Keynote Speaker: Ellen J. Tressel
Born in Youngstown, OH and raised in the suburb of Canfield, Ellen Tressel has been an active advocate and leader for the state of Ohio throughout her adult career. A proud graduate of Youngstown State University with a degree in Business Education, Ellen has since had her hands wrapped around the region’s economic activities and community causes.
Landing her first job working for The Youngstown Welding and Engineering Company she worked her way up to Director of Purchasing until the role of motherhood called. Returning to the workforce after a brief interlude, she worked for Jostens Printing and Publishing, and Butler Wick and Co. earning the role of Vice President of Trading. She obtained several licenses in the securities business while managing marketing, sales, product promotion, OTC equities and new product introduction until her “retirement” in July 2001.
In her leisure time, you may find her on the golf course or swimming pool enjoying the great outdoors.
From then on, and most notably, Ellen has spent her time giving back to the community while serving on numerous boards and service organizations ranging from the James Cancer Hospital Foundation board, Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation board, the Home Savings and Loan Board, COSI in Columbus, OH just to name a few.
Ellen continues to remain involved with YSU and the community. She is co-chairing, with Jim Tressel, the campaign for the Zoldan Family Student Center, and remains a member of the Beatitude House board and the Mahoning Valley Historical Society board.
Student Speaker: Elizabeth J. Brassell
Elizabeth Brassell is a twenty-five-year-old woman from Wickliffe, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. Elizabeth lives with cerebral palsy and uses a motorized wheelchair for her mobility. After graduation, she plans to further her studies in social work to earn her master’s degree from Youngstown State University with an emphasis of becoming an advocate for social change. Elizabeth has recently become first runner up in the Ms. Wheelchair Ohio competition which has afforded her new platforms to continue her advocacy. She is driven by a passion for helping others and takes pride in serving her community. Elizabeth has a fondness for writing and would someday like to become a published author. She is adventurous, likes listening to old school music from the 80’s, and is an avid sports fan, especially the Cleveland Browns. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and loves to travel. Her favorite place to travel is Italy, where she enjoys her “foodcation”.
Spring 2023 Commencement Map
Spring Commencement 2023 Parking and Other Information
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Once a penguin always a penguin
Enjoy previous commencements. Congrats to all Alumni!
