Foundation
Gerontology Scholarship Honors “Dr. K”
The YSU Foundation has established an endowed gerontology scholarship fund to honor James Kiriazis, former chair of the university’s Sociology and Anthropology Department and a professor on campus for five decades. The first scholarships will be awarded in fall 2010. The Dr. James Kiriazis Scholarship Endowment was established through the generosity of two YSU alumni, James Collins,’88, a Ph.D. gerontologist and owner of The Collins Group, a Poland, Ohio-based professional development consulting firm, and his wife, Anabel Collins, ’87, a geriatric social worker. Best known by his students as Dr. K, Kiriazis began teaching at YSU in 1957. He served as chair of the Sociology and Anthropology Department for 22 years, retiring in 1991, but continued teaching until 2007. Kiriazis helped to launch aging education at YSU and establish the university’s gerontology degree program. “Dr. K was a great inspiration, not only to me, but to countless students in the social sciences,” said donor James Collins. “I am in the field of gerontology today because of his significant and lasting influence.” Kiriazis earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Youngstown College, a master’s degree in social work from Louisiana State University, and master’s and doctorate deJames Kiriazis, left, retired Sociology and Anthropology Department chair, with Daniel J. grees in anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh. Van Dussen, gerontology coordinator. He served on the Ohio Counselor and Social Worker Licensing Board and was a research professor in Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology at the Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine for 30 years. “Dr. Kiriazis has influenced most of us in our pursuit of the field of gerontology,” said Daniel J. Van Dussen, coordinator of YSU’s new gerontology program and assistant professor of sociology and anthropology. YSU’s gerontology program is housed in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Gerontology in DeBartolo Hall. The program offers a certificate in applied gerontology and a bachelor’s degree in gerontology. For more information about the scholarship, contact Van Dussen at 330-941-1683 or djvandussen@ysu.edu.
Ohio Budget Cuts Create More Student Need
Reid Schmutz
By C. Reid Schmutz President, YSU Foundation
Students who currently receive financial assistance through the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) will see the amount drop to $1,008 in the 20092010 academic year, down from last year’s $2,496 total. This cut of $1,488, along with YSU’s tuition increase of 3.5 percent, means an additional burden of $1,723 for OCOG-qualified students in this school year. Obviously, the YSU Foundation has experienced an increase in applications for need-based scholarship funds this fall. Fortunately, the past generosity of donors to this area has increased the Foundation’s ability to meet these demands. Many scholarships are awarded based upon financial need, along with academic performance. Approximately one-third of the $5 million in the Foundation scholarship budget has a need component in the eligibility criteria. Particularly in these trying times, it is rewarding to have the funds available for those who qualify for need-based aid, as well as the academic-based scholarship assistance. Scholarships can be designed to meet a donor’s specific goals, focusing either on financial need, academic excellence, or both. For more information on how to establish a scholarship fund that meets your desired criteria, please contact the YSU Foundation, 330-941-3211.
Centennial Circle bricks on Sale Now Personalized bricks make fine gifts for any occasion.
Bricks will be placed around the sculpture of YSU’s first president, Howard W. Jones. Each brick comes with a genuine, engraved mini-replica to keep or give as a gift, a certificate of appreciation and a locator map. All proceeds go the Campus Beautification Endowment to help sustain the green spaces on the YSU campus for future generations. Two sizes and prices are available: 4x8-inch at $150 and 8x8-inch at $300. Order your personalized brick at www.ysubricks.com or call University Development at 330-941-3119.
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