The application for the 2025 Alumni Legacy Scholarship is now closed.
Stay tuned to see the award recipients.
Youngstown State University’s Office of Alumni Engagement has awarded five students with the YSU Alumni Legacy Scholarship for the 2026 – 2027 school year.
The YSU Alumni Legacy Scholarship awards $1,000 to each recipient in recognition of their academic achievements and their decision to follow in the footsteps of YSU alumni parents. The Scholarship committee is comprised of three YSU alumni who volunteer to read the scholarship essays and select the award recipients.
This year’s awardees are: Dominic Cruz, son of Courtney Cruz (‘14) and Ricardo Cruz (‘04, ’20); Brooke Gerst, daughter of Shawne Gerst (’96) and Brian Gerst (’95); Caden Jordan, son of John Jordan (’00); Erica Kaulen, daughter of Laura Kaulen (’00) and Matt Kaulen (’99); Gracie Pesa, daughter of Michael Pesa (’96).
Congratulations to the recipients and their families on their continuing legacy of Youngstown State University attendance.
Dominic Cruz is a nursing major pursuing a bachelor’s degree at YSU. Dominic plans to continue his education at YSU after he earns his bachelor’s degree to complete his RN. He currently works at Southwoods Surgical Hospital and attends school full-time.
Brooke Gerst is a nursing major and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree at YSU. Brooke currently works as a Nursing Lab Assistant at YSU and is an Extern at Mercy Health Hospital.
Caden Jordan is a business major pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Caden is an active member in his fraternity and is a two-time Dean’s List honoree.
Erica Kaulen is pursuing a degree in Special Education at YSU with the hopes of becoming a teacher. Erica is a student athlete and runs in Cross Country and Track.
Graciella (Gracie) Pesa is currently an English and Journalism major working towards her bachelor’s degree at YSU. Gracie is a Sokolov Honors student and the current President of her sorority, Alpha Xi Delta.
Youngstown State University has a rich tradition of family attendance and graduation. The legacy of a child following in the footsteps of a parent/guardian toward attaining a degree from the same alma mater is indeed a cherished tradition. The YSU Office of Alumni Engagement is committed to fostering relationships between graduates and YSU and is proud to offer five $1000 Legacy Scholarships to children of YSU alumni.
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Youngstown State University has a rich tradition of family attendance and graduation. The legacy of a child following in the footsteps of a parent/guardian toward attaining a degree from the same alma mater is indeed a cherished tradition. The YSU Office of Alumni Engagement is committed to fostering relationships between graduates and YSU and is proud to offer five $1000 Legacy Scholarships to children of YSU alumni.