising/public relations, works at Northern State Metals/Solar FlexRack with projects in Hondurus, Turkey, Canada and Japan. Solar FlexRack system adapts panel configurations along with a certified installer program guaranteed to meet a company’s solar needs.

* Jana Janson of Offengurg, Germany, with a major in business economics, is employed with Commercial Metal Forming, the nation’s leading manufacturer of Tank Heads and tank accessories with facilities in Ohio, Texas, and California. Since 1920, Commercial Metal Forming has evolved into the major U.S. supplier of tank heads and tank accessories for a wide variety of markets, including air receivers, petrochemical, LP Gas, oil field, construction equipment, rail and truck transportation, oil and gas separation, food processing and filtration.

* Mohammad Yusuf of Youngstown, major in accounting, works as an intern at Rain Drop Products LLC, in Ashland. The company features a product line of water play equipment including above ground and below ground spray ground/splash park features, slides and structures. Rain Drop Products exports to more than 14 countries.

* Robert Grahovac of Columbiana, major in business administration with minor in economics, works with Brand Castle LLC in Bedford Heights. The company has become the leader in innovative baking kits for children and adults with products in United States, Canada, South America, Europe and Australia. Brand Castle also operates an office in southern China.

* Tibor Baki of Canfield, major in management, works with TEGAM Inc. in Geneva. TEGAM Inc. specializes in the design, manufacture and support of a wide variety of test, measurement and calibration instruments with technical representatives and distributors in over 40 countries.

* Hailey Strutz of Youngstown, major in business economics, works with Altronic LLC, in Girard. Altronic is a subsidiary of HOERBIGER Engine Solutions from Austria specializing in the manufacturing of ignition and control systems for industrial engines.

Students in WCBA are exposed to international business through a number of venues, including Global Learning Experiences in Dublin, London and Prague. WCBA’s exporting course encompasses global learning experiences for students with research in international business, the study of emerging markets, and training/consulting services.

For more information on the Ohio Export Program, contact Mousa Kassis, trade advisor with the International Trade Assistance Center at YSU, at 330-941-2415 or mhkassis@ysu.edu.

Youngstown State University’s online Master of Science in Engineering program is ranked 12^th in the nation in a new list released by Nonprofit Colleges Online.

The list is part of the organization’s Students Before Profits Award program that promotes nonprofit colleges and universities offering online degree programs that put students before profits and education before the bottom line.

Programs on the list were selected from accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities with objectively lower than average tuition cost and have ranked the programs according to their affordability.

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., tops the list. The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, S.D., and Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, come in second and third, respectively. See the full list here.

YSU’s online Master of Science in Engineering degree program with management option combines engineering and business courses to develop a well-rounded engineer prepared to manage a technical organization. The program draws on the faculty and resources from the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and the Williamson College of Business Administration at YSU.

For additional information on our Distance Education office, check out a full list of YSU online degrees.

The Youngstown State University Board of Trustees approved a fiscal year 2016 budget that includes no tuition increase for undergraduate students, agreed to lease land for the construction of a 162-bed apartment-style student housing complex and voted to expand the College Credit Plus dual enrollment program into Pennsylvania.

Those were among the actions taken during the board’s regular quarterly meeting Wednesday afternoon.

The $176.9 million operating budget includes a freeze in undergraduate tuition for next academic year, assumes a 1 percent increase in enrollment and a 9 percent boost in state funding appropriations.

Full-time in-state undergraduate tuition will remain $4,043.64 per semester. The rate is the lowest among the state’s 11 largest public universities and $1,620 below the statewide average.

Tuition for out-of-state undergraduate students living in the 23-county Affordable Tuition Advantage area will remain at $4,163.64 per semester. The rate is well below tuition at competing universities in western Pennsylvania, including Edinboro, Slippery Rock, Clarion and Indiana.

Graduate tuition will increase 3.6 percent. The budget plan also calls for a 4 percent increase in room and board rates at the university’s residence halls.

