Happy 2021 and belated holiday wishes to all. The past several months have been filled with incredible challenges for our nation, including the continued tragic surge of the coronavirus as well as this past week's events at the U.S. Capitol. The impact is certain to be felt widely and to linger long as we move into the third decade of the 21st century. Improved treatments, stepped up safety protocols and, especially, the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine gives hope, providing us all a glimpse of the light at the end of this dark time. We can hope and pray that 2021 will be a year remembered

1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s ’50S William F. Sibley" alt="WF Sibley in YSU jacket" height="383" width="300"> In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the class of 1950, YSU Magazine is publishing this letter we received from Willie F. Sibley of Los Angeles, who earned a bachelor’s degree in 1950: I am writing to pay tribute to the class of 1950 with an open letter to the YSU Magazine in response to a statement written by a letter- writer in the Fall 2017 issue, “…But also saw that there was nothing worth noting about the alumni from the ’50 or before…” To the Class of 1950

Y’s are wild! The YSU “Y” is popping up all around campus. From Fifth Avenue and the Eastbound Service Road to Beeghly Hall and Kilcawley House, nine large steel block-Y logos have been installed across the university. The seven-foot-tall Y’s were manufactured and donated by Boardman Steel, owned by Dave Deibel, former chair of the YSU Board of Trustees, and his wife, Holly. They’ve quickly become popular photo spots on campus! A thousand-plus grads Youngstown Mayor Jamael “Tito” Brown gave the commencement address and 1,020 graduates received degrees as YSU celebrated virtual Fall

Centofantis, Zoldans give $1M to “We See Tomorrow” campaign The Centofanti and Zoldan families are the latest major donors to YSU’s historic $125 million “We See Tomorrow” fundraising campaign. The Centofanti Charitable Foundation pledged $1 million to support YSU’s Nursing program, and in turn the university named the James and Coralie Centofanti School of Nursing. “This naming is particularly noteworthy at this moment as we have all come to realize and better appreciate the vital importance and the tremendous dedication of frontline healthcare workers,” President Jim Tressel said at a news

A dozen YSU alumni from every decade over the past 60 years shared their expertise in the virtual 2020 Alumni Lecture Series this year, covering topics ranging from entrepreneurship and fashion to performing on the flute and hosting a talk show. And the lectures continue this year. YSU Alumni Engagement and Events started the online interactive lectures early last spring when the COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread shutdowns and prevented people from gathering to attend such events in person. The talks are streamed live and can be watched at any time on Alumni Engagement’s Facebook page. “It’s