Staff report

The estate of a special education teacher has made a gift of $272,000 to Youngstown State University’s Kilcawley: Centered on the Future campaign.

Evelyn V. Stephens’ donation was made to support university priorities and initiatives that most directly benefit YSU students and their educational experiences.

“We are deeply grateful for the remarkable generosity of the late Evelyn Stephens and her enduring commitment to education and to Youngstown State University,” YSU President Bill Johnson said. “This meaningful gift will be used where it is needed most, in service of the students and mission she cared so deeply about.”

A 1959 graduate of Youngstown University with a degree in education, Stephens dedicated her early career to serving students as a special education teacher. Alongside her husband Tom, she co-founded the Thomas M. and Evelyn V. Stephens Scholarship, which continues to support teacher education students at YSU who are committed to working in public school districts.

“Evelyn and Tom Stephens embodied the spirit of service and generosity,” said Scott Schulick, Kilcawley: Centered on the Future Campaign chair. “Their belief in the power of public education lives on through their philanthropy, and this estate gift will further their legacy of supporting future generations of educators.”

Tom Stephens passed away in 2020, followed by Evelyn in 2022. Their impact at Youngstown State University is enduring, exemplifying a lifelong dedication to helping others and advancing the field of education.