YSU’s DEI office holds second annual YESS Gala

Youngstown State University’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will hold its second annual YESS Gala on Saturday, Feb. 10 at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Hall in Boardman. The event theme will be “One Moment in Time” and will include live entertainment by The Michael Austin Project.

The evening will be a tribute to the late Carol Bennett, YSU assistant provost and director of DEI. As an effort to raise funds for future YESS program endeavors, a basket raffle and 50/50 drawing will also take place throughout the evening. The gala will begin with a social hour at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. and dancing to follow. Formal attire is required.

An acronym for the YSU Enrichment Summer Scholastic Institute, the YESS program is a free academic readiness program for first-year YSU students who identify as first-generation, low-income or under-represented. The three week summer program is designed to assist students in their transition from high school to college, helping to bring visibility to the resources available for their college success. The program aims to provide a sense of community and belonging at YSU. During the Summer 2022 program, the students participated in a wide range of learning, cultural and networking experiences, including a trip to Washington, DC.

Tickets must be purchased online by February 2. For those interested in donating a basket/items, for the raffle ($75 value or higher), donations will be accepted until Thursday, February 8. Please include a card indicating the name of your organization. Items can be delivered or mailed to the YSU Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at 1 Tressel Way, Jones Hall Room 1002, Youngstown, Ohio 44555.

For any questions or inquiries, please contact Susan Moorer at 330 941-1538 or smmoorer@ysu.edu.