Family of the Year
Housing & Residence Life at Youngstown State University is excited to honor a YSU family by recognizing a Family of the Year. Families are an essential part of the support network for our students. Thus, we ask for you to honor those that support you by nominating them for YSU’s Family of the Year. The award celebrates the role that families play in the lives of students and the Penguin community. The selection of the Youngstown State University’s Family of the Year is based upon the nomination by YSU students and the review and selection by members of YSU's Division of Student Affairs.
This award is given annually to the family of a Youngstown State University student enrolled during the previous academic year. The selected family and student are recognized during YSU’s annual Family Weekend, including an announcement during the football game that weekend.
More information about Family Weekend can be found at the YSU Family Weekend webpage.
Eligibility
- Families must have at least one (1) undergraduate student enrolled full time and in good standing at the YSU campus during the previous academic year;
- All families are eligible for consideration regardless of residency or alumni status;
- Student nominators must submit an essay of 1,000 words or less and a photo.
Judging Criteria
The award will be judged based on the following:
Your Family…
- Provides ongoing support for student success;
- Serves as a positive role model in various aspects of life (e.g. behavior, finances, etc.);
- Makes personal and/or professional sacrifices for other members of the family;
- Helps you gain independence and provides the tools for you to be successful at YSU.
- Supports Youngstown State University; and/or
- Continues to empower and challenge you to grow as a person
Essay Questions
Answer the following questions as completely and as accurately as possible. The essay should be a maximum of 1,000 words describing why your family should be selected for this award. Please be sure that your essay includes answers to the following questions:
- Please indicate and describe how your family members have been supportive of your success in college.
- Please indicate and describe what effect your family has had on you during your college experience.
- Why do you think your family should be selected as YSU’s Family of the Year and how do they stand out from other YSU families?
- Please indicate one word or phrase that describes your family and why you selected that.
- Any additional comments you would like to make.
Photo Submission
Please submit a photo of your family that can be used to announce the winner.
What the Family of the Year will receive:
- Up to six (6) complimentary Family Weekend passes for your family;
- A commemorative plaque presented to you and your family during the Family Weekend Football Game.
- Your family will be featured in YSU publications.
- A gift valuing $500 from the YSU Bookstore.
Even if your submission is not chosen, we hope you will share it with your family and use Family Weekend to spend some quality time celebrating your wonderful family.
Questions? Please contact John Michael Haky, Associate Director of Residence Life, at jmhaky@ysu.edu.
Nominations for the 2026 Family of the Year have closed.
Check back later for details on submitting nominations for the 2027 Family of the Year.
Family of the Year Recipients
2026 Family of the Year – The Family of Julia Fullerman
Julia, a senior exercise science major and Penguinettes captain, nominated her family because they represent what being a Penguin is all about - tradition, community, perseverance, and pride. Julia’s parents, both Youngstown-area natives and YSU alumni, have supported her at every step of her YSU journey while encouraging her to create her own legacy. Through faith, their support has allowed Julia to make the most of her college experience and become not only a better student, but a better person.