Trustees also authorized the leasing 3.4 acres of university land along Fifth Avenue to Hallmark Campus Communities for the construction of a 162-bed student apartment complex.

Hallmark has developed student housing at universities across Ohio, including the University of Akron, University of Cincinnati, Kent State University and Ohio University.

The estimated project cost is $7.8 million and will be financed solely by the developer. The project is expected to be completed by Fall Semester 2016, which coincides with the university’s projection of increased demand for apartment style student housing.

Meanwhile, the board also agreed to pursue expanding College Credit Plus into the Keystone State. The program that allows school districts to offer college credit classes for high schools students has grown from 56 students to nearly 1,000 in the past decade.

Since several high schools across the state line have expressed interest in the program, YSU will now apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for permission to deliver the courses.

In other business, the board entered into an energy performance contract with Johnson Controls Inc. that is expected to cut utility costs by at least $2 million annually. The $16 million project will be funded with those savings through a financing package with PNC Equipment Finance.

The board also agreed to transfer $800,000 from its Restricted Discretionary Gift Fund to be used for improvements along Wick Avenue, one of the main entranceways to campus.

The university and the city of Youngstown are working in partnership to make significant improvements, including road resurfacing, sidewalk and curb replacement, lighting enhancements and moving utilities underground.

YSU has conceptually agreed to help finance work on approximately 0.75 miles of Wick Avenue adjacent to campus. The board’s Restricted Discretionary Gift Fund has a balance of $1 million, donated to the university last year by the late Dr. Maria A. Fok.

At the same meeting, the board agreed to name Alumni House on Wick Avenue as the Drs. Thomas and Maria M.L. Fok Hall. Dr. Thomas Fok held a doctorate degree in civil engineering and was an associate professor at Youngstown University from 1958 to 1967, at which time he established his own engineering firm, Thomas Fok and Associates. Dr. Maria M.L. Fok was a general practitioner medical doctor who practiced for more than 48 years.

Youngstown State University
Board of Trustees
Wednesday, June 17, 2015

The following is a summary of the YSU Board of Trustees meeting in the Trustees Meeting Room on the first floor of Tod Hall. For more details, including full texts of the resolutions and policies, click here.

President’s report: President Tressel said 2014-15 was an exciting academic year, with many people across campus working extremely hard, engaged in strategic planning and discussion. He noted that YSU recently received the Spirit of the Red Cross Award. The Red Cross, he said, it known for being there when there’s a need. Similarly, the YSU campus and community are always there when there’s a need, he said.

The Board approved the following resolutions:

Resolution to modify faculty workload policy. The policy explains the responsibilities faculty members assume in the areas of teaching, scholarship and service when they accept an appointment at YSU. Participation in the three activities is understood to be a component of a faculty member’s total workload.

Resolution to modify appointment of graduate assistants and teaching assistants policy. Changes were made to reflect the current, updated practice utilized in the College of Graduate Studies.

Resolution to authorize recommendation of candidates for honorary degrees. YSU policy states that a list of no more than 20 candidates be recommended for approval. The Academic Events Committee of the Academic Senate must approve individuals on the list.

Resolution to authorize conferral of faculty emeritus status. The designation of Faculty Emeritus is an honorary title conferred following the retirement or death of faculty members in recognition of extended meritorious service to the university.

Resolution to expand College Credit Plus dual enrollment partnerships into the state of Pennsylvania. In 2006, YSU began to pursue partnerships with regional school districts to offer dual or concurrent enrollment opportunities for high school students. The program, now called College Credit Plus, has grown from 56 students to nearly 1,000. Several high schools in Pennsylvania have expressed interest in the program. The resolution approves expanding the initiative to Pennsylvania. YSU will now apply the Pennsylvania Department of Education to receive permission to deliver the courses in Pennsylvania.

Resolution to approve gifts for the benefit of the university policy. The policy has been created to fulfill expectations set in a memorandum of understanding executed last year between YSU and the YSU Foundation.

Resolution to modify university police policy. Modifications have been made to reflect that the YSU Police Department now reports to the Division of University Relations.

