YOUNGSTOWN – A group of trustees of the Youngstown State University Foundation surprised university President Jim Tressel with an announcement this afternoon that they have raised $1.6 million to establish an endowed faculty or executive administrative position in Tressel’s name.

“President Tressel’s influence has transformed the institution by raising its stature, reputation and significance to exceptional levels,” said Jocelyne Kollay Linsalata, former chair of the YSU Foundation Board of Trustees.

The fundraising endeavor was announced today at a news conference at the YSU Foundation on campus. Tressel attended the event but had not been aware of the fundraising effort or the naming of the endowed chair.

“This generous effort by some of the region’s most prominent leaders acknowledges and celebrates President Tressel’s long, successful legacy in the Mahoning Valley,” said Paul McFadden, YSU Foundation president. “He represents the very essence of a great leader, a legacy that will now live forever through this endowed chair.” In all, nine YSU Foundation trustees have already pledged $1.6 million to create the endowed chair position.

The President James P. Tressel Endowed Chair in Leadership will recognize a YSU faculty member or executive administrator who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and outstanding scholarly work. The position will be non-discipline specific and may represent any college or department at YSU.

The $1.6 million was gifted by YSU Foundation Board of Trustees members Jocelyne Kollay Linsalata, Alan Cope, Tony Cafaro (Cafaro Family Foundation), Anthony Payiavlas, Lee and Bonnie Burdman, Marty Solomon, Ed Muransky, Don Constantini and Dr. Gary Bitonte (Bitonte Foundation).

Read more on this story in Friday’s Vindicator.