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YOUNGSTOWN — Charles "Chuck" George, Youngstown State University's Board of Trustees chair, has made a $50,000 gift to establish a scholarship with the YSU Foundation for students who attended Brookfield High School.
George made the gift in appreciation of his admission to the Brookfield High School Achievement Hall of Fame on Sept. 26.
In addition to being a graduate of Brookfield High School, students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, with preference for a full-time student who is an incoming freshman. The spirit of the scholarship is to support students from a middle-income working-class family.
"Brookfield is where I grew up, and Youngstown State is where I built the foundation for my career. Both communities have meant a great deal to me," said George. "As the first in my family to graduate from college, I understand how important it is to continue your education. I hope this scholarship helps a Brookfield student take that next step and pursue their goals."
As a member of the Class of 1976 at Brookfield, George played football and served as Student Council president. He developed an interest in mechanical drawing and woodworking, earning awards and discovering an aptitude for problem-solving and understanding how things worked.
After graduating from Brookfield and earning a degree in business administration from YSU, he began his career with Packer Thomas & Co., eventually becoming the youngest person ever elected president of the firm. What started as a career in public accounting evolved into a lifelong passion for building businesses, creating opportunities for others, and turning possibilities into realities.
"Chuck George has proven over decades his commitment to ensuring that the Mahoning Valley prospers. In everything he does, he is a tremendous example of what Youngstown State University is all about: hard work, determination, entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to giving back," said YSU President Bill Johnson.
"As chairman of our Board of Trustees, Chuck isn't just helping YSU survive in today's highly competitive and complicated higher education arena...he's helping YSU thrive. He's actively helping lead YSU into the future, and this scholarship demonstrates that his commitment to our students goes well beyond the boardroom. He knows firsthand the doors a YSU education can open, and he’s making sure the next generation has that same opportunity. That’s the kind of leadership that makes a lasting difference, not just for our university, but for the communities we serve."
Today, George’s work spans advanced manufacturing, technology, media, and commercial real estate. He is the owner of Hapco Inc., the world’s largest independently owned extrusion supplier and industrial heat tool provider. Over the years, he has expanded his portfolio to include Strangpresse, Big Metal Additive, Triptech, Tarpco, and Sapientia Ventures.