Resolution to modify advertising procedures policy. Modifications to the policy broaden the scope and explanation of the policy to include imaging and branding.

Resolution to accept 3,927 development gifts in the amount of $3.69 million through the third quarter of FY 2015.

Resolution to rename the Drs. Thomas and Maria M.L. Fok Hall. Dr. Thomas Fok held a doctorate degree in civil engineering and was an associate professor at Youngstown University from 1958 to 1967, at which time he established his own engineering firm, Thomas Fok and Associates. Dr. Maria M.L. Fok was a general practitioner medical doctor who practiced for more than 48 years. In recognition for their significant contribution and commitment to the students of YSU, the resolution designates the former Alumni House on Wick Avenue as the Drs. Thomas and Maria M.L. Fok Hall.

Resolution to authorize the execution of a mutual aid agreement between YSU police and other law enforcement agencies in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. Changes made to the resolution would allow the administration to renew the agreement when necessary and in an ongoing basis.

Resolution to authorize energy performance contract with Johnson Controls Inc. for energy savings measures and to secure project financing through PNC Equipment Finance. YSU is now in the ninth year of a 10-year performance contract with Johnson Controls that has resulted in demonstrable energy efficiencies and cost savings. This second phase of the energy conservation project will reduce utility costs and help address YSU’s deferred maintenance needs. YSU estimates energy savings of not less than $2 million a year – more than sufficient to cover the annual lease payment obligation. The project will be funded through a 14-year financing package through PNC Equipment Finance that includes a tax-exempt lease-purchase agreement in an amount not to exceed anticipated construction costs of $16 million.

Resolution to modify institutional insurance programs policy. The policy outlines the university’s participation in insurance programs intended to manage risk associated with property losses and/or legal liability that may result from injury or damage to others.

Resolution to modify and retitle the smoke-free environment policy. The policy demonstrates YSU’s commitment to adhering to smoking prohibitions under state law, which is intended to limit the exposure of students, employees and visitors to the effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke.

Resolution to modify acquisition of real estate policy. The policy delineates the geographical area within which the university may seek to acquire property and also outlines guiding principles and procedures for acquiring property.

Resolution to modify university health and safety policy. The policy exists to outline health and safety standards on campus.

Resolution to approve the exchange of land for campus improvement. The university has negotiated with Charlie Staples during the past few years regarding acquisition of his property on Grant Street. Charlie Staples will receive three university parcels adjacent to his restaurant on Rayen Avenue in exchange for his property on Grant Street.

Resolution to authorize the leasing of university land for student housing development. Trustees agreed to lease 3.4 acres of university land along Fifth Avenue to Hallmark Campus Communities for the construction of a 162-bed student apartment complex. Hallmark has developed student housing at universities across Ohio, including the University of Akron, University of Cincinnati, Kent State University and Ohio University. The estimated project cost is $7.8 million and will be financed solely by the developer. The project is expected to be completed by Fall Semester 2016, which coincides with the university’s projection of increased demand for apartment style student housing.

Resolution to approve the $176.9 million operating budget for Fiscal Year 2016. YSU continues to operate under the assumption that a structural deficit exists in the general fund budget. This deficit was created by revenue shortfalls resulting from a 17 percent decline in enrollment levels between 2011 and 2014, and a 15 percent reduction in state funding appropriations in FY 2012. However, the projected deficit for FY 2016 has been reduced significantly, as management continues to contain costs, reduce expenses and raise revenues. On the revenue side, the budget assumes: a 1 percent increase in full-time equivalent student enrollments relative to prior year actual enrollment levels; no change in undergraduate tuition rates and an increase in graduate tuition of 3.66 percent; a 9 percent increase in state funding appropriations, based on preliminary estimates provided by the Ohio Board of Regents and by the Inter-University Council of Ohio; an increase in investment earnings, based in part on current year performance. On the expense side, the budget assumes: the implementation of the new OEA faculty agreement that includes a 1 percent base salary adjustment and rank-based bonus payments to continuing full-service faculty, and reduced costs for summer instruction and extending teaching service; the continuation of changes made to the employer health care program, including a 15 percent premium share for covered employees; the continuation of permanent expense reductions made during the prior fiscal year, primarily in the form of eliminated position vacancies; the creation of a $3 million strategic investment fund, enabling targeted funding in critical areas that will help the university continue to progress toward the goals outlined in the 2020 Strategic Plan.

