Submitted photo Phyllis and Dr. Robert Ricchiuti were honored with the Youngstown State University Friends of the University Award. The couple founded the Rich Center for Autism on the YSU campus, among other philanthropic endeavors.

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University honored Dr. Robert Ricchiuti and Phyllis Ricchiuti with the university’s Friends of the University Award, recognizing their extraordinary leadership, philanthropy and lasting impact on YSU and the Mahoning Valley.

Presented Saturday during the University’s 25th annual Notable Giving Society Celebration, the award recognizes an individual or individuals for their volunteer leadership in, and contributions to, the university and its community. The Friends of the University celebration also recognizes members of the Notable Giving Society inductees.

Few initiatives better reflect the power of community partnership at YSU than The Paula and Anthony Rich Center for the Study and Treatment of Autism. Through the vision, leadership and generosity of the Ricchiutis, the Rich Center has grown into a nationally respected program that transforms the lives of children on the autism spectrum while providing invaluable hands-on learning opportunities for YSU students.

Created in memory of Paula and Anthony Rich and their unborn child, who were tragically lost in 1994, the Rich Center was founded with a mission to provide specialized education and support for children with autism while advancing research and training for future educators, therapists and health professionals. What began with just three students has evolved into a thriving program on the YSU campus serving children and families from across the Mahoning Valley and beyond.

Over the years, the Ricchiutis have provided more than $3.2 million in gifts and pledges to Youngstown State University and the YSU Foundation, helping expand the Center’s reach and impact while strengthening the university’s role as a regional leader in education, service and community engagement.

“Bob and Phyllis represent the very best of what it means to be a Friend of the University,” said YSU President Bill Johnson. “Their leadership and generosity have helped create opportunities for students to learn, grow and make a difference while transforming the lives of children and families throughout our region. Out of unimaginable loss, they chose to build something lasting, something that reflects compassion, hope and service to others. Their legacy will continue changing lives for generations.”

The Ricchiutis helped establish a model that integrates education, research and community partnership, allowing YSU students to gain real-world experience while helping children develop communication, social and life skills.

“Bob and Phyllis have demonstrated what can happen when generosity is paired with vision and purpose,” said Paul McFadden, president of the YSU Foundation. “The Rich Center stands today as one of the most meaningful examples of the impact philanthropy can have on a university, its students and an entire community. Their commitment to Youngstown State University has created opportunities that will benefit families for decades to come.”

Michael Latessa, executive director of the Rich Center for Autism, said the Ricchiutis’ influence can be seen every day inside the Center.

“The Rich Center exists because of Bob and Phyllis’ unwavering commitment to children and families,” Latessa said. “Their compassion and leadership created a place where children can find their voice, build confidence and reach their potential, while our students gain experiences that shape them into future professionals and advocates. Their impact is deeply personal to every family and student connected to this program.”

Dr. Ricchiuti, a graduate of Campbell Memorial High School, built a distinguished medical career after serving as a captain in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He returned to the Mahoning Valley in 1974 to begin a decades-long medical practice.

He has held numerous leadership roles throughout his career, including president of the Mahoning County Medical Society and president of the medical staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital, and continues practicing today as a partner in NEO Urology alongside two of his sons.

Phyllis Ricchiuti, a graduate of Ursuline High School and St. Elizabeth Hospital’s radiologic technology program, has dedicated decades to civic and nonprofit leadership throughout the Mahoning Valley. A founding member of Leadership Mahoning Valley, she has served on numerous boards and initiatives, including Youngstown CityScape, the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, Ballet Western Reserve and the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board.

Her many honors include recognition from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Youngstown Hearing and Speech Center, The Vindicator as a “Bright Light of the Valley” and nominations for the Athena award and YMCA’s Woman of the Year.

The Ricchiutis are the parents of four children — Anthony, Vincent, Julie and Daniel — and grandparents to nine grandchildren.