Resolution to approve changes to tuition and fees for the 2015-16 academic and fiscal year. The resolution calls for no increase in undergraduate tuition and a 3.6 percent increase in graduate tuition. Full-time in-state undergraduate tuition will remain $4,043.64 per semester. Tuition for out-of-state undergraduate students living in the 23-county Affordable Tuition Advantage area will remain at $4,163.64 per semester. Tuition for out-of-state undergraduate students outside the ATA area will remain $7.034.64 per semester. The plan also calls for a 4 percent increase in room and board rates at the university’s residence halls.

Resolution to approve interfund transfers. The resolution authorizes a transfer of $800,000 from the Board of Trustees’ Restricted Discretionary Gift Fund, which has a balance of $1 million, donated to the university last year by the late Dr. Maria A. Fok. The funds will be used for improvements to Wick Avenue. YSU is working with the city of Youngstown to make significant improvements, including road resurfacing, sidewalk and curb replacement, lighting enhancements and moving utilities underground. YSU has conceptually agreed to help finance the approximately 0.75 miles of Wick Avenue adjacent to campus.

Resolution to approve a fee waiver for the Give Back Go Forward program. The program was initiated by the Ohio Board of Regents and the Ohio Department of Aging, in partnership with YSU and Eastern Gateway Community College. Under the program, senior citizens who provide 100 or more hours of volunteer service to specific educational organizations will receive a tuition waiver for a three-credit course. The senior citizens can give the waiver to a student of their choice. YSU will provide up to 50 tuition waivers per academic year for eligible students. The fee waiver must be approved by the Ohio Board of Regents.

Resolution to modify discrimination/harassment policy. Changes were made with the goal of improving clarity and flow of the policy and complying with other university policies.

Resolution to rescind equal opportunity discrimination complaint procedures policy. The university’s policy on discrimination/harassment already has information on the complaint procedures for filing a complaint of discrimination or harassment. The equal opportunity discrimination complaint procedures policy is being rescinded as redundant and unnecessary.

Resolution to modify employee health insurance programs policy. The policy establishes the health insurance benefits for professional/administrative and other non-bargaining university employees. This is a modification of the existing policy to correspond to the changes that have been made in the OEA and ACE agreements and includes changes to the premium sharing and the working spouse provisions.

Resolution to modify and retitle university websites policy. As a result of a compliance review of the accessibility of the university’s electronic information by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, the university entered into a conciliation agreement. The agreement required that the university submit an electronic information technology policy that ensures the university’s EIT is accessible to the visually impaired.

Resolution to modify and retitle sensitive information policy. The policy was modified to require employees to be trained in security and sensitive information handling.

Resolution to approve exception to selection requirements and appoint Neal McNally as Vice President for Finance and Business Operations.

Resolution to approve exception to selection requirements and appoint Martin Abraham as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Resolution to approve multiple year contracts. Among the contracts are: Martin Abraham, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs; Neal McNally, vice president for Finance and Business Operations; Holly Jacobs, vice president of Legal Affairs and Human Resources; Charles Howell, dean of the Beeghly College of Education; Betty Jo Licata, dean of the Williamson College of Business Administration; Joseph Mosca, dean of the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services; Sal Sanders, dean of the College of Graduate Studies; Gary Swegan, associate vice president, Enrollment Management; Shannon Tirone, AVP, University Relations; Eddie Howard Jr., AVP, Student Experience; Michael Hripko, AVP, Research and Sponsored Programs; Michael Reagle, AVP, Student Success.

Resolution to ratify personnel actions.

Resolution to authorize conferral of emeritus status.

Resolution regarding terms and conditions of employment for classified employees exempt from collective bargaining.

Election of board officers: Trustees unanimously re-elected Carole S. Weimer as the board chair for 2015-16. Leonard D. Schiavone was re-elected vice chair, and Franklin S. Bennett Jr. was re-elected secretary.

Carole S. Weimer

Chairperson’s remarks: Chair Weimer said there has been renewed energy and direction on campus in the past several months. She acknowledged and thanked Sudershan Garg, whose term as a trustee has expired. She also thanked Eric Shehadi, whose term as a student trustee has also expired, and welcomed Samantha Anderson, appointed by Gov. John Kasich to replace Shehadi as a student trustee. Weimer talked about President Jim Tressel’s reorganization of the university’s administrative leadership team, specifically acknowledging Eddie Howard, new associate vice president for Student Experience, and Michael Reagle, new associate vice president for Student Success. The chair also acknowledged new job titles for vice presidents Martin Abraham, Neal McNally and Holly Jacobs, as well as Sal Sanders, dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Weimer expressed hope for increased enrollment this Fall semester, and she thanked everyone at the university for their hard work and dedication.

Meetings: The Board set the following tentative dates for regular meetings of the Board: 3 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015; 3 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015; 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2016.

Adjournment

For the second consecutive year, Military Times has deemed Youngstown State University’s Williamson College of Business Administration as a Best for Vets Business School for 2015.

The rankings were published in Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times and Marine Corps Times, as well as on ArmyTimes.com, NavyTimes.com, AirForceTimes.com, MarineCorpsTimes.com and MilitaryTimes.com.

Selection for the list is based on veteran culture and curriculum, cost in the context of military and veteran benefits, overall veteran policies, and publicly available quality measures.

YSU has been named a Military Friendly School for several years by G.I. Jobs magazine. YSU established the Office of Veteran Affairs in 2009 to assist YSU students who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces in attaining their educational goals. A new $1.25 million YSU Veterans Resource Center opened last year to help improve and expand services to military veterans and service members transitioning to student life at YSU. For more information, visit http://web.ysu.edu/veterans/.

Employers are invited to join the Williamson College of Business Administration and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at Youngstown State University for an event to learn more about student internships and available assistance from various grants.

The event is Thursday, June 25 in the Conference Center of Williamson Hall at YSU. Check-in and breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. with the program starting at 8 a.m. Also during the breakfast, the Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education will present its “Return on Intern” workshop to assist with program development.

The event is a great opportunity for employers to hear about YSU, area community colleges, and area technical schools’ internship programs as well as assistance from various grants.

Participating schools in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania include YSU, Butler County Community College/Hermitage, Thiel College, Penn State University/Shenango, Choffin Career and Technical Center/Youngstown, Columbiana County Career and Technical Center, Eastern Gateway Community College, Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, and Trumbull Career and Technical Center.

To make a reservation, contact Christina Costello, assistant coordinator, WCBA Office of Professional Practice, at clcostello01@ysu.edu, 330-941-1884, or Marie Meeks, assistant coordinator, STEM Professional Services, at mrmeeks@ysu.edu, 330-941-2642.

One of the photographs that is part of the exhibit in Cushwa Hall.

“Trachoma: A Case Study for Change in East Youngstown, Ohio 1910 – 1913,” a new exhibit created by graduate students at Youngstown State University, is now on display in Cushwa Hall on the YSU campus.

The exhibition, a collaboration between YSU’s History Department and YSU’s Melnick Medical Museum, was created by students in YSU’s Curation 2 class.

The exhibit describes the outbreak of a contagious eye infection in Youngstown Sheet & Tube workers in the early 1900s and traces the actions taken by YST officials to help stop the spread of it. The company’s response had long term effects and set in motion modern improvements to public and medical services in worker housing, living conditions and medical care.

Students researched the outbreak, created the text, located photographs and artifacts, and worked with YSU’s graphic design center to tell the story of the evolution of health care at YST and Campbell. The Melnick Medical Museum assisted by guiding research and providing artifacts and space for the exhibition.

The exhibition on display in the lower level of Cushwa Hall.

For more information, contact Marcelle R. Wilson, adjunct faculty, at mrwilson@ysu.edu, 330-941-1330, or Cassie Nespor, curator, University Archives and Melnick Medical Museum, at clnespor@ysu.edu, 330-941-3487.

Shirley Keller

Youngstown State University was well represented at this year’s regional meeting of the National Association of Social Work, Region IV Ohio Chapter, with one faculty member, two alumni and one current student winning top awards.

Shirley Keller, a YSU professor of Social Work, was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award. A 35-year member of NASW, Keller developed YSU’s MSW program, and chairs the university’s annual Social Work Day Program, which this year attracted more than 300 participants. Keller holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and earned master’s and doctorate degrees from Case Western Reserve University.

Patricia Sciaretta, who is employed as director of social services for the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley in Youngstown, was named Social Worker of the Year for Region IV. A licensed social worker, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from YSU and a master’s from Case Western Reserve University.

Markus T. Douglas, a social worker at the Cleveland VA Medical Center in Youngstown, was honored with the Emerging Leadership Award for Region IV, an award given to a social worker who has been in practice for five years or less. Douglas earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from YSU.

Kim Anderson, a senior Social Work major who plans to complete a bachelor’s degree in December, was presented the BSW Social Worker of the Year Award for the region. She is serving a social work internship this summer at Summit County Children Services and has served several roles at Trumbull County Children Services, including foster home care provider and peer mentor for foster parents.

“It’s unusual to see three social workers affiliated with YSU honored with Region IV Awards,” Keller commented. “I think it reflects the high caliber of YSU’s graduates, and their commitment to leadership, community service and professionalism.”

NASW’s Ohio Region IV includes Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Geauga, Harrison, Jefferson, Lake, Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

The 17th annual Summer Festival of the Arts, featuring food, music, dance performances and the work of more than 70 artists, is Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12, at and around the campus of Youngstown State University.

Saturday’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday’s hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The weekend is being branded as The Summer Festival of the Arts Weekend, including the Arts Fest; the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Summerfest, July 9-12; the unveiling of a new Abraham Lincoln portrait in the Mahoning County Courthouse Rotunda on July 11; the Downtown Jazz Fest Saturday, July 11 in downtown Youngstown near the Central Square; and a Gospel Fest 2K15 on Sunday, July 12, also in downtown Youngstown.

The heart of the Festival of the Arts is the artists’ marketplace, showcasing the work of more than 70 local, regional and national artists selling original, hand-crafted pieces such as jewelry, paintings, sketches, sculptures, glass, wood and textiles. Artists’ work has been juried, or selected, from among all of the applicants.

Family activities are central to the event and include the popular hands on art tent, where children create various pieces of artwork under the guidance of a professional art teacher.

Dozens of music, theater and dance performances are also scheduled across campus, from the McDonough Museum of Art to DeBartolo Hall. Numerous YSU departments will participate with activities and displays.

For more information, visit the Summer Festival of the Arts website.

More details:

• In addition to activities at the Main branch, the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host a Pop-Up Library where patrons may check out Library materials, sign up for a Library card, or learn about digital resources and branch services.
• The Summer Festival of the Arts and Lit Youngstown have partnered on a public literary art project which includes a contest of literary submissions of 50 words of ekphrastic writing—writing that is inspired by any work of art. The winning submission will be printed on a reusable, sustainable tote bag sponsored by Green Youngstown and the Mahoning County Green Team, and distributed to the public at the Summer Festival of the Arts. Lit Youngstown will exhibit all entries at their community tent where various activities, tours and readings will occur.
• Nearly 25 performing groups and individuals are featured throughout the two days in three venues, many with ties to YSU as current students or alumni.
• YSU’s Department of Alumni Engagement hosts the Theta Chi Alumni reunion Saturday, July 11 at the Williamson College of Business Administration at 5 p.m., and the Half Century (50th reunion) Club on Sunday, July 12, at 11 a.m. in Kilcawley Center’s Presidents’ Suites. More information is available at 330-941-3119.
• The John J. McDonough Museum of Art, closed for construction during the Summer Festival of the Arts, collaborates with the Erie Terminal Event Space and Commercial Gallery, 112 W. Commerce Street, Youngstown, for an exhibition of YSU alumnus Gary Taneri’s paintings. Fourteen new paintings, including five large paintings inspired by vintage Polaroids of his family, are on display. An opening reception is planned for Friday, July 10, from 5 to 7 p.m.
• In addition, many local arts and cultural groups will also provide open hours and activities at their off-campus locations. The Butler Institute of American Art, Arms Museum, Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor (Steel Museum), Oh Wow Children’s Museum, The Women’s Art Show at the YWCA, and St. John’s Episcopal Church, are a few of the groups. In all, over 30 arts and culture groups will set up displays and activities on-site or at their home location.
• The Summer Festival of the Arts will also include the Festival of Nations, an ethnic festival welcoming over 20 ethnic clubs and churches that provide ethnic memorabilia, performances and food.

Other weekend events:

• Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Summerfest, July 9-12, 220 N. Walnut Street. Thursday hours are 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., while Sunday hours are noon to 6 p.m.
• Abraham Lincoln: America’s Story – portrait viewing, Saturday, July 11, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Mahoning County Courthouse Rotunda. See this commemorative portrait that captures the legacy of President Lincoln, created by local artist Ray Simon, and which will be permanently installed in the Courthouse.
• The Downtown Jazz Fest welcomes saxophonist Paul Taylor to the stage at Central Square, downtown Youngstown. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. with opening act, Jeff Green’s “The Jazz in the Park Allstars.” Tickets available via the Covelli Centre website, Ticketmaster website, in person at the Covelli Centre Box Office, and Giant Eagle Ticketmaster Outlets. All tickets are $8 in advance or $10 day of show, cash only.
• The inaugural Gospel Festival 2K15 is scheduled for Sunday, July 12 at the stage located at Central Square, downtown Youngstown, headlined by Grammy Award Winner Tye Tribbett. Gates open at 1 p.m. and the show begins at 2 p.m. Tickets, which are $45, $25 and $15 (for children) are available at 2DeepEvents.com or by calling 330-397-7567.

Youngstown State University, The Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau, City of Youngstown, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and Eric Ryan Productions are collaborating on the events surrounding the weekend.

Youngstown State University has been selected to receive a $365,000 grant from the Department of Defense to purchase a 3D printer that will continue to enhance YSU’s additive manufacturing research and education capabilities.

DoD announced the award after a highly competitive grant process under the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program. In all, DoD received nearly 700 proposals, but only 111 academic institutions received awards.

Brett Conner

“There are seven types of additive manufacturing processes,” said Brett Conner, YSU associate professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and director of Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Initiatives. “With this new equipment, YSU students and faculty will have access to six of the seven types of processes either here at YSU or at America Makes.”

The new 3D printer uses a process called “directed energy deposition” that involves spraying powdered metal or ceramic in front of a laser that then fuses the powder. An animation of the process can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT0LtJIAe9Y

Martin Abraham

“With this additional equipment, we believe YSU now provides our students, faculty and the community with access to additive manufacturing technology unmatched by any other university in the nation,” said Martin Abraham, YSU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

“Given our success with research and educational initiatives in additive manufacturing, and the broad availability of our equipment, we have a rightful claim to being the best opportunity for students across the nation wishing to become educated in this manufacturing capability.”

The Defense University Research Instrumentation Program supports the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment that augments current university capabilities or develops new capabilities to perform cutting edge defense research and associated graduate student research training.

The awards are the result of a merit competition jointly conducted by three DoD research offices: the Army Research Office, Office of Naval Research, and Air Force Office of Scientific Research. YSU’s award is through the Office of Naval Research.

Read the full list of awardees. 

Affordable Colleges Online ranks Youngstown State University one of the best online colleges in 2015.

YSU ranks 11^th out of the more than 116 colleges in Ohio that offer full online programs, according to ACO, a national organization that provides data and information about pursuing an affordable higher education.

“As online classes become more prevalent, it is important to acknowledge the colleges and universities that go above and beyond,” said Dan Schuessler, founder and chief executive of Affordable Colleges Online. “Our goal is to highlight these schools and their commitment to higher education.”

He added: “When it comes to online learning, these schools set the bar. These programs have made attending college accessible and affordable while maintaining rigorous academic standards of excellence and providing support services for their students.”

Read the full rankings.

YSU currently offers the following online degree programs: Bachelor of Science in Applied Science, Allied Health, Bachelor of Science in Applied Science, Public Health, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN Completion Program), Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (Completion Program), Master of Arts in Financial Economics, Master of Business Administration, Master of Health and Human Services, Master of Respiratory Care, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Management and Program Planning, Master of Science in Engineering, Management option, and Master of Science in Teacher Education, Early Childhood Education.

Read more about YSU’s online offerings.

Kristi Yazvac

Kristi Cosette Yazvac of Boardman, Ohio, has been awarded the prestigious $5,000 Walter and Adelheid Hohenstein Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship to pursue a master’s degree in Economics at Youngstown State University.

Yazvac, who earned a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from YSU in May, was awarded the fellowship as the top candidate from the 10-state North Central Region.

A Leslie H. Cochran University Scholar at YSU, Yazvac served as president of the Ballroom Dance Club at YSU, a member of the Dana Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, a tutor for Chemistry, Mathematics, Piano, Music Literature and Economics classes, a student administrative assistant for the YSU Center for Student Progress, a member of the Scholar Advisory Board and the College in High School Advisory Board and a STEM Student Government representative. She earned induction into several national honorary societies and volunteered as a musician for a number of local groups.

This summer, Yazvac is participating in the Forum-Nexus Program, which involves extensive travel in Europe. She also was selected for a prestigious Department of Homeland Security Summer Internship. She is a 2011 graduate of Boardman High School.

Yazvac, who is Student Vice President for Chapter 143 of Phi Kappa Phi at YSU, is the 11th Chapter 143 Phi Kappa Phi fellowship awardee, but the first to receive a named fellowship.

Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 32,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in North America and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify.

Youngstown State University awarded 2,270 degrees this past academic year – the most in 31 years.

“This noteworthy total is a reflection of the high enrollments that the university experienced a few years back and the hard work of our faculty and our staff in helping these students achieve success and earn their degrees,” said Martin Abraham, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

A new report from the YSU Office of Institutional Research also shows that the university conferred 1,682 bachelor’s degrees this past academic year – the most in 41 years. Specific bachelor’s degrees reaching record years: Criminal Justice and Social Work hit all-time highs in degrees awarded, 120 and 98, respectively; Mechanical Engineering’s 46 bachelor’s degrees were the most in 40 years; and Psychology’s 58 degrees were the highest in 12 years.

On the master’s degree level, Counseling’s 49 master’s degrees were the highest in 29 years, and General Business’ 40 master’s degrees were the highest in 11 years.

Abraham said the high number of degrees offers a challenge to the university to replace the graduates with new incoming students. As of last week, the number of freshmen registered for classes for this fall semester was up 25 percent to 1,777. The university’s goal is for that number to increase to 2,200 by the start of the fall semester.

“We look forward to bringing in a robust freshman class this fall – the class of 2019 – and to working with each and every one of them to make their YSU experience a successful one,” Abraham said.

With nearly 2,000 trees on campus, YSU has been named a Tree Campus USA for the sixth consecutive year by the Arbor Day Foundation.

Out of nearly 4,000 universities and colleges nationwide, only 245 achieve Tree Campus USA status for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals.

YSU celebrated the honor this spring by dedicating two newly planted American Elm trees outside the rear entrance of the Veterans Resource Center on Wick Avenue.

The trees were dedicated in recognition of the Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown, which donated and planted them as part of its American Elm Project. The club has planted American Elms at nine other public property locations around Mahoning and Trumbull